Sleepyhead

Originally released in October 2016 as a long-since sold-out self-released cassette, Hardly Art is proud to announce that Sleepyhead, the debut full-length from celebrated Chicago band Lala Lala, is now available again. Recorded in a basement over the course of five days during a typically-inhospitable Midwestern winter, Sleepyhead is an auspiciousif, at the time, criminally overlookeddebut effort from the young songwriter Lillie West and her then-lineup of supporting players (Abby Black on drums and Karl Bernasconi on bass). Unlike 2018s critically-acclaimed The Lamb, Sleepyhead is a rawer, more punked-up album with fewer lyrical metaphors obfuscating its intimate, direct emotionality. Committed to tape in an urgent outburst of creative energy, the self-produced record eschews overdubs and takes unfussy aim at the listeners ears, heart, and the lump in their throat. Album standout Fuck With Your Friends was a breakthrough moment for Westit was the first song she ever wrote, one that tumbled out of her fully-formed, setting her on the path thats led to her recent successes. Its also emblematic of Sleepyheads confessionalism and fearless forthrightness: I drink more than I want to 'cause it makes you easier to talk to / And what you're saying is boring, West sings.