The Stages Of Sleep

In this overly saturated genera/market with a plethora of artists coming out of the woodwork, armed with nothing more than a PC, Microphone, a guitar and a crappy sounding CD – it’s nice to know there are a few bands that can still play instruments the way they were meant to be played These new I speak of manage push their music out to the world and much of it do I dare say is substandard to say the least. So what do bands like Dirty Protectors, Andrew Bird, Beach House, Wolf Parade and Okkervil River have that Stages of Sleep don’t? Not much if you ask me save the multi million dollars promotional machines and major record label support. Stages of Sleep break the mold in half with their highly original sound and amazing movements that will mesmerize both the novice and advanced listener. Carousel delivers invigorating music that has a deep seeded Progressive-Jazz-Rock roots. The playing skills of the band is red hot and the production value is rock solid for an Independent Artist. Right now after hearing their music and checking out a few of their live clips – they are what we’ve been waiting for musically. I don’t say stuff like that often. All in all a well rounded CD that has much to offer the listeners. Apparently there are still a few bands out there believe in writing you a highly creative piece of music. Shame on me!

URL: http://thestagesofsleep.com/bio
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/thestagesofsleep

Top Tracks: The Lesson, Badlands, Celtic Drift.

Conclusion: Stages of Sleep stand out from other Indie-Alt artists in a good way within this very saturated market. Their answer to mundane music is to deliver something unique and powerful with a breath of fresh air, a highly technical playing styles and a strong signature sound that refuses to be defined via 1 listen. The strong suit of Stages of Sleep is there amazing amount of unpredictability and superb originality. What’s even more impressive I can’t recall a band with playing styles like this since the early 90’s.One would be wise to keep a watchful eye on these guys over the next several years. - Rory Richardson

In this overly saturated genera/market with a plethora of artists coming out of the woodwork, armed with nothing more than a PC, Microphone, a guitar and a crappy sounding CD – it’s nice to know there are a few bands that can still play instruments the way they were meant to be played These new I speak of manage push their music out to the world and much of it do I dare say is substandard to say the least. So what do bands like Dirty Protectors, Andrew Bird, Beach House, Wolf Parade and Okkervil River have that Stages of Sleep don’t? Not much if you ask me save the multi million dollars promotional machines and major record label support. Stages of Sleep break the mold in half with their highly original sound and amazing movements that will mesmerize both the novice and advanced listener. Carousel delivers invigorating music that has a deep seeded Progressive-Jazz-Rock roots. The playing skills of the band is red hot and the production value is rock solid for an Independent Artist. Right now after hearing their music and checking out a few of their live clips – they are what we’ve been waiting for musically. I don’t say stuff like that often. All in all a well rounded CD that has much to offer the listeners. Apparently there are still a few bands out there believe in writing you a highly creative piece of music. Shame on me!

URL: http://thestagesofsleep.com/bio
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/thestagesofsleep

Top Tracks: The Lesson, Badlands, Celtic Drift.

Conclusion: Stages of Sleep stand out from other Indie-Alt artists in a good way within this very saturated market. Their answer to mundane music is to deliver something unique and powerful with a breath of fresh air, a highly technical playing styles and a strong signature sound that refuses to be defined via 1 listen. The strong suit of Stages of Sleep is there amazing amount of unpredictability and superb originality. What’s even more impressive I can’t recall a band with playing styles like this since the early 90’s.One would be wise to keep a watchful eye on these guys over the next several years. - Rory Richardson

