Sleepy Turtles – Summer, Hither – EP Review

Monday, July 2, 2012

Website:	http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sleepy-Turtles
Fans Of:	Fleet Foxes, Bon Iver, Iron & Wine
Label:	Autumn And Colour Records
Download This:	Morning Song, Natures Hymn
Genre(s):	Folk, Neo Folk
Release Date:	29/05/12

Considering Sleepy Turtles only came together to create a soundtrack for a novel, the folk drenched collective are extraordinarily deep when it comes to their music. ‘We hope to portray through the music,’ Higgins explains, ‘that all of us are a part of the same journey.’ Summer, Hither certainly seems to do that… at times.

Very subdued but beautifully orchestrated, the band’s second EP comes with just five songs, each stunningly composed but each failing to make an impact. Sleepy Turtles are undoubtedly a talented five piece; the opening title track oozes with tranquillity and is laden with summery harmonies and an elegant vocal. Which is lovely. But, if you’re looking for an album which brings a diverse emotive aspect to it, Summer, Hither isn’t for you.

By the time you reach the third track you’re already wondering how the first one goes again. It’s not like they are a bad band, in fact they’re quite genius and bring an almost traditional flavour to such a short album. The only problem is, they fail to stand out. ‘Morning Song’ plays with banjo licks, layered vocals and a combination of drums which ultimately make the album. ‘Natures Hymn’ is the most upbeat on the album, its neo-folk vibe, rather repetitive lyrics and airy vocals provide the theme of the bands hippie aura and light bluegrass sound.

The next track, ‘Reason To Hope’, carries on the theme – five minutes of haunting guitars and faded vocals accompanied by the odd meandering xylophone and an opening cry of ‘I see the sun coming up!’ It all feels like it’s over too soon when final track ‘Being Small’ strums through a remembrance finale, with its stomp clap beats and a vocal which transcends through a range of sentiments, a fitting end to a small gem of an EP.

To avid fans of the folk vibe, Summer, Hither is a brilliant album and uplifts and emotes, giving artists like Mumford & Sons a run for their money. However, for Sleepy Turtles to get into the mainstream they have a long ladder to climb which seems almost achievable if they put a bit of welly into it and get given an almighty push in the right direction.