THE LAYERS | WHEN THE BOUGH BREAKS | SLEEP TOKEN

[@DJ_VXN]

So, the creaking sound you heard was their producer's chair. They decided that the mix was perfect and the creak added realness and didn't take away from it. So, they left it in the final mix.

[@Kira-qc4qi]

Where did you find this out?

[@DJ_VXN]

@@Kira-qc4qi It was in an interview with their producer George Lever. I don't remember if it was an article or a video but he used to tell lots of stories about his experiences.

[@Nathdood]

I always thought it was a cradle. "When the bough breaks the cradle will fall" Wooden cradle is what I always thought

[@TaraRyze]

It works cause it sounds like a bough creaking!

[@Kira-qc4qi]

@@DJ_VXN right on, thank you

[@jbbarne]

"This bough is broken through" - Euclid

[@robbomcrobberson]

came here to say this

[@panwithoutthecake]

Barely anyone I’ve seen catches on to that reference in the lyric!

[@InsertCleverNameHere1]

@@panwithoutthecake I've never heard a reactor mention this.

[@yutub561]

@@panwithoutthecake not sure how people miss it. sleep token just has so many callbacks. its honestly genius songwriting, apart from just great music and amazing lyrics, it generates buzz and gets people listening to everything over and over

[@zaxzumu4605]

NEXT UP CALCUTTA!!! Possibly one of my favorites from them.

[@map1978.]

My all time favorite! ❤

[@TaraRyze]

My absolutely favorite and the video is just as stunning as the song!! I can’t wait to see the looks on their faces…IYKYK

[@Nora-di9pw]

Ahhh!! So excited for Calcutta!!!! And the video?! Excited for these dudes to react.

[@gitsiemonster]

Yes yes yes

[@Nathdood]

The music video for Calcutta sets the mood so well. Easily one of my favorites

[@ColdTouge]

In Euclid, "This bough has broken through". It's amazing that they called all the way back to this song. This is the song that introduced me to Sleep Token years ago. This is probably my favorite song from them.

[@sand_eater101]

I found Sleep Token last year, about a few months after they released Eden. I recently listened to One and my favourite is definitely WTBB. I think because I really like TMBTE because of its slow start and mix of genres, and I find that a lot of WTBB can be mirrored in TMBTE. It also makes me weirdly emotional and proud to know that this is where they started and how much they've grown😭

[@karlsimmering460]

The “Everything you love resets” line is tied to the music video for “The Love that you Want” when Vessel seeks the object of his desire, finds her, then ties the ribbon to the tree, is everything he loves resetting.

[@hawknessrising1]

On the note of their use of space, someone said "they create all this space, and then give you tours of the space" and man I feel that is right on the money

[@RadDadfield]

Shit, I remember that! Who said that?

[@shanebyrne355]

@@RadDadfield Was that Chase Carneson?

[@RadDadfield]

@@shanebyrne355 I think you're right, that definitely sounds like something he would say and now I can hear it in his voice.

[@tokistea]

I believe it was another reactor, Leo Torres

[@mr.sadghost8507]

Oh yeah that was definitely Chase Carneson

[@RadDadfield]

Eric's face when he realized the ending breakdown was hitting 😂 I watched that back like 10 times, it just brought me so much joy!

[@Jellycubist]

I love how the almost spoken 'Don't lie to me' sits in the mix, it's just *chef's kiss*.

[@DGmmnLm]

“You hate to be alone”, this is why the old stuff is so important. Early on Vessels intentions are being questioned. Definitely can change the perspectives on certain songs.

[@SoLDMG]

I always interpreted One to be the heartbreak that caused Sleep to be able to get a hold of Vessel. Two is when Sleep starts to get the proverbial claws into Vessel and Sundowning is when Vessel finally gets consumed.

[@Wizrd_Merlin]

​@@SoLDMGIn this amazing context how do you interpret the other two albums?

[@SoLDMG]

@@Wizrd_Merlin I wouldn’t know about amazing, but, I think This Place Will Become Your Tomb is where Sleep drives Vessel to his lowest point yet as a test, to the point of sudoku (Atlantic) and after that he gets fully and finally enthralled (Hypnosis) and that he knows it’s going to be unhealthy but he wants to stick it out again like his previous relationship (Mine) and that he finally realizes he is already caught in Sleeps machinations (Telomeres). And then the weird little beginning honeymoon phase you have when you’re hiding secrets when you just get together with a new bf/gf when you’re not really ready for it yet (High Water) even though Sleep already knows them all. Then TMBTE, I think the order of the songs is very important. Vessel is finally reaping some reward it seems. Chokehold is affirming that he is in fact under control. Summoning is him begging to be taken to a higher point again, and getting the strength to talk sass to his old SO, which leads to Granite which has the same theme, he finally says that he was important to her because, he was. Aqua Regia is him realizing his own worth. Sleep knocks him down a notch and calls him back to worship (Vore). Ascensionism (my t-shirt!) is Vessel realizing he replaced one toxic relationship with another, but now he’s in with a god, not a woman, and he’s screaming into Sleeps proverbial face that he’s gonna outgrow him, and he’s under the impression that Sleep wants the same for him (I doubt it). The Apparition is important, but nothing we haven’t seen before. Rain is Vessel saying aight, you helped me become my own again, and even more powerful than before, but asking Sleep to take him further. Sleep takes him up on it, and TMBTE is Vessel realizing it doesn’t work anymore and he’s asking to be let go. On Euclid (and this album) Vessel references a lot the songs on earlier releases, like “the night belongs to you” “this bough has broken through”. He says that, if he’s not released, he’ll bring heaven down entirely. At the end of it he literally repeats the lyrics from The Night Does Not Belong To God from Sundowning. I think that’s a threat. That’s Sleep telling him he’s not done. He knows he won’t be Vessels god forever, so he’s gonna plunge him into something he’s never seen before to keep him. Standing up to the god who physically owns you now? Won’t go well. It’s also an open chord, as in, the original piece of music was a closed chord (fitting notes), in this chord they’re open as in dissonant, they don’t fit well. Gives the impression that more is to come opposed to it’s coming to a close. The songs where he sings lower are usually the ones which include Sleeps POV, and I haven’t noticed any lyrics from him which explicitly state that Sleep actually wants to save Vessel. That’s where I wager the next albums will go.

[@TeeBagGee]

I love how happy and giggly you guys were at the end. I was laughing with you.

[@ArobeeTV]

Sleep Token reaction day is always a good day! I'm obsessed with this band, I can't get enough, they took over my #1 spot the moment I heard them. For 20 years it was Slipknot, and now I'm like "Slipwho?" lol

[@jasonlafrance2942]

Yup

[@Nora-di9pw]

Lolllll don’t let slipknot fans hear you. Jk jk 🤫

[@michaelmilne5282]

Lateralus was my favorite album for 22 years until TMBTE came out. Never thought I'd have another album top Lateralus, but here we are.

[@ryanford5320]

I agree 💯..sleep token has taking over my music choices since Tool ​@michaelmilne5282

[@nikibailey819]

Corey Taylor is a massive Sleep Token fan.

[@TeeBagGee]

I'M SO HAPPY YOU HEARD THE CREAKING CHAIR! It's been a thing amongst us for a while.

[@missbramley8663]

The bough was starting to break. When I first heard one (way back in 2018) I rewound that part so many times lol

[@alexisshotswell6238]

Watching Eric go absolutely feral was amazing 😂😂

[@brittanyschiesl3207]

This one is gut wrenching and sets the stage so well for the rest of his music. You can hear the hurt. Vessel utilizes the space so well. He really knows how to juice the emotion out of words and the music itself. Makes your skin crawl in a good way

[@shadow_passenger]

This has always been one of my favorites for all that gorgeous vocal layering. I always took all those little background noises you’re hearing to be said “bough”, creaking.