d The playing abilities of Ardiles and his 6 piece band are pretty solid across the board. I would say they possess intermediate playing abilities and above average writing abilities. Timing seems to be spot on within the indie-alternative rock grooves. Ardiles's voice is effective as he delivers many solid vocal performances that match the indie style of music perfectly. The music interesting, thought provoking, melodic and highly entertaining. Musical textures reminiscent of Deerhunter, Tame Impala, Dan Rosen, Local Natives – anything indie and melancholy but fun. If you like those kinds of artists you will no doubt get a kick out of this CD. The songs Above average songs. Very simple yet effective, conservative, highly original, and passionate It strikes the prefect balance between alternative and just a dash of Indie folk. Ardiles and company are clearly being themselves as songwriters and performers and this is what emerges. My favorite song on the CD is the "Toys" The vibe Great vibe. Perfect for late night college parties, coffeehouses, or even magazine shops. The production delivers a lot of earthy musical variety. Honorable mentions go out to amazing musicianship of these 7. However it's clear to me that Ardiles it the Musical Mastermind. I give him high marks for not being afraid to let it all hang out musically. Ardiles is not trying to be some popish artist striving for mass appeal – he’s just being himself. The CD refuses to try to hard – that’s what makes it so amazing The good Very likeable, marketable record – amazing songs, fun to listen to. The bad Nothing to report. The ugly Nothing to report.

The verdict Carousel by Jason Ardiles is a rock solid CD. The songwriting is clearly above average. The production gets it’s point across. Again the most amazing thing about this CD is Ardiles and his creative genius. He’s clearly a premier talent. Fans of carefree Alternative-College Rock will love this CD no doubt. - Markus Druery

d The playing abilities of Ardiles and his 6 piece band are pretty solid across the board. I would say they possess intermediate playing abilities and above average writing abilities. Timing seems to be spot on within the indie-alternative rock grooves. Ardiles's voice is effective as he delivers many solid vocal performances that match the indie style of music perfectly. The music interesting, thought provoking, melodic and highly entertaining. Musical textures reminiscent of Deerhunter, Tame Impala, Dan Rosen, Local Natives – anything indie and melancholy but fun. If you like those kinds of artists you will no doubt get a kick out of this CD. The songs Above average songs. Very simple yet effective, conservative, highly original, and passionate It strikes the prefect balance between alternative and just a dash of Indie folk. Ardiles and company are clearly being themselves as songwriters and performers and this is what emerges. My favorite song on the CD is the "Toys" The vibe Great vibe. Perfect for late night college parties, coffeehouses, or even magazine shops. The production delivers a lot of earthy musical variety. Honorable mentions go out to amazing musicianship of these 7. However it's clear to me that Ardiles it the Musical Mastermind. I give him high marks for not being afraid to let it all hang out musically. Ardiles is not trying to be some popish artist striving for mass appeal – he’s just being himself. The CD refuses to try to hard – that’s what makes it so amazing The good Very likeable, marketable record – amazing songs, fun to listen to. The bad Nothing to report. The ugly Nothing to report.

The verdict Carousel by Jason Ardiles is a rock solid CD. The songwriting is clearly above average. The production gets it’s point across. Again the most amazing thing about this CD is Ardiles and his creative genius. He’s clearly a premier talent. Fans of carefree Alternative-College Rock will love this CD no doubt. - Markus Druery

Overall Rating: 4.5/5

Have you listed to the Radio lately? Is it me or is something horribly wrong with today’s music. Do you remember when music actually had really instruments in them with real people playing them? No kidding. How about good songwriting performed by artists that not only wrote the music but poured their heat and soul into performing them. Now when one listens to the radio what do you hear: a pretty face, cookie cutter songwriting, crafted via a microphone, some fancy sampling and a mix that sounds more like a commercial than a piece of music. Yes the magic is all but gone from modern-day music, and people are wondering why. Actually there are a few select artists out there that still believe in the power of music. Artists like San Francisco based band Stages of Sleepled by vocalist Jason Ardiles. Core Members: Jason Ardiles, Seth Paris and Max Savage.

