My first encounter with Sir Sly was actually live when I attended The 1975 concert in April and they were one of the special guests. I even serendipitously met the lead singer, Landon Jacobs, who was happy to sign their Haunt EP vinyl for and take pictures with me. From then on, I was hooked and awaited patiently for a full fledged album. And the indie pop band, hailing from Los Angeles, delivered: first teasing me with the You Haunt Me music video then finally dropping their debut album.
Released: September 16th, 2014
Similar to: Wolf Gang, Bad Suns, Fyfe
Overall Rating: ★★★★★
Why the stars? Sir Sly has a gift for blending eclectic beats and dark synths. The only word that comes to mind in describing their unique sound is ethereal. In most videos on their Youtube channel, their music is accompanied by looped scenic shots and nothing else. And it doesn't need that something else. Landon Jacobs' distinct voice sets their sound apart from other bands and offers a contrast from their misty instrumental backing. This significant contrast is intriguing and lures the listener into a state of harmony.
For track by track review, please continue reading.
Ghost Although not one of my favourite songs from them, I do enjoy listening to it from time to time and adding it in a few playlists. It's a good song to, like the name implies, float to. (4/5)
Gold If I am going to be completely honest, this song has been driven into my brain so much, especially now that it's in the Cadillac commercial, that I now click NEXT every time I hear that his mouth is made of metal. Which is unfortunate because it deserves just as much love as the rest of the album and is clearly a crowd favourite. (3/5)
You Haunt Me This song was the teaser to this album and it worked. When this song was released, my excitement for the full Sir Sly album was renewed. It's extremely catchy despite being such a ominious song. (5/5)
Found You Out Before the full album has made its way to a release, this was my favourite songs from them and still is. The change in pace prevents the song from sounding dull. I especially love the last verse. "I fell in love but soon I met you. Now I'm over it." (5/5)
Nowhere / Bloodlines Pt. I The beat to this song is addicting and becomes an anchor while the rest of the song stimulates ethereal floating (you'll understand towards the end). I do have to say that the outro into Bloodlines Pt. I isn't as awkward as Pt. II. (4/5)
Inferno Probably the most different song on the album but not that different is a bad thing. This song is certainly more fast-paced than the others with a haunting undertone. Though with a feature like MSMR's Lizzy Plapinger, it's hard for this song to be anything short of genius. (5/5)
Leave You Awkwardly enough, his voice doesn't work in this song as it does in the others. What saves this song is the instrumental. Otherwise, nothing stands out for me. The lyrics are boring and the voice is drowned out. (2/5)
Floods A little too repetitive and droning in both aspects of instrumental and lyrics for my taste. But the verse starting at 2:13 will be the reason why I haven't benched this song quite yet. “They say that no one’s an island themselves, that’s the reason I came to you when you know that I needed help.” Wow. (3/5)
Too Far Gone One of my favourite songs on the album. It grabbed my attention during my first run-though of the album and I found myself listening to it over again and again. (5/5)
Helpless/Bloodlines Pt. II While the overall theme of the album is the dark and ominous tones and lyrics, most of the other songs had more of a chill vibe whereas this one reminds me of leather and absinthe. (4/5)
