At this point in time, listener tolerance for yet another record from the Elephant 6 sphere is going to depend almost completely on the individual's appetite for the fuzzy, noisy pop aesthetic which connects the label's multiplying releases together -- if you already like
Neutral Milk Hotel or the
Olivia Tremor Control, then Are You Sleepy? is most definitely for you. While the
Gerbils don't really push any of the boundaries already staked out by their E-6 brethren, their debut explores new and intriguing variations on the established themes; offering a lighter, more whimsical worldview than most of their labelmates, the group's songs -- most notably "Sunshine Soul," "Is She Fiona?" and the sublime "Crayon Box" -- are also unexpectedly emotionally direct, wrapped in ringing guitars that suggest the
Byrds with blown amps. While not the best place for new listeners to dig in, it's another must-own for the Elephant 6 faithful. ~ Jason Ankeny