The Sleeping Years

The Sleeping Years is an indie folk group that began in London in 2007 as the solo project for ex-Catchers singer Dale Grundle. Members include Dan Wood (Piano, Keyboards) 2008-present, Tom Page (Drums) 2008-present, Alex Beamont (Cello) 2009-present, Michelle So (Cello) 2007-2008.

Biography

Dale started The Sleeping Years by releasing a trilogy of home recorded EPs, ‘You and Me Against The World’, ‘Setting fire to sleepy towns’ and 'Clocks and clones' throughout 2007. The EPs were limited to numbers ranging from 500-750 copies and were packaged in handmade sleeves created by the young design company Pika Pika.

Upon their release the EPs garnered critical acclaim, featuring on BBC Radio 1’s Introducing, the Guardian’s writer’s play list and on the cover mount of Rolling Stone and Word Magazine.
'His voice breaks exquisitely between hope and despair in songs that the acoustic guitar was invented for' The Guardian
'A one-man show that owes his lilting metaphysical lyricism to the likes of Nick Drake, Elliot Smith and John Martyn. It's good to know that there are people like him out there' Dazed and Confused
'Just as Sufjan Stevens has been moved to celebrate the quirks and character of the United States, so Dale Grundle is devising his own charts, full of wonder, dread and reverie. Can't wait to see where he takes us next.' Stuart Bailie (BBC Radio)
Songs were also heavily played on Gideon Coe’s 6music show, Stuart Bailie’s BBC Radio show, and on French radio, having been championed by France’s answer to John Peel, Bernard Lenoir.

Dale then played his first solo shows. Cellist Michelle So introduced herself to Dale at an Arctic Circle event in London where he was playing. The two began working together shortly afterwards. They recorded a video session for the website Le Cargo on a rooftop in the north of Paris and also held a secret concert at the same venue for French webzine Popnews. The duo played across France, appearing at shows in Toulouse, Nevers and Paris. They returned to London and began working on the first album.

'We're becoming islands one by one' was recorded in London in December 2007. Dale worked on the album with engineer Ian Dowling at the Smokehouse Studios and at the Strongroom. Tom Page from Rothko was invited to play drums on the record and shortly afterwards became a full-time member. Also performing on the record was Ben Eshmade who provided French horn on the song ‘Human Blues’. Michelle played cello and Dale performed all the vocals and guitars, bass, Hammond organ, Rhodes piano and e-bow parts.

The album was released in 2008 on Talitres Records in France and by Rocketgirl in the UK and Ireland to great reviews:
'A record that only Bon Iver's ‘For Emma, Forever Ago’ has really rivaled in recent months. 'We're Becoming Islands One By One' could be remembered as one of 2008's best of its kind in years to come'. 8/10 Drowned in Sound
'An extraordinary introduction to a hugely talented artist... exquisite' Rock n Reel
'Tenderly focused, sparsely delivered and exquisitely tailored... 'We're Becoming Islands...' is a moment of refinement and rare beauty. An understated treasure if ever we heard one.' Losing Today

Discography

Albums

• We're Becoming Islands One By One 2008

Singles, EP's

• You And Me Against The World 2007
• Setting Fire To Sleepy Towns 2007
• Clocks And Clones 2007

External links

• Official The Sleeping Years website
• The Sleeping Years on Last.fm
• The Sleeping Years on MySpace
• Dale Grundle's previous band, Catchers on MySpace