Their latest collection of songs entitled Carousel was released in 2012 and I have to say I was extremely impressed with the opening 3 tracks “”Toys” “Ipcress” and “The Lesson.” They made quite the impression and each one possessed my full unadulterated attention. To be honest: I expected cheesy Sing Songy Ambient Pop that was extremely predictable and shallow in nature – very compatible for a mass audience. What I discovered was actually quite the opposite. The whole CD is wonderfully conservative yet full of what I would call positive Ambient-Jazz-Folk energy with music that appeals to so many different senses on so many different levels. It reminds me of Davendra Banheart, St. Vincent, Seabear, Grizzly Bear and Arcade Fire. What I really like about Stages of Sleep is there is no attempt to deliver what I call over the top pop. Cheezy music with top flight sampling, cookie cutter songwriting via a mix that sounds more like a commercial than a piece of music. Carousel will also appeal to both advanced and novice listeners alike. Whatever kind of listening level you’re on – some will identify with things while others will not. Like a three layered cake “Carousel” is one CD that has a ot of depth and has so much to offer. Weather it’s musically, lyrically, inspirationally, emotionally, spiritually – if you feel like music is taking us in the wrong direction than rest assured Stages of Sleep is taking us back in the right direction with Carousel. Favorite Track is a toss-up between “Ipcress” and “The Lesson”. Brilliant back to back songs that fit together like a hand in glove.

Final Word: Carousel by Stages of Sleep will affirm your faith in music again. These 7 represent all that is good in music. Stages of Sleep delivers a highly clairvoyant, soothing catalog via top shelf musicianship, amazing songwriting and music that covers all the bases: Avant-Garde Folk, New Age-Alternative Rock. - Michael Keith

Overall Rating: 4.5/5

Have you listed to the Radio lately? Is it me or is something horribly wrong with today’s music. Do you remember when music actually had really instruments in them with real people playing them? No kidding. How about good songwriting performed by artists that not only wrote the music but poured their heat and soul into performing them. Now when one listens to the radio what do you hear: a pretty face, cookie cutter songwriting, crafted via a microphone, some fancy sampling and a mix that sounds more like a commercial than a piece of music. Yes the magic is all but gone from modern-day music, and people are wondering why. Actually there are a few select artists out there that still believe in the power of music. Artists like San Francisco based band Stages of Sleepled by vocalist Jason Ardiles. Core Members: Jason Ardiles, Seth Paris and Max Savage.

Their latest collection of songs entitled Carousel was released in 2012 and I have to say I was extremely impressed with the opening 3 tracks “”Toys” “Ipcress” and “The Lesson.” They made quite the impression and each one possessed my full unadulterated attention. To be honest: I expected cheesy Sing Songy Ambient Pop that was extremely predictable and shallow in nature – very compatible for a mass audience. What I discovered was actually quite the opposite. The whole CD is wonderfully conservative yet full of what I would call positive Ambient-Jazz-Folk energy with music that appeals to so many different senses on so many different levels. It reminds me of Davendra Banheart, St. Vincent, Seabear, Grizzly Bear and Arcade Fire. What I really like about Stages of Sleep is there is no attempt to deliver what I call over the top pop. Cheezy music with top flight sampling, cookie cutter songwriting via a mix that sounds more like a commercial than a piece of music. Carousel will also appeal to both advanced and novice listeners alike. Whatever kind of listening level you’re on – some will identify with things while others will not. Like a three layered cake “Carousel” is one CD that has a ot of depth and has so much to offer. Weather it’s musically, lyrically, inspirationally, emotionally, spiritually – if you feel like music is taking us in the wrong direction than rest assured Stages of Sleep is taking us back in the right direction with Carousel. Favorite Track is a toss-up between “Ipcress” and “The Lesson”. Brilliant back to back songs that fit together like a hand in glove.

