Time is on your side

I'm pretty worn out from traveling and the daily grind, so in honor of that, this week I bring you a band that pays homage to those tired times - both in name and in song.


London's The Sleeping Years is a new project for Dale Grundle, someone you may or may not recognize as the former singer-songwriter behind UK outfit Catchers. Born in Northern Ireland, a place renowned for its rich poetic history, indie folk artisan Grundle is a lyrical force to be reckoned with.

But let's not give into cultural cliches just yet: Grundle's voice is surprisingly devoid of that signature Irish brogue we've come to expect from geographically similar acts. There is nary a whistle-y, Cranberrian harmony to be found in Grundle's musical repertoire. In fact, quite the opposite: His staccato vocal style and vibrant wordplay begs comparison not to Dolores O'Riordan but John Darnielle of Mountain Goats fame. You know, if he had a kid with Nick Drake.

In a little over a week, Grundle will give birth to a baby of the musical variety, in the form of the Sleeping Years's debut EP, You and me against the world. It's a fitting title for this concise yet powerful freshman effort, which is fleshed out by five tender tracks, some acoustic and some pitch-perfect pop masterpieces. Each one is like a slice of heaven: Soft, sweet and of course, a little dreamy.

You and me against the world will be limited to 500 copies, each of which is lovingly crafted by - gasp! - actual human beings. Numbered and signed by Grundle, and designed by Pika Pika, these specials CDs will feature printed lyrics, a wrap-around card sleeve and hand-stitched cloth covering. The packaging alone is reason enough to nab a copy; the contents are reason to cherish it for years to come.

From You and me against the world (Buy March 21 @ SleepingYears.com):
You and me against the world
Dressed for rain
+Myspace