Sleep Bellum Sonno Judge Us By How We Lived Our Lives Not By How We Made Our Living. (Self-Released)
Release Date: August 8, 2009
Side A
1. A House Of Spades Stands No Chance Against The Wind (Gambler) (mp3)
2. When The Lights Are Low I Can Hear The Devil At My Door (Hunter)
3. It All Seems So Vast From Behind The Fresnel Lens (Lighthouse Keeper)
4. I’m Not Afraid Of Storms For I’m Learning To Sail My Ship (Sailor)
5. Rewind, Rewind, Rewind. Tend To Our Stories (Bartender)
6. An Anchor Is Useless Without The Ocean Floor (Brother)
Side B
1. I’ve Got So Many Prospects But All Of Them Are Underground (Miner) (mp3)
2. The Town Will Tell You Of What Grew From Our Home (Gardener)
3. As Long As My Voice Holds You Will Be My Song (Singer)
4. When I Quit You Can Put Dirt On Me (Harvester)
5. It’s Been Years Since She’s Put On That Dress (Mother)
6. Here Come The Clouds (Meteorologist)
Sleep Bellum Sonno‘s Judge Us By How We Lived Our Lives Not By How We Made Our Living is an unforgiving piece that props up the dying art form that is the album. While other bands are busy writing songs, Sleep Bellum Sonno have composed an ambitious, conceptual record that not only stretches the limits of the artist, but of the listener as well.
Judge Us By How We Lived Our Lives Not By How We Made Our Living was recorded live and that rawness adds to the band’s songwriting and the album’s dark subject matter. The album tells the tale of twelve characters who all intertwine into one larger story of a husband/father leaving his wife and two sons behind. Each song is from the perspective of one of the characters. The songs seamlessly transition from those differing views often referencing other characters. Even though the album was written to be listened to in its entirety, the songs stand on their own merit. Each song tells a complete story of its own and is able to live outside the context of the album. Some of the lyrics are based directly on real events in the band members’ lives, but because the music and words are written collaboratively the stories have, in the end, all become a marvelous and intriguing piece of fiction.
To say that Sleep Bellum Sonno’s Judge Us By How We Lived Our Lives Not By How We Made Our Living is a challenging listen might be an understatement. But for those willing to indulge themselves the riches buried within are plenty. Art imitates life and life is unforgiving. But no matter what choices are made there is always hope for redemption.
Press Contact: Will Miller / Beartrap PR / will@beartrappr.com / 803-361-4662