Final Word: Carousel by Stages of Sleep will affirm your faith in music again. These 7 represent all that is good in music. Stages of Sleep delivers a highly clairvoyant, soothing catalog via top shelf musicianship, amazing songwriting and music that covers all the bases: Avant-Garde Folk, New Age-Alternative Rock. - Michael Keith

Stages of Sleep is a 7 piece band but consists of 3 core members: Jason Ardiles, Seth Paris and Max Savage. All of whom have previously collaborated in various musical endeavors. Upon Seth’s return from his musical studies in Ghana, where he received a NYU scholarship, he called upon Jason to get together and create. The two were fortunate enough to procure the use of an exquisite home studio in Kentfield, Ca. It is there where the magic began to shine in its first Stages. This band has received many impressive accolade s thus far during their tenure as an artist in the San Francisco area. Stages of Sleep right away reminded me of a stripped down version of Arcade Fire.
“Carousel” (2012) is their latest release and it has much to commend it. Admittedly, there is a whole lot of variety to these arrangements and performances. First: this impressive band delivers rock solid playing like a well oiled machine. This is testament to hundreds of hours of rehearsal time no doubt. Second: Ardiles’ voice and overall circa 1920’s look hit the mark remarkably well. He has the attributes required of an effective Singer/Songwriter. Third: their sound and overall songwriting touch are as good as it gets. All songs are a skillful combination of modern pop rock yet with a slight Old Type Folk aftertaste that will remind you of Paul Simon, Counting Crows, Bob Dylan and The John Butler Trio and Arcade Fire. Ardiles/Paris/Savage has the creativity and songwriting prowess to be extremely dangerous. There is also a unique quality to this catalogue that breaks the mold when compared to the trivial music that’s been filling the airwaves lately. What am I trying to say – well let m start by saying there is nothing fake and superficial about Stages of Sleep. Not every square inch is filled with musical ambience delivered under duress – but musical space this allows the music to breathe on its own with passion that cannot be faked. Equally as impressive is how marketable this catalogue truly is to a cult fan base mind you. It covers so much ground and despite this it manages to not spread itself to thin across to many lines – nice touch. I’ve always said if you can play it a party, then it’s marketable. The music is extremely marketable – with a fresh sound that is passionate and entertaining vibe very much like a warm blanket. All tracks will intrigue the mid and speak to the soul.
Stages of Sleep Links:
URL http://thestagesofsleep.com/bio
YOU TUBE http://www.youtube.com/stagesofsleep
TWITTER https://twitter.com/stagesofsleep
Carousel by Stages of Sleep is an endearing album limited by nothing. I would imagine in time we will hear more from this unit from Northern California. Time will tell but I can honestly say this is one band that is set up for marketable success down the road with their musical personality and fresh sound that gives modern music a well needed wake up call. - Heather Savage

Stages of Sleep is a 7 piece band but consists of 3 core members: Jason Ardiles, Seth Paris and Max Savage. All of whom have previously collaborated in various musical endeavors. Upon Seth’s return from his musical studies in Ghana, where he received a NYU scholarship, he called upon Jason to get together and create. The two were fortunate enough to procure the use of an exquisite home studio in Kentfield, Ca. It is there where the magic began to shine in its first Stages. This band has received many impressive accolade s thus far during their tenure as an artist in the San Francisco area. Stages of Sleep right away reminded me of a stripped down version of Arcade Fire.
“Carousel” (2012) is their latest release and it has much to commend it. Admittedly, there is a whole lot of variety to these arrangements and performances. First: this impressive band delivers rock solid playing like a well oiled machine. This is testament to hundreds of hours of rehearsal time no doubt. Second: Ardiles’ voice and overall circa 1920’s look hit the mark remarkably well. He has the attributes required of an effective Singer/Songwriter. Third: their sound and overall songwriting touch are as good as it gets. All songs are a skillful combination of modern pop rock yet with a slight Old Type Folk aftertaste that will remind you of Paul Simon, Counting Crows, Bob Dylan and The John Butler Trio and Arcade Fire. Ardiles/Paris/Savage has the creativity and songwriting prowess to be extremely dangerous. There is also a unique quality to this catalogue that breaks the mold when compared to the trivial music that’s been filling the airwaves lately. What am I trying to say – well let m start by saying there is nothing fake and superficial about Stages of Sleep. Not every square inch is filled with musical ambience delivered under duress – but musical space this allows the music to breathe on its own with passion that cannot be faked. Equally as impressive is how marketable this catalogue truly is to a cult fan base mind you. It covers so much ground and despite this it manages to not spread itself to thin across to many lines – nice touch. I’ve always said if you can play it a party, then it’s marketable. The music is extremely marketable – with a fresh sound that is passionate and entertaining vibe very much like a warm blanket. All tracks will intrigue the mid and speak to the soul.
Stages of Sleep Links:
URL http://thestagesofsleep.com/bio
YOU TUBE http://www.youtube.com/stagesofsleep
TWITTER https://twitter.com/stagesofsleep
Carousel by Stages of Sleep is an endearing album limited by nothing. I would imagine in time we will hear more from this unit from Northern California. Time will tell but I can honestly say this is one band that is set up for marketable success down the road with their musical personality and fresh sound that gives modern music a well needed wake up call. - Heather Savage

