The thing to take away from this tour is that Sleep Theory are more popular than perhaps even they themselves thought. Just look at how many venues they’ve bounced around in each city, subject to constant upgrades in order to sate ever-increasing demand. In Manchester in particular, what began in the humble Academy 3 is now finalised in the O2 Ritz, sporting more than a threefold increase in capacity. And while such a manic rush upwards might be expected stateside (thanks to an ecosystem that loves propping up bands who sound just like this), the more discerning taste of the UK market makes it feel noteworthy. Maybe there is something undeniable about Sleep Theory, the radio-rock band whose odds-defying run looks to have no end in sight.
Opening is The Pretty Wild, piecing together a headcanon of at least a couple of tickets shifted from non-eagle-eyed purchasers who thought “Sleep Token with The Pretty Reckless? You’d be a fool not to!” It goes without saying, but this is not that. It is, however, an instance of stars on the rise where said hypothetical purchaser is unlikely to be disappointed either way. There’s a reason they’re the metalcore tip for this year, circling around how sharp as a live act they already are. Both Jyl and Jules Wylde are the charismatic tentpoles that you really need for this sound. There’s not a fault to be found vocally, in singing or screaming, and their ability for quick stylistic shifts is evident of a range that isn’t all that common in the field.
The songs themselves aren’t exactly brimming with unique ideas, though it’s a sameness that rarely registers. The appeal is in the hard slam à la Motionless In White, facilitate through the dense, low-hanging metalcore and the dual frontwomen’s drive within it. Living Dead steps quicker and zero.point.genesis doesn’t forgo its slicing violin; otherwise, The Pretty Wild are locked on a formula that serves them excellently. Clearly others think so, too. This is their first time in the UK, though with the resounding warmth radiating their way, plenty seem willing to have them back. If that’s not the ideal conclusion to 40 minutes of effortless star power, then what is?
Still, to the Sleep Theory fanbase—who are really up to bat for this band, remember—there was only ever going to be one winner. Sleep Theory themselves more or less decree it, where CO2 cannons and display screens imply that the earnings from this sold-out tour have been spent substantively. There’s never a point where they shrink down or coast; this is very much a band looking to impress. And that’s good to know, especially early one with what might be dismissed as a product of the Octane-core suite if not for the added effort. It’s a big, formidable sound they’ve got, full of nu-metal crunch and armour-plated metalcore snarl. Fallout has its monster hook to set the bar, and as far as alt-metal of this stripe goes, Sleep Theory are definitely a cut above in performance.
Of course, there might be…other reasons for such a big swell of enthusiasm towards this band. “Fellas,” declares frontman Cullen Moore before Gone Or Staying, “who came here with your girlfriends tonight? Better hold ‘em tight ‘cause we’re gonna serenade ‘em.” It awakens the side of Sleep Theory (or, more specifically, Moore) that’s looking to strike specific chords. For the final chorus, he’s perched onstage in full Usher-aping, R&B lothario mode, where the selling point of a voice as fluid as his becomes evident. This writer has already happened upon one thirst video on Instagram of that very moment, and would bet good money that it’s not the only one.
Though, that leads into another factor that keeps Sleep Theory above their associated hordes of radio-rock bros—they’re aware they can crack a smile. There’s a good looseness at its core, but entertainment value here runs deeper than that, such is the band’s choice of covers. They’re here to bulk out the set, first and foremost; 20 songs when you’ve got just an album and an EP to your name requires that kind of kerjiggering. But hey—when it works, it works. There’s definitely a gimmick level placed upon the alt-metal makeover of Taylor Swift’s Cruel Summer, but playing it completely straight and whole-chested is the way to go. Similarly, credit is deserved for a Paramore cut as deep as My Heart, and even if it’s the closest thing to a lead weight in terms of singalong factor, you have to respect that gumption. Chiefly, though, the one-two of Boyz II Men’s Can You Stand The Rain and *NSYNC’s Bye Bye Bye shows Sleep Theory in its element—willing to light up a room for the sheer love of the game.
If you’re looking to isolate the killer instinct of Sleep Theory, it’s that. They’re every inch an arena-rock band in spirit, and their straightforward vivacity is emblematic of that. These aren’t complicated songs, but they’re the kind you don’t forget in a hurry, such is the force with which their wallop hits. You feel that in spades towards the end. Another Way and Words As Weapons are the customary towering, yearning ballads, while Stuck In My Head and Static are as laser-crafted as rock anthems come. To rag on it all for ‘not being new’ is missing the point entirely. Already, Sleep Theory appear to have the rock world at their feet, and they’re not relinquishing that in a hurry. For as many hang-ups as radio-rock / alt-metal / Octane-core / whatever-else-you-want-to-call-it has, a band like this who can blow the cobwebs off and the doors down shouldn’t be just cast aside.
Words by Luke Nuttall
Photos by Maryleen (Instagram / Website)
