Review Summary: This is a superb, albeit forgotten sophomore effort from one of Australia's best post-hardcore bands.
It is very rare that one comes across a group as electrifying as In League. The post-hardcore band, formed in Perth, Western Australia in 2009, have faded in and out of the alternative scene numerous times over the past few years. Despite inking an impressive deal with Nick Moore's InVogue Records, and releasing their somewhat forgettable debut, "Where The Silence Is Easy", on the label, many fans of post-hardcore have either missed or ignored In League's striking musical intelligence. Notwithstanding their history, In League remains one of Australia's best hidden musical treasures, and "Sleep And You Might Miss This", the band's sophomore effort, is and an incredible display from one of the world's best, albeit forgotten, modern post-hardcore bands.
One of the most interesting features of "Sleep And You Might Miss This" is that it is self-released. While listening to the album, it is difficult to believe that, despite its impressively high production values, the record was never funded by a major label. On a similar note, producer Andrew Wade's production and engineering is absolutely spot on in "Sleep And You Might Miss This". Boasting a pure, clean sound, every feature of this release sounds amazing, and Wade's intelligent mixing is nothing short of a pleasure to listen to.
Musically, "Sleep And You Might Miss This" is also profoundly adept, and every single member of In League dishes out spot-on, efficient and masterful performances on every one of the record's ten tracks. The drumming is capable, chalk-full of syncopated rhythms, and has some great fills and interesting double-bass licks. Similarly, although not a highlight of the record by any means, the bass playing is interesting and noticeable, either by skill or Wade's tremendous mixing ability.
The guitars on "Sleep And You Might Miss This" are fascinating as well, and are certainly one of the album's most unique elements. Both the lead and rhythm work on "Sleep And You Might Miss This" are very similar to Of Machines' "As If Everything Was Held In Place". In that vein, the melodies are intricate and intense, have their distinct style and feel, and are always varied and never boring. On every track on the album, both of the In League guitarists are masterfully able to create some of the most melodic, haunting guitar work available in all of post-hardcore.
Even while boasting some incredible instrumental musicianship, the highlight of "Sleep And You Might Miss This" is In League's immense vocal talent. Although harsh vocalist Ricky Thomas certainly does not possess the most intriguing vocal skill-set, his performances here are nothing short of consistent. Still, it's clean vocalist and keyboardist Ben Blondel's effort that is the record's most tremendous standout. Offering some soaring, passionate cleans, Blondel solidifies his place as one of the genre's best clean vocalists. Blondel's voice in itself is beautiful, and his vocal technique and range is astounding. "Sleep And You Might Miss This" is worth listening to solely for Blondel's cleans. They are just that good.
"Sleep And You Might Miss This" also advertises a pleasurable amount of variety. More traditional post-hardcore tracks, such as “We Are All Believers”, “Danindra” and “My Fallible Friend”, are nicely juxtaposed against slower, more solemn efforts like “Buried Awake” and “Suicidal Village”, while acoustic-only “Breaking and Mending” ends the album on an satisfactory, melancholy note.
Nevertheless, the standouts on "Sleep And You Might Miss This" are the two hybrid tracks, “Argyrian Irony” and “In the Absence of Onlookers”. The two pieces intelligently combine the standard post-hardcore formula with In League's signature slow, melodic verses, interspersed with some suitable electronics.
Of course, "Sleep And You Might Miss This" is not a flawless album. Like many post-hardcore efforts before and after it, the album is decently formulaic. This is not to say the album is boring, but it certainly is familiar. However, In League are consistent in always adapting and changing their musical approach throughout the record, a factor that mostly saves the album from boredom and monotony. Additionally, some of Blondel's synthesizer and electronic work can sometimes be overbearing, while every single one of the album's group vocal segments are nothing short of cringe-inducing.
Overall, "Sleep And You Might Miss This" is a superb effort from one of Australia's best alternative bands. In League is distinctly Australian, distinctly great, and should not be left forgotten by the test of time. The record is not perfect by any stretch of the imagination, but has enough incredible positives to pierce your heart and soul, make you laugh, cry, smile and revel in satisfaction. "Sleep And You Might Miss This" is not just a tremendous record. It is a musical and artistic milestone as well.