Carousel is one unique release that certainly doesn’t disappoint. This is one band that brings to the table effective songwriting via a highly subjective musical delivery. This meshed with a one in a million Alt-Folk-Rock sound and effective visuals and vocals make for a very effective combination no doubt. Stages of Sleep is just a breath away from Modern Folk or even Alternative Rock but skillfully manages to never cross into that realm. This makes for a very unique sounding record indeed that is mystifying end extremely fascinating. All songs are wonderfully simple but masterful in their overall arrangements. Music reminded me of a cross between Sinead O’ Connor, and some of the slower material from Florence and the Machine and Fanfarlo. This CD is quite entertaining overall with an unobtrusive somewhat detached vocal feel from Jason Ardiles. This band is a musical triple threat in my mind. They are world class songwriter and have what I would describe as an amazing amount of savant-esqe creativity. They have a young and likeable appeal (visually and vocally). Their lyrical content is a giant curveball and offers a very compelling and soul searcher perspective and spirit. No doubt many in San Francisco will like Stages of Sleep and their mysterious yet clairvoyant music. All songs do exactly what they are meant to do via well-crafted progressions and top tiered musicianship. The overall production value is superb with a crystal clear sound quality.

My favorite Track is “The Dining Dead”.

Criticism: Ardiles isn’t the most impressive vocalist I’ve ever come across. Though he manages to keep her head above water I don’t really see him as a very technical singer. If there’s was something special about Ardiles it would have to be his savant style writing virtuoso and brilliant perspective on life through his eyes.

Conclusion: Stages of Sleep have proven themselves with this latest release. These 7 are clearly an up and coming talent around Northern California and all band members backing Ardiles up are clearly capable musicians. I must admit Carousel sucked me in like a powerful drug and refused to let go long after the CD was over. This usually indicates something special about the artist or band in question. Thus deserving praise, recognition and musical fame at the international level. Need I say more? - Drew Blackwell

Carousel is one unique release that certainly doesn’t disappoint. This is one band that brings to the table effective songwriting via a highly subjective musical delivery. This meshed with a one in a million Alt-Folk-Rock sound and effective visuals and vocals make for a very effective combination no doubt. Stages of Sleep is just a breath away from Modern Folk or even Alternative Rock but skillfully manages to never cross into that realm. This makes for a very unique sounding record indeed that is mystifying end extremely fascinating. All songs are wonderfully simple but masterful in their overall arrangements. Music reminded me of a cross between Sinead O’ Connor, and some of the slower material from Florence and the Machine and Fanfarlo. This CD is quite entertaining overall with an unobtrusive somewhat detached vocal feel from Jason Ardiles. This band is a musical triple threat in my mind. They are world class songwriter and have what I would describe as an amazing amount of savant-esqe creativity. They have a young and likeable appeal (visually and vocally). Their lyrical content is a giant curveball and offers a very compelling and soul searcher perspective and spirit. No doubt many in San Francisco will like Stages of Sleep and their mysterious yet clairvoyant music. All songs do exactly what they are meant to do via well-crafted progressions and top tiered musicianship. The overall production value is superb with a crystal clear sound quality.

