Dancing in the twilight realms of sleep disorders, SEXSOMNIA paints a grim and mysterious tableau as a provocative phantom in the shadowy spectral pantheon of parasomnias. Sexsomnia weaves a tale of nocturnal carnality, churning beneath the surface of the cryptic clutch of consciousness. This uncanny sleep-time visitor is akin to an edgier sibling of confusional arousals and sleepwalking, instilling the night with a sense of Freudian drama. In a convoluted twist, it may even conspire with the ominous presence of obstructive sleep apnea. Somnambulistic sexuality darkens our understanding of sleep, blurring the boundaries between consciousness and unconsciousness in a uniquely existential exploration of the self.
This curious condition inspired the creation of Montreal outfit SEXSOMNIA, founded in late October 2021 by Philip Faith (WESTERNDREAM, Rise of the Fallen, Hotel Noir) and Pat Gaudette (Unruled, Hexapheen, NowFuture). Pulsating with the venom of corrosive basses and dominating dance-floor rhythms, SEXSOMNIA embraces the melancholic allure of baritone guitars and melodic bass lines, their sound reverberating within a chilling atmosphere.
The band draws inspiration from an eclectic pool of artists and visionaries – the dark romanticism of The Cure, Giorgio Moroder’s pioneering electronica, the synthetic symphonies of Propaganda, Trentemøller’s evocative minimalism, the haunting allure of Joy Division, the modernist synths of Ladytron, the industrial grit of Velvet Acid Christ, and the surrealistic auditory landscapes of David Lynch. Zoe Page, a renowned figure in the international fetish scene as both an actress and model, injects a sultry edge and intrigue with her vocals. Her makeup and stylistic prowess are equally as noteworthy, manifesting in the band’s unforgettable video aesthetics. Various female guest vocalists also feature on the project, and Michael Rien (Earth Chronicles, Special Ops) is a driving energy on electronic percussions and synths. Philip Faith, who previously conjured magic with prominent artists such as Decoded Feedback, Third Realm, Edward Ka-Spel, Oneiroid Psychosis, and Blind Agony, forges the band’s distinctive signature.
Their latest EP, Dormant, is a collection of four songs (one in German!) Opening strong with the title song, this dark kundalini awakening will be certain to open your sacral chakra and rouse you from your proverbial slumber. Things take a nightmarish twist with the existential Nocturne, an eerie description of sleep paralysis and all the racing thoughts that swirl around in the brain as you lie frozen in the dark. Trauma dives into the literal Greek root word meaning “physical wound, a hurt; a defeat,” describing an intense battle of the psyche in German, which elevates the drama. The album closes with the intense Synapse, a lamentation of agony.
Dormant is out now via Manic Depression Records. Listen below and pick it up here:
SEXSOMNIA is planning to release a full album, “TRANSCENDENT,” on CD in September.
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