oh sleep - try to rest

oh sleep

​try to rest
self-released; 2018

​4.1 out of 5 - TOP ALBUM

By Jamie Funk

Florian Sczesny aka oh sleep is an artist from Germany who released a four-song EP entitled try to rest. On this EP Sczesny digs into a soft, intimate and ethereal vibe. The soundscape and emotional center felt similar to Bon Iver, Sufjan Stevens and other like minded artists.

Up first is “why did you have to leave us behind” which initially revolves around a circular guitar picking pattern and subtle atmospheric effects. The vocals are very melancholy but it doesn't come off as saccharine or melodramatic.

A little past the one-minute mark piano is sprinkled on the arrangement with oohs and aahs that are drenched in reverb. As the song progresses Sczesny goes for higher notes and absolutely nails the performance. The song opens up and the melancholy is laced with an undeniable beauty.

“Numbers” starts strummed guitar and vocals. The recording in very intimate and it sounds as if he playing right next to you. I would have been fine with a simple guitar and vocal performance but loved the direction it went in. Right around the two-minute mark drums and organ enter into the mix giving the track a larger scope not too far away from Sigur Rós. The song grows subtly with intensity but never goes too epic. It’s a gorgeous song. “try to rest” felt more like an interlude. It’s really ambient and consists of unique production on vocal samples. All things considered it’s a cool track that is a little more abstract than what came before.

The EP ends with “mm/dd/yyyy” which is another beautiful track. There is some kind of vocal sample running in the background of the track which works really well on the song. That being said the guitar work and lead vocal is exceptional.

Overall, this is a fanatic listen. The songwriting, delivery and production all come together seamlessly in a cohesion vision. I’m really looking forward to what might be next.

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