[@RicardooSchweitzer]

5:55 this is something that makes Sleep Token so special. They use space better than any other artist out there and just make the lyrics / instruments hit harder when they do. They use it to create anticipation instead of just having it as filler

[@TheAsphyx666]

I guess this answers the question: have they always been this amazing? Yes, they fucking have. They have refined their style and progressed as musicians, but the genius in the writing was there from the start.

[@NikkiWright-STLVR23]

Agreed 💯

[@drb2168]

Some of the most beautiful isolated vocal layers, as well as some of the heaviest guitar and drum work in their entire discography, all in one song, off their first EP. amazing my interpretation of the chair squeak has always been that there's someone, or something, else in the room with him.

[@markoosuk3533]

There’s a live video of this on YT from their early days and the end section is absolutely incredible. Strobe lights are going crazy and Vessel is busting mad moves, it’s so good.

[@violacesario4389]

The callback to this song in Euclid shows how important even these early compositions are to the ST discography. Thanks for reacting to them, guys. #hat #giveaway

[@shaddow2022]

"He's doot'ing" Ok, that totally caught me off guard 😂

[@demolitiondolly2010]

“Fuck yeah, he’s dooting!” 😂😂😂

[@libonkers8750]

The one EP truly shows that Sleep Token’s vision of conveying complex emotions, breaking conventional music rules, and the lyrical themes they explore has stayed true and consistent throughout the years while also growing as musical artists. Hands down my favorite band ever 💖

[@djllewellyn6277]

I look forward to yall hearing Calcutta. I listen to it every morning on the beach. Just perfect.

[@Vtiger44]

One of their best songs and so underrated/overlooked because of how early it was for Sleep Token.

[@evaj2556]

I absolutely adore this song.. and love EP One...but EP Two is my personal fave!! Calcutta, Nazareth & Jericho are musical masterpieces!! 💯 Can't wait for you guys to react to them!!

[@Lauren__M]

This song is so underrated. It’s quickly climbing up to one of my favorite sleep token songs. It’s such a beautiful mess 🤌🏼

[@Nonya12608]

The creaking chair makes me think of him in the rocking chair in Alkaline. Nothing they do is by accident. Also, is your hat covered with The Golden Girls?! Fuck me, that's rad.

[@lfreeman0828]

That's the first time I've noticed his hat!!!! Thanks for pointing it out!!

[@Lottielatte27]

The ending is haunting, but in a delicious, beautiful way.

[@roystoncharmaine]

You guys got me into Sleep Token, to the point where I've made a 90min video essay on them, and a visualiser for this song, so I wanna take this chance to thank you!

[@TheNamesFathom]

I can vouch that the 90 Minute video essay is amazing, y’all should watch it

[@flora.alejandra]

Watched it a couple days ago and man, it's incredible!

[@SoLDMG]

Agreed with all of the above. And thanks for making it! ST fans are something else.

[@ShaddyMan]

Love the dedication man

[@jessfeasler4590]

I’ve listened through it twice. Can confirm it’s worth it !

[@darbytheturtle]

I get to gather for worship next Thursday and I'm so excited!!! This band has been one of my favourites since they dropped The Summoning and have been captivated ever since

[@AsAbove.SoBelow]

I had chills throughout this whole reaction. Great job, guys. So, I know it’s probably my own fucked up psyche, but when I listen to this song - I hear him sing, almost pleading, ‘don’t lie to me’… and then in another tone - more exhausted and sick of fighting, I hear him say ‘lie to me’… I’m sure that’s not the way the song was written, but it’s the only way I hear it.

[@RicardooSchweitzer]

Baby wake up 16 MINUTES Rykerroad just dropped

[@cdub462]

The simultaneous head bobbing made my day. You guys are awesome! Love this song but so ready for you guys to do Two. Worship! 🫶

[@creynolds4802]

It's so cathartic. A moment of silence can say more than a thousand words. It's a beautiful thing.

[@gargin1633]

Can't wait for you guys to get to Calcutta.

[@Spaceycasey1414]

Super excited for Calcutta!!! That is one of my favorites and I've had it on repeat lately.