My favorite Track is “The Dining Dead”.

Criticism: Ardiles isn’t the most impressive vocalist I’ve ever come across. Though he manages to keep her head above water I don’t really see him as a very technical singer. If there’s was something special about Ardiles it would have to be his savant style writing virtuoso and brilliant perspective on life through his eyes.

Conclusion: Stages of Sleep have proven themselves with this latest release. These 7 are clearly an up and coming talent around Northern California and all band members backing Ardiles up are clearly capable musicians. I must admit Carousel sucked me in like a powerful drug and refused to let go long after the CD was over. This usually indicates something special about the artist or band in question. Thus deserving praise, recognition and musical fame at the international level. Need I say more? - Drew Blackwell

I always listen to the opening track extremely carefully. It’s the opening track the artist has selected to hit your ears first and foremost. The opening track "Toys” sets the stage rather well for a melancholy CD like this. It was a passionate intro piece that stuck in my head and had me eager for what lied ahead. All in all the whole CD is brilliantly delivered with a richly woven Alternative-Rock Gypsy Jazz-textures with songs that go far deeper than the next independent artist. Music will remind you of Born Ruffians, Islands, DeVotchKa and even Department of Eagles and a bit of Panic at the Disco. To be honest I can’t say enough about Stages of Sleep and their overall sound. One quote from their bio strikes me: The Stages of Sleep is best described as experimental/alternative gypsy rock. Heavily influenced by such bands as Radiohead, Beirut, Emily Wells, Grizzly Bear to name a few, the end result of their eclectic sound could be characterized as Indie-Cinematic-Gypsy-Rock. The band members, however, prefer to say that their music encompasses and defines a “cross-genre” style of music. The main cast of The Stages of Sleep originates from the San Francisco Bay Area, with collaborative efforts from additional artists around the country. Be warned you may not want to listen to this CD on the day you get fired. I happen to love dark and slow moving melancholy music that doesn’t try to hard to win you over – that’s how I would describe Stages of Sleep. They have a sound that favors many Alternative artists in the late 90’s yet with a modern day feel. I’ve never heard an artist so skillfully combine so many genera’s into one unique sound. Weather this is by design or simply by accident it’s amazing. The songs that stuck with me the most were “Behave” and “Dancing on the Leaves.”

If there was one word or phrase I would use to describe Stages of Sleep it would be “true to self”. I give Stages of Sleep high marks for being themselves and letting the chips fall where they may. This CD will simply make your day more interesting as some of the lyrical content is hard to understand. No doubt the true meaning of some of this material is buried deep between the lines, but there’s an undeniable passion beneath it all. These people are capable songwriters but it’s obvious to me their primary goal as an artist is to make the world a much more interesting one song at a time. If that’s sounds corny so be it. - Mindy McCall

