"Sleep" by Verticoli is a standout moment of vulnerability and restraint on the Tasmanian alt-rock trio's third album, Silverlinings (released November 6, 2025). Known for their signature raucous, groove-heavy alternative rock—think unrelenting energy, big riffs, and influences from post-hardcore and modern hard rock like Foo Fighters or At the Drive-In—Verticoli (hailing from Hobart/Nipaluna) surprise and captivate with this track, which flips the script into something far more delicate and atmospheric.
As the band themselves describe, "Sleep" originated as a dreamy bedroom pop idea (initially intended for a solo project by vocalist/guitarist Sam Hunn before being claimed for the band). Lyrically, it's heavy-hearted: dedicated to those who've suffered so deeply that ending their life felt like the only escape. This makes the song's hushed, gossamer quality all the more poignant—it's not just a sonic shift; it's an emotional one, channelling anger and grief through subtlety rather than volume.
Sonically, the track trades the band's usual thunderous guitars and pounding rhythms for drifting, ethereal layers: guitars float instead of drive, the beat is tempered and restrained, and the bass provides artistic depth rather than propulsion. The result is immersive and seductive—a hazy, dreamlike soundscape that's spacious and understated, yet still unmistakably Verticoli in its masterful songcraft.
Big Takeover magazine nailed it when they called it "subtle and seductive," praising how the band proves their versatility by excelling in this softer, more introspective mode without losing their edge. In the context of Silverlinings—an album that balances raw reflection on anxiety, loss, and disconnection with anthemic uplift—"Sleep" serves as a quiet, powerful counterpoint. It's one of the album's most imaginative tracks, showing the band's growth into a more well-rounded outfit capable of emotional range.
For fans of the heavier cuts like "A Kick in the Teeth" or "Birds of Prey," this feels like a breather that deepens the record's overall impact. If you're into bands that can rock hard but also pull off haunting, atmospheric moments (think Smashing Pumpkins' quieter side meeting Helmet/Refused aggression elsewhere on the LP), "Sleep" is essential listening. It's tender, tragic, and beautifully executed—a highlight that lingers long after the final hazy notes fade.
A bold, affecting departure that elevates the whole album. Stream it on Spotify (where Verticoli are building a solid 6.5K+ monthly listeners) or grab the full Silverlinings on Bandcamp for high-quality audio. Catch them live if you can—their January 2026 shows (including the recent Melbourne launch) are reportedly electric. This track proves Verticoli are more than just "Tassie rawk"; they're evolving into one of Australia's most compelling alt-rock voices.
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