LIVE REVIEW: Sleep Token @ The Mill, Birmingham

Since we last caught up with SLEEP TOKEN in Manchester on their October run through the UK, a lot has changed. For starters, the Sundowning album release cycle is complete, with the full record lifting the band to new heights and impressing listeners from right across the musical spectrum. Being given the chance to join their next chapter at The Mill in Birmingham was always destined to be worth a trip down the A42, and a great opportunity to see what else has changed in the last few months. As before, they brought forward thinking prog newcomers EXPLORING BIRDSONG along for the ride, the only difference being that an additional support slot was offered to POISONOUS BIRDS.

On face value it felt like business as usual, but there was something in the air that suggested that bigger things were afoot. It could have been a result of the ever-growing buzz that seems to perspire from the online community around the band these days, or the human hum surrounding the venue as crowds gathered in droves, ready to infiltrate yet another sold out venue. But quite frankly, although the band remain masked and anonymous, the SLEEP TOKEN secret no no longer feels like one lurking in the shadows, instead their mystery is being dragged into the limelight, and the world is starting to take notice.

POISONOUS BIRDS opened up affairs in prolific style, and very much felt hand picked by the headliners due to their like minded ability to tear up the rulebook and break down the fictitious barriers drawn between genres. Early arrivals were treated to an intriguing coming together of electronic music and rock that flowed with organic defiance. Close listening could extract hints of prog, indie and even Brit pop wrapped around swathes of experimental electronica, but rather than feeling erratic and rash, the experience felt real, as though the band spill the most honest interpretation of their music that they can. Albeit a little baffling at times, it is far from being nonsensical, and their set passed by quickly in an enjoyable, thought provoking manner.

Rating: 8/10

If EXPLORING BIRDSONG impressed at all on their last outing, then this time round they were truly dazzling. Much like SLEEP TOKEN, a lot has happened in the past twelve months for the Liverpudlians, notably the release of their EP The Thing With Feathers releasing at the tail end of last year. Having this new material out in the open has clearly bode well for them, and they appear to have more of a draw than ever before. Frontwoman Lynsey Ward was as impeccable as ever, providing a soul-touching performance thanks to both her voice and her piano playing ability.

Backed by two other singers, the crowd revelled in her phenomenal ability to build emotive vocal passages, accentuated by either the most angelic keyboard arrangement or brash, brooding keystrokes where the tone saw fit. It was an elaborate setlist that took the listener on a journey; no easy task for a band with only seven recorded songs in their arsenal. Often described as the future of prog, EXPLORING BIRDSONG feel chock full of ideas. Sonically, influence feels drawn from LEPROUS et al and the later material of OPETH, but these are just pale comparisons, the real skill behind this outfit is the unique implementation that feels fresh, innovative and will likely lead music forwards in years to come.

Rating: 9/10

Even after two high quality support acts, it is hard to prepare for exactly how immersive the SLEEP TOKEN experience is. They made their way onto stage slowly, ominously and bathed in red light, whipping the crowd into a frenzy in doing so. Perhaps slightly out of taste with the usual dynamic, the room was quickly caught up in a blur of moshing hysteria. Different from the idolising worshippers that have congregated at previous SLEEP TOKEN shows, this is likely a result of the band attracting bigger, more diverse crowds eager to launch themselves into the experience and support the band.

Few bands bridge such a musical expanse quite so impeccably, and the performance as a whole was impossible to fault. Managing to improve what could have already been described as a flawless performance, this particular ritual was crammed full of even more detail, incredible sound quality and even a few extra bloodthirsty screams from Vessel littered around for good measure. Leading in with album openers The Night Does Not Belong To God and The Offering, the band proceeded to plough through what is now a career spanning setlist, extracting sweat, tears and quite probably blood from their following in the process.

From the wrenchingly beautiful Drag Me Under to the devastating blow of Higher, SLEEP TOKEN continue to prove themselves as both impeccable songwriters and immensely gifted technical musicians. Each member is of course masked and quite frankly, there is little evidence to prove that they are even human, given the sheer otherworldly nature of their music. We heard detail to the ninth degree, a drumming performance that would envy history’s greatest sticksman, and guitar tone that rips straight through the ribcage. Then there is Vessel himself, who remains stood as one of the most remarkable vocalists anywhere on the planet.

Throw in his enchanting piano work and alluring stage presence and the image is complete. SLEEP TOKEN are the real deal. That much remains the same. The thing that has changed more than ever is that people are starting to realise it.

Rating: 10/10

Check out our stunning photo gallery of the night’s ritual in Birmingham from Damian John Photo here: