Review: "Hypnosis for Sleep" by Keep

            On its first release, Hypnosis for Sleep, the band Keep blends post-hardcore and shoegaze into thick, swirling tracks that simultaneously balance heaviness and ambiance. The group hails from Virginia, and notably contains Danny Dempsey of the excellent rising Virginia pop-punk outfit Turnover.

            Keep uses a dense, droning rhythm section to create a compelling sonic texture that falls somewhere in between Slowdive and Balance And Composure. The E-bow, an instrument that vibrates guitar strings using electromagnetic waves, can be heard throughout the EP, and so can melancholy lead guitar lines full of lazy hammer-ons and slides reminiscent of the early Smashing Pumpkins. Drifting lyrics are delivered by two different vocalists, and often in layered, two-part harmony.  Unlike many contemporaries who aim for a heavy yet ambient sound, Keep manages to strike a delicate balance between a static wall of sound and melodic clarity. Even when the music gets thick and muddy, the vocals and lead guitar never get bogged down in the mud.

            Hypnosis for Sleep is a very short EP. Its three tracks clock in at just under ten minutes, but it’s a very consistent and enjoyable ten minutes. This is definitely a group that fans of shoegaze and post-hardcore alike will want to keep a close eye on.

Score: 4/4

Hypnosis for Sleep is available on Keep's Bandcamp for $3.