I always listen to the opening track extremely carefully. It’s the opening track the artist has selected to hit your ears first and foremost. The opening track "Toys” sets the stage rather well for a melancholy CD like this. It was a passionate intro piece that stuck in my head and had me eager for what lied ahead. All in all the whole CD is brilliantly delivered with a richly woven Alternative-Rock Gypsy Jazz-textures with songs that go far deeper than the next independent artist. Music will remind you of Born Ruffians, Islands, DeVotchKa and even Department of Eagles and a bit of Panic at the Disco. To be honest I can’t say enough about Stages of Sleep and their overall sound. One quote from their bio strikes me: The Stages of Sleep is best described as experimental/alternative gypsy rock. Heavily influenced by such bands as Radiohead, Beirut, Emily Wells, Grizzly Bear to name a few, the end result of their eclectic sound could be characterized as Indie-Cinematic-Gypsy-Rock. The band members, however, prefer to say that their music encompasses and defines a “cross-genre” style of music. The main cast of The Stages of Sleep originates from the San Francisco Bay Area, with collaborative efforts from additional artists around the country. Be warned you may not want to listen to this CD on the day you get fired. I happen to love dark and slow moving melancholy music that doesn’t try to hard to win you over – that’s how I would describe Stages of Sleep. They have a sound that favors many Alternative artists in the late 90’s yet with a modern day feel. I’ve never heard an artist so skillfully combine so many genera’s into one unique sound. Weather this is by design or simply by accident it’s amazing. The songs that stuck with me the most were “Behave” and “Dancing on the Leaves.”

If there was one word or phrase I would use to describe Stages of Sleep it would be “true to self”. I give Stages of Sleep high marks for being themselves and letting the chips fall where they may. This CD will simply make your day more interesting as some of the lyrical content is hard to understand. No doubt the true meaning of some of this material is buried deep between the lines, but there’s an undeniable passion beneath it all. These people are capable songwriters but it’s obvious to me their primary goal as an artist is to make the world a much more interesting one song at a time. If that’s sounds corny so be it. - Mindy McCall

The CD kicks off with “Toys” a methodical psychedelic groove painted against emotionally charged vocals, driving worldly rhythms against dynamic musical flow and well placed harmonies and melody. Track 2 “Ipcres” shifts gears a bit with solid low end intro, with alternative string movement coupled with passionate movement leading you head first into Track 3. Track 3 “The Lesson” possesses a slithering musical intro eventually lending itself into a heartfelt Gypsy Folk ballad meshed against infectious Horn Section and catchy melody from Ardiles that flows and ebbs its way through fruition. The CD makes a solid first impression dishing out 3 impressive pieces in a row. I would classify this music as Alternative Rock with a College Rock Indie Folkish feel to it that is captivating and entertaining. As the CD unfolds I can hear many musical influences reminiscent of R.E.M. Death Cab for Cutie, Bare Naked Ladies with perhaps a dash of They Might be Giants and Beruit. I willa dd this bands signature sound is quite challenging to pigeonhole. Right from the start you will notice Ardiles and company feel quite comfortable just letting it all hang out musically, not holding anything back. The overall musical vibe has a nice psychedelic, earthy, orchestral feel to it. The guitar playing and singing is rock solid across they dish out mesmerizing writing and lyrical content. Ardiles’ voice goes down smooth and is full of passion, naked vulnerability and recklessness abandon. Also present are sporadic smbient and percussive elements, lush harmonies, impressive guitar and well placed horn section accents. The lyrical content is extremely creative and entertaining. No doubt some of the meanings of these songs is buried deep within the lyrical content. From grooving” Behave” to stroking “A Dagger, A Thorn, and a Splinter” to psychedelic “The Dining Dead” and “Badlands” to Celtic Drift” and Mesmerizing “Dancing on the Leaves” this CD has something for just about everyone.

All songs over 3.5 minutes tend to drag you to the finish line. CD suffers from a mild case of genera intensity crisis. The overall sound of SOS Is a bit all over the place. I would recommend SOS narrow the fairway a bit with respect to their overall sound.

