#91 Flork Reviews: The Chronic Sleepers – Ignore Yourself! (2020)

 

 

The Chronic Sleepers – Ignore Yourself! (2020)

by Flork

 

There are many things I like about Ignore Yourself, the 2020 release by the Slovak grunge pop/rock band The Chronic Sleepers. In addition to the name of the album, I really love the name of the group too. It isn’t any reflection of their music, since they are far from sounding lethargic, but rather they know how to incorporate dreamy elements are heard all throughout the album. And yet the album does have a raw edge to it as it is full of energy and rocks at a milder tempo. Ignore Yourself comprises elements of pop, grunge, rock, and heavy doses of raw emotion, the perfect recipe for a top-notch album that evokes memories of the 90s here in Slovakia, when grunge was heavily noticed by the emerging alternative scene. The Flork-man himself remembers this sound very well from venues like U-Club, which was an amazing hangout under the castle for young people who liked beer and Doc Martens. These days the club’s fate is unknown as controversial building project has closed its doors indefinitely.

Anyways though, back to the band and their cool little album. Frontman Roman Skupin's vocal delivery and lyrical prowess are amazing and doubtlessly grunge, which also evoke comparisons to the iconic Kurt Cobain of Nirvana. But Skupin's raw emotion and authenticity does shine through in each track, reminiscent of Cobain's ability to connect with listeners on a deep, emotional level. Don’t get me wrong, Skupin isn’t trying to copy Cobain, but models his own original style after him as many singers of grunge music often do (raspy vocals are signature to the genre). Songs like Don't Look at Me and I Thought I Knew You deliver a one-two punch of intense energy, with Skupin's impassioned vocals drawing parallels to the performance and style of the grunge vocalists who originally came out Seatle, like Chris Cornell, Eddy Vedder, and Mark Lanagan from the Screaming trees.

What sets The Chronic Sleepers apart from other Slovak punk and grunge bands is not just its emotional depth and musical diversity, but the fact that the vocals are sung in English without accent. This is particularly important for any group who wants to play at an international level. And so, this seamless language delivery allows the lyrics to resonate with a global audience, further highlighting the band's dedication to their craft and their desire to connect with listeners on a universal level.

But it's not just the vocals that captivate, the star of the show is the songs themselves. Don't Look at Me kicks off the album with gritty guitar riffs and an in-your-face attitude. I really like the acoustic sounds athe beginning of this track. I Thought I Knew You builds up the energy, channeling raw emotion and introspection. Both this track and the former set the mood for even more fun ahead. And as I mentioned early, there is a dreamy element incorporated in their sound that is hardly nightmarish, but rather quite beautiful and inspiring. Anonymity introduces atmospheric depth, while I Just Wanna Meet You maintains an upbeat tempo with its catchy hooks. Oh man, does this track ever resonate loudly with me as I remember all the loves I could have loved in my life, secret crushes that always remained secret. I totally dig the guitar solo here.

Tired of the Sleep keeps the energy alive, and Sonic Sleep takes a dreamy turn with great riffs and an overall cool melody. Bump to the Fool stands out as an infectious, high-energy track with a rock-solid beat, and showcases Skupin's passionate vocals. The bass riff in Nothing's Wrong, Nothing's Right offers a more introspective side, laden with a certain vulnerability heard in the lyrics. Sung in Slovak, Sám si stratil, sám si hľadaj adds a unique cultural flavour to the album, especially with it’s punk sound. Finally, Let Me Disappear serves as an enigmatic conclusion, inviting contemplation not just over the this track, but over the whole album itself.

Ignore Yourself by The Chronic Sleepers is more than just an album though, it's a grungy-punk journey through the intricate fabric of human experience, which is beautifully woven by the band through its own unique creative prowess. The Chronic Sleepers have created a minor sonic masterpiece that demands attention and appreciation for its raw emotion, musical diversity, and cultural resonance. I enjoyed listening to Ignore Yourself immensely and think it‘s a true gem. It offers a thrilling and memorable listening experience that's both emotionally resonant and endlessly enjoyable.