[@mishitsuwa]

I would love to see another react of the summoning from you guys now that you've fully immersed yourselves with the band and their music, just to compare with the first time you reacted to it and got a bit taken aback by their style maybe? Maybe a comparrative or just an updated react/comment on the song ? I've watched all your ST reacts and caught up a few weeks ago , it was so satisfying to see you discover them !

[@martinknox1860]

That would be awesome! Would be interesting to see what they have to add now. I too have recently caught up with all their reacts and I just wish they were more often the wait kills me now

[@Lexakey]

WHAT A SONG. It's just beautifully done, and i absolutely love the quieter, softer "don't lie to me" bits that are in the mix of it ❤ the way it's repeated, and the way he elongates the word "lie" 😢 I just think it really expresses the pain and the tiresomeness behind it. Excited for the next one! 😂

[@davidriddick82]

Love seeing you guys put the puzzle pieces together and be as in shock as I was to hear all these songs… it’s just a joy down memory lane and I love it 🤘🏻🔥🤘🏻🔥 #WORSHIP

[@n3hux935]

One of the best songs of Sleep Token in my opinion, greetings from Uruguay!

[@Nathdood]

"Doot the fuck out of it!" Lmaoooooo 😂😂

[@Shannynjams]

The ending riff/guitar sounds remind me so much of The Offering! Love this, love you guys. ❤️

[@rykerroadMOM3123]

What an emotional ride, you're So right, Eric! 🥰 Outstanding!

[@jasonnielsen9683]

The music Vessel created before Sleep Token( If you eventually go looking for it you can find it easily), really hints at the things to come as Sleep Token. Same themes, lyrical messages, but mostly the vocal stylings on One & Two. Sleep Token is a refined Vessel with vocals amd composition.

[@TommySmilla]

I swear they have never made a bad song! Everything 8.5/10 and above. Great vid guys!!!

[@framar601]

Been waiting for this! My favorite sleep token song and maybe my favorite song ever. It really grows on you every time you listen to it.

[@breemartinez2701]

I CLICKED SO FAST, WILL BE BACK AFTER WATCHING IM SO HAPPY YOU FINALLY GOT TO THIS ONE

[@hazelj17]

I've recently needed to drive for hours several times. Can confirm: listened only to Sleep Token. This song reminds me of a comment I saw somewhere that "this band is great bc you don't know - are we gonna fight? Are we gonna kiss? Are we gonna ice skate?? And the track is long enough to do all 3" 🖤🤘love grabbing a cup of coffee and finding a new video from you guys, excellent start to Monday. cheers!!

[@Ryankam91]

Every sleep token song, I feel, hits personal, calls me out, brings up past feelings, and future healings, we know some of what we are getting with each song but it still surprises us. That is the beauty with this band is that how they play and how vessel sings it's in a worship like loving way that soo many of us can relate to. And I am so happy I have just discovered this band

[@TheMrthankuvrymuch]

Calcutta is next. I am so god damn excited

[@mack2132]

The build-up in this song is incredible, particularly love the violin break then the jamming guitar that sounds like the ‘Misfits’ soundtrack… LOVE LOVE LOVEE!!

[@froststar11]

Thanks for another ST react

[@yutub561]

when youre talking about the ambient groove at 6:30 ish, the band "Godspeed You! Black Emperor" does this, all the time. Their album "Lift Your Skinny Fists Like Antennas to Heaven" will take you on a journey without a single lyric. half hour songs of just incredible grooves and composition that just makes you feel things

[@KashtheDegen]

One of the many things I love about ST is that they use the space and instruments to express the feelings of the lyrics and story. Anger and frustration usually comes out sounding fast, grungy, hard, down right nasty. Their music is absolutely alive! 😌

[@norahdenovan8658]

Are we lucky or what, to be in this world with this phenomenal band. Worship❤

[@breemartinez2701]

eric getting so into it towards the end made me smile so big lmaooo man was ROCKIN. glad you guys like this one!! the two ep is just as good as this one! maybe a little softer and moodier but incredible nonetheless.

[@eliahdayton3448]