Carousel is a rock solid statement from SOS. Song for song, note for note its rock solid catalogue of music. It just has a nice earthy feel and has quite a lot to offer the listener. Its strong suit – the song for song Earthy consistency and amazing songwriting prowess of these 7 members.So if you like college alternative rock that dishes out a mesmerizing Alternative rock Gypsy-Folk edge then you should jump into this CD head first. - Cyrus Rhodes

The CD kicks off with “Toys” a methodical psychedelic groove painted against emotionally charged vocals, driving worldly rhythms against dynamic musical flow and well placed harmonies and melody. Track 2 “Ipcres” shifts gears a bit with solid low end intro, with alternative string movement coupled with passionate movement leading you head first into Track 3. Track 3 “The Lesson” possesses a slithering musical intro eventually lending itself into a heartfelt Gypsy Folk ballad meshed against infectious Horn Section and catchy melody from Ardiles that flows and ebbs its way through fruition. The CD makes a solid first impression dishing out 3 impressive pieces in a row. I would classify this music as Alternative Rock with a College Rock Indie Folkish feel to it that is captivating and entertaining. As the CD unfolds I can hear many musical influences reminiscent of R.E.M. Death Cab for Cutie, Bare Naked Ladies with perhaps a dash of They Might be Giants and Beruit. I willa dd this bands signature sound is quite challenging to pigeonhole. Right from the start you will notice Ardiles and company feel quite comfortable just letting it all hang out musically, not holding anything back. The overall musical vibe has a nice psychedelic, earthy, orchestral feel to it. The guitar playing and singing is rock solid across they dish out mesmerizing writing and lyrical content. Ardiles’ voice goes down smooth and is full of passion, naked vulnerability and recklessness abandon. Also present are sporadic smbient and percussive elements, lush harmonies, impressive guitar and well placed horn section accents. The lyrical content is extremely creative and entertaining. No doubt some of the meanings of these songs is buried deep within the lyrical content. From grooving” Behave” to stroking “A Dagger, A Thorn, and a Splinter” to psychedelic “The Dining Dead” and “Badlands” to Celtic Drift” and Mesmerizing “Dancing on the Leaves” this CD has something for just about everyone.

All songs over 3.5 minutes tend to drag you to the finish line. CD suffers from a mild case of genera intensity crisis. The overall sound of SOS Is a bit all over the place. I would recommend SOS narrow the fairway a bit with respect to their overall sound.

Carousel is a rock solid statement from SOS. Song for song, note for note its rock solid catalogue of music. It just has a nice earthy feel and has quite a lot to offer the listener. Its strong suit – the song for song Earthy consistency and amazing songwriting prowess of these 7 members.So if you like college alternative rock that dishes out a mesmerizing Alternative rock Gypsy-Folk edge then you should jump into this CD head first. - Cyrus Rhodes

I’m a sucker for albums.

An album can bring you along an extended journey that most three-minute songs can’t even fathom. It’s a much more enriched experience to dive into the world of an artist through a collection of songs rather than just a single track here and there.

It’s these emotionally dense albums that anchor themselves to a period of time in your life. Maybe you look back on Christmas and think of a certain artist. Maybe you have a certain album you listen to when summer begins. I know my college days are Morning View by Incubus on repeat.

“Carousel”, by the Stages of Sleep, is one of these albums.

And let me preface this with some context — I’ve been listening to Justin Timberlake’s “FutureSex/LoveSounds” the past week and prior to that, Green Day’s newest release “!Duo!,” so the Stages of Sleep’s “alternative experimental gypsy rock” style is slightly outside my normal listening palette.

The reason I mention this is because “Carousel” is not only an experiment on the genre’s they call themselves — it’s an excursion for my tastes as well. And boy, it’s an awesome ride.

Cinematic. Heartfelt. Jazzy. Dark. Certain parts of songs will have you wishing you were romantically engaged with your loved ones (Carousel). Other songs will have you feeling like you’re being suspended on the edge of a nightmare, tense and exciting, sitting on the edge of your seat (The Dining Dead). The track Ipcress is what I imagine a dream sounds like.

“Carousel” is surreal.

If I had to nit-pick something, it would be that this album isn’t for everyone considering the genre-bending and flavor of the music. Not everyone’s going to be interested in what sounds like Gogol Bordello singing for an even more psychedelic Radiohead.

Then again, who needs everybody? - Zencha