Album review: 2*Sweet – Sleep Without Dreams.

Before you read any further, clear away any pre-thoughts churned up in your brain by the band’s name. 2*Sweet does not in any way, shape, or form resemble the dancing boy band that has now taken up residence in your mind. Promise. What you actually get from this Chicago based group is what I like to think of as a breath of fresh air for the pop-punk music scene. The basic sound brings to mind Panic and the Disco and Envy on the Coast into the picture, but after a few listens it becomes clear that Sleep Without Dreams has been horribly misjudged, and that there is clearly a sense of something new and different hidden behind what may be the worst band name in history.

The album opens with a piano intro as so many albums do these days, but it is quickly followed by my personal favourite of the album, Rested Eyes Tell No Lies, a strong, upbeat song that has the power to get even the shyest wallflower up and dancing. The album stays on this track until the darker sound and heavier vocals of Life’s Black Ice is released. After that bit of diversity, the album jumps back into trend, pauses briefly to introduce us to the seductive Tarantula Perfume [another one of my favourites], and finishes with the dynamic Dateless For Armageddon. Overall, it seems to sound like a huge clusterfuck tribute to every 90s rock band you’ve ever heard...but in a really, really good way.

Verdict: What I think makes 2*Sweet incredibly unique, besides the obvious, is singer Justin Pence’s dramatic vocal range; the almost operatic sound is something that we don’t hear too often anymore [I also like to refer to this as talent]. Combine this with carefully fused riffs and soul shattering lyrics, and we listeners are presented with a blend of music that only a band this extraordinary could pull off. Bottom line? This album debuted over 2 months ago, and if you still haven’t bought it, I suggest you click over to the nearest iTunes and get a move on! I’m willing to bet it’ll be the best $9.99 you’ve spent this year.
Megan