“Sleeptalker” is the first single off of TOPS’ newest album, Picture You Staring, a soft rock album the Canadian band recently released off of Arbutus Records. TOPS’ sound originated after the synthpop group Silly Kissers disbanded back in 2011; members Jane Penny, David Carriere then began TOPS along with Riley Fleck and Madeline Glowicki. The team released their debut album in 2012, Tender Opposites, and have been working on producing new music since.
“Sleeptalker” features Penny’s faded voice over Carriere’s seamless guitar and tempered drumming by Riley Fleck. The subtle arrangement of these different elements gives the song a simplistic, soothing, almost shoegaze-type vibe. Light and hazy like a cloud of smoke, this lackadaisical song means a lot to the band, especially singer Jane Penny. When the group released the song here’s what she had to say on their Facebook page about it:
“Sleeptalker is a deeply personal song for me. I wrote it at a time when I felt trapped by music. The song is about dark thoughts and the things people do to get through the night. I find solace in it now and I’m proud of the recording that we made. Please listen and enjoy! Love from Jane”
Fans of the band and new listeners can expect to be delighted by this seemingly effortless dream pop jam.