Room Full of Walters

Item: Sleepy-Head
Author: Dr. Tony Shore

Sleepy-Head

(1996)

Reviewed by Dr. Tony Shore

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Label Word Records7ball #17March/April 1998

alternative rock college rock modern rock power pop

Jeffrey Dahmer was a mass murderer: What happens when a killer confesses before Christ? Now, what happens when a band sings a song called "Jeffrey Dahmer Went To Heaven"? Once you dig into the words of the song, you discover something quite profound. Unfortunately, some might assume it's a bid for shock value and pass on the record altogether. Sleepy-Head, the major label debut from Room Full of Walters, is full of songs with solid lyrics, hooks and that solid rock 'n' roll sound kids love. There is a certain sound that has been popular amongst midwestern college rock bands for a long time, and Room Full of Walters do it well. Sleepy-Head is actually their fourth release, and by far their best, although I'm surprised they didn't re-record a couple of these tracks with some new tunes because the production is a little weak. The disc starts off with "Home," one of the strongest cuts, with its quirky '80's-style rock a la Weezer and Summercamp. Fun guitars reminiscent of The Cars weave in and out of each song, really standing out in "Laughing At the Ground" and "Pete's a Rocket Scientist." There are no keyboards, strings or samples and very few horns, but the guitars are so melodic and pop-oriented, you won't notice. The lyrics throughout the record are strong when the band isn't trying too hard to be clever, a trap most young bands fall into. The music rocks, with melodies that stick in your head, propelling lyrics that are sometimes quite inventive. Listening to Sleepy-Head by Room Full of Walters makes me long for two things: 1) to see the band live; 2) their next record.