For me, autumn is the best season for gloomy and introspective music, whether it is Dark Folk or more heavier music, perfect time for Iress’ new record Sleep Now, In Reverse.
I don’t know about you but I’m one of those music fans that has a specific sound craving at certain times. We’re (finally) in autumn, I longed for this weather so much that I can’t hide the excitement for this season. If you have read something from me before you know that I tend to associate some genres to specific seasons/times.
Iress formed in 2010 and I will openly admit that I think it’s my fault that I discovered them only with this album. I have no excuses, I know, but I’m catching up!
The band has previously released two full-length records (Pray in 2015 and Flaw in 2020) and an EP (Solace in 2023); the singer Michelle Malley has been defined as the Adele of Doom, her vocal range and ability to blend in with the music is perfectly controlled (think about Messa’s Sara for example!). This is the kind of vocals I personally love in heavy music; Michelle is so expressive, and perfectly able to control her instrument any way she pleases.
Iress plays a kind of Doomgaze with preponderant vocals even though they don’t outshine the final result, it’s more like an even-tempered path where the instruments complete the vocals. Sleep Now, In Reverse is one of those records where I wouldn’t retouch anything, the band’s formula is right there, and it’s unique.
“Falling” is a great opening. There’s the perfect mix of gloomy lyrics and atmosphere backed up with loads of heaviness. Without any doubt this is one of my favourite tracks. It has everything I want to listen to during darker seasons like this (am I overly-enthusiastic about autumn? yes.).
Throughout the whole album Iress never lose track of their sound, we can have some “experiments” that don’t fall too far from the core of their identity. You may hear some soft Math-influences in “Ever Under”. “The Remains” starts softly, it makes me think about the old Hiss Spun-era Chelsea Wolfe, and since her name popped up … what about a real collaboration between Iress and her? I will pray to the music gods for this. On the other side “Knell Mera”, which may be one of the most powerful tracks on this record, has a heavy start but the verses made me think about a parallel universe where Blonde Redhead are heavier, I’d love that.
Overall, this record points out smoothly the band’s capacity and uniqueness, the balance between the whispered, softer parts is harmonized with heavier and doomer moments. Sleep Now, In Reverse could be defined as a record of melodic heavy ballads, that follows the Doomgaze path and adds the unique talent of their singer.
Too bad they already toured Europe this summer and I didn’t have a chance to go see them. Let’s hope for a comeback in the near future!
