The Sleepy Haunts drops new single “7am”

Over the last few years, The Sleepy Haunts have been making a significant impact on the Seattle music sphere with a sound that balances playful charm and emotional honesty. Led by singer-songwriter Gillian McMahon, the band forges a style they describe as ‘bubble grunge,’ a blend that pairs fuzzy guitars and pop hooks with lyrics that glance towards the turbulence of growing up. The project initially began as a high school endeavour which slowly developed into a fully realised band, shaped by time, experimentation and the search for the right musical chemistry.

Today, The Sleepy Haunts operate as a four-piece, with Gillian joined by Josiah Massar on guitar, Noah Wager on bass and Sevastian Dingler on drums. Together, the group has developed a sound that sits in the overlap between the reflective edge of alternative rock and the wider appeal of pop songwriting. Gillian’s lyrics often bring together personal reflection with relatable cultural references, creating music that connects with listeners who recognise their own experiences in the stories she tells.

Before entering the studio, The Sleepy Haunts built much of their reputation through live performances and over time, they appeared at a range of events and venues, including Sound Off! at the Museum of Popular Culture, the NW Folklife Festival and Seattle University’s Quadstock. Their recorded journey began in March 2020 with the release of their debut single “Pissed Off” and in the years that followed, The Sleepy Haunts continued to impress with a string of singles and records.

Now, following the release of last year’s album BLOOM, The Sleepy Haunts now open another new chapter with their latest single titled “7am.” The track represents a subtle shift in their sonic direction, taking cues from 90s alternative music to cast a dreamy indie rock sound that channels the delicate power of band’s like The Cranberries. Recorded at Tyler Mays’ studio in Issaquah, the inspiration behind the song comes partly from Gillian’s own experience as a nursing student, as well as the HBO show The Pitt.

Set up by the soft strums of clean guitar, Gillian’s expressive vocals float in to stitch fluttering melodies into the tender musical fabric as the steady march of rustling drums injects a mellow forward motion. Flowing with intricate instrumental flickers and rhythmic switch ups, the energy gradually builds with airy call and response backing vocals from Juliet Daniel and surging instrumentation, resulting in an anthemic pop rock sound that’s invigorating, memorable and original all at once.

Revealing a new side to their shared sonic vision, with “7am,” The Sleepy Haunts present a timeless musical experience that’s sure to charm countless fans around the world. With a growing catalogue and a steadily expanding following, The Sleepy Haunts continue to stake their claim as one of the most compelling acts from Seattle’s indie scene.

Listen to 7am below

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