Despite the sleep deprived album title, Megan Washington’s latest offering marks a change of pace from upbeat pop-oriented tracks to slow and enchanting melodies that could be pulled from the soundtrack to her deepest, darkest dreams. Established favourites with critics and fans alike, Holy Moses and Plastic Bag provide the closest comparisons to bubbly tracks seen on debut album I Believe You Liar, but signify a transformed and more eclectic version of Washington’s pop sound. Holy Moses feels like its been lifted out of a burlesque musical or a down the rabbit hole fantasy land (perhaps inspired by the trippy, fuzzy place your mind goes to with lack of sleep) and every listen to this track is a fun ride. Plastic Bag is equally playful, with some instrumental work and singsong “oh eh ohs” that resemble the kind of hooks mastered by Vampire Weekend.
The rest of the record enters the dream sequence, with slower tracks that seem to encompass haunting sorrow and wistful romance all at once. Public Pool is a standout, flawlessly showcasing Washington’s husky vocals. There’s a sombre beauty to these tracks, and a refreshing vibe that is different from anything we’ve seen from Washington before. If the singer’s insomnia did inspire this album then she should stay on the caffeine, because whatever she’s doing is definitely working.
BY EMMA GREEN
Best Track: Plastic Bag
If You Like These, You’ll Like This: I Believe You Liar WASHINGTON, Prisoner THE JEZABELS
In A Word: Dreamy
