REVIEW

The second album from Michael’s solo project the deep sleep, who has previously been active with Concrete Twin, AiZA, and MIRA.

This release, titled after inspiration from Tite Kubo’s BLEACH, features guest musicians from the shoegaze scene and traverses a variety of genres while keeping shoegaze at its core. In progressive terms, it might be likened to The Alan Parsons Project or Ayreon, with a similarly expansive approach.

Highlights from the album, showcasing its melancholic sensibilities:

#3 “the heart” – Driving, chugging guitars meet Mochinaga (Fall of Tears / Neverlust)’s harsh vocals and poetry reading, creating one of the darkest moments on the album; likely to please fans of envy or Korn.

#4 “my beautiful boy part 2” – Features Jun Yokoe (PLASTICZOOMS) on bass; a shoegaze track with Eastern-inspired melodies and eruptive screams in the chorus.

#6 “love letter” – Combines Suzuka Yoshida (plums / fumi)’s plaintive vocals with icy guitars, evoking solitary winter landscapes.

#7 “a girl and a boy” – Shimmers like diamond dust; a dreamy shoegaze piece that culminates in swirling, beautiful walls of sound. Guest vocals by A-chan (Kinoko Teikoku) add extra intensity.

#9 “eternal sunshine of the spotless mind” – Features eureka (ferri-chrome / ex-For Tracy Hyde); her delicate voice pairs beautifully with the track’s melancholic atmosphere, a treat for fans of For Tracy Hyde’s “Frozen Beach.”

The album thrives on the chemistry generated by its guest musicians, resulting in a rich, immersive listening experience. Fans should also check out the deep sleep’s live performances, which are reportedly engaging—definitely worth experiencing in person.