AWAKE REINVIGORATE THE ALTERNATIVE ROCK SCENE WITH "SLEEPLESS" EP RELEASE
9/16/20 WRITTEN BY ALEXIA NICOLE
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This summer is definitely a bummer, but the constant outpour of new music has kept us on our toes and entertained us while we’re stuck inside, giving us a euphoric release from the current chaos surrounding us. This feeling is no different when listening to San Diego native band, Awake. (formerly known as Awake Me Daylight)
Consisting of Brendin Lowiteng (Vocals), Simon Riley (Drums), Pat Hughes (Guitar), and Desi Russo (Guitar); these heavy-hitting alternative rockers released their trailblazing EP, Sleepless, on September 4th, creating a perfect collection of traditional emo tones blended with melodic hardcore resonance.
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Although this EP has its entirely own unique sound, I can’t help but to hear a dash of inspiration drawn from Movements, Balance and Composure, and Citizen. To much excitement, Awake has taken all elements from their previous releases and refined them, while simultaneously developing a new sound. The five-tracked record comprises three new singles: Fade, Fragile Lives, Serpents Tongue, as well as Sleepless and Self Love which fans were introduced to in 2019.
At the forefront of each song, Lowiteng’s exquiste vocals pierce through our ears, entrancing us to follow the flow of each single, while melodic lyrics intertwine with hard-hitting drum patterns and captivating guitar riffs. Awake are no strangers when it comes to showcasing raw emotion within their songs. With the release of the new EP, this sentiment is blatantly transferred to the listener through each guitar strum, drum hit, and the vocal styling, creating a much more heartfelt connection to their art.
At the forefront of each song, Lowiteng’s exquiste vocals pierce through our ears, entrancing us to follow the flow of each single, while melodic lyrics intertwine with hard-hitting drum patterns and captivating guitar riffs. Awake are no strangers when it comes to showcasing raw emotion within their songs. With the release of the new EP, this sentiment is blatantly transferred to the listener through each guitar strum, drum hit, and the vocal styling, creating a much more heartfelt connection to their art.
“Sleepless” has the important job of introducing us to the EP, as it is the first track and the title of the record, giving us insight to how it was chosen. They immediately make it obvious that Awake is not the same band it may have been in 2016, and are pushing forward into the future.
As explained on SD podcast “Palapalooza” by vocalist Brendin Lowiteng, this track is a euphonious self-reflection of overcoming past experiences and became the stepping stone to where he is today. He wrote it to use as a catalyst to move on and let go in order to be in a much better state of mind. You can especially see the emotion behind the song hidden in the captivating lyrics, “I’m a waste of time, wasted space, I sleep sometimes to escape this place...”
The EP continues to hold this emotional significance and upbeat rhythmic pattern as we motion towards the second track “Self Love,” the name already hinting at the spiritual connotation of the song.
As we go deeper into this solid record, hitting Fade and Fragile Lives, Awake barter their usual hardcore assets for a more melanchoy vibe. It’s hard to put these two tracks into words, but there is this unusual, wavy yet relaxing feeling, almost as if you’re floating in thin air. They give us a nice alleviated break from the heaviness of the EP, a breath of fresh air as one might call it, preparing us for the uproar of Serpents Tongue.
As explained on SD podcast “Palapalooza” by vocalist Brendin Lowiteng, this track is a euphonious self-reflection of overcoming past experiences and became the stepping stone to where he is today. He wrote it to use as a catalyst to move on and let go in order to be in a much better state of mind. You can especially see the emotion behind the song hidden in the captivating lyrics, “I’m a waste of time, wasted space, I sleep sometimes to escape this place...”
The EP continues to hold this emotional significance and upbeat rhythmic pattern as we motion towards the second track “Self Love,” the name already hinting at the spiritual connotation of the song.
As we go deeper into this solid record, hitting Fade and Fragile Lives, Awake barter their usual hardcore assets for a more melanchoy vibe. It’s hard to put these two tracks into words, but there is this unusual, wavy yet relaxing feeling, almost as if you’re floating in thin air. They give us a nice alleviated break from the heaviness of the EP, a breath of fresh air as one might call it, preparing us for the uproar of Serpents Tongue.
Now, Serpents Tongue isn’t necessarily the last track off of the EP, however, I saved the best for last (wow, way to be biased…).
In the middle of the initial play through, I realized that this track wasn’t going to be the standard lyricism of metaphorical melancholia, hoping people will relate to it just because it sounds sad, it was much more than that.
The song holds true to its title, as it maliciously enchants you to keep listening, flowing seamlessly through the track, finally reaching the breakdown where I quite literally lost my shit.
Lowiteng alternates between his effortlessly clean vocals and his legendary screams; everything from the vocal styling to the guitar made me want to open a pit in my room. This single could've easily been another cheap “it will get better” moment from a no-name band, but Awake managed to craft an incredibly euphoric and extraordinary track while simultaneously staying true to the tone of the record. You can hear the progression of their sound in this track, making it my all time favorite single off of the EP.
Awake dropped a music video to accompany this sick release, which in itself turned out to be incredibly creative and enchanting as well. The band collaborated with cinematographer, Andy Chen, who did an amazing job of creating captivating visuals and is definitely worth the watch.
In the middle of the initial play through, I realized that this track wasn’t going to be the standard lyricism of metaphorical melancholia, hoping people will relate to it just because it sounds sad, it was much more than that.
The song holds true to its title, as it maliciously enchants you to keep listening, flowing seamlessly through the track, finally reaching the breakdown where I quite literally lost my shit.
Lowiteng alternates between his effortlessly clean vocals and his legendary screams; everything from the vocal styling to the guitar made me want to open a pit in my room. This single could've easily been another cheap “it will get better” moment from a no-name band, but Awake managed to craft an incredibly euphoric and extraordinary track while simultaneously staying true to the tone of the record. You can hear the progression of their sound in this track, making it my all time favorite single off of the EP.
Awake dropped a music video to accompany this sick release, which in itself turned out to be incredibly creative and enchanting as well. The band collaborated with cinematographer, Andy Chen, who did an amazing job of creating captivating visuals and is definitely worth the watch.
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We know that the band is an absolute crowd puller, and can’t wait to catch them playing a gig when shows make a much-needed return. Quite literally, the world is watching Awake and this EP has only put the band on an uphill trajectory, leaving us wanting to hear more. These SoCal natives are sweeping the local music scene with flying colors.
“Sleepless” is only the beginning for Awake, and as we are waiting with baited breath for their next release, we can only imagine what they have next in store. If you haven’t already, I suggest adding Awake to your everyday music rotation. |
