REVIEW: Sleep Debt Ceiling – Debut EP
Sleep Debt Ceiling is a Buffalo band that has just released their first Demo EP. This EP contains four stripped-down, acoustic songs that feel raw and emotional. James Stephenson, who handles guitar and vocals, touches on heavy topics using some humorous lyrics to lighten things up.
The first track Narcan Supernova highlights the power in Stephenson’s voice. It’s about watching someone constantly overdose, showing that the artist may have experience with someone in his life going too far with drugs. It’s a dark song with an unexpected mix of humor.
The second track is called Nightmare in the Daytime. If you’ve ever felt like you weren’t good enough or that you weren’t in control of your life, this song is relatable. The constant fast-paced guitar compliments Stephenson’s “stream of consciousness.”
The third track is called Self-Obsessed and Miserable. Much like Nightmare in the Daytime, this song is about being unsure of who you really are. One of my favorite lyrics from this song is “I want my life destroyed in a sexy way. I want my bank account empty yesterday.” This line showcases how Stephenson is able to make fun of himself while also writing incredibly personal and thought-provoking lyrics.
The fourth and final track on this EP is called Guarantee. This song talks about making bad decisions for your life. I like the repetition of verses in this song, adding emphasis on the artist’s point.
Sleep Debt Ceiling had a single released earlier this year called Misery is My Calling Card. This song has a full band behind it, and I particularly enjoyed the bass. The chorus of this song is very catchy, even with the echoing themes of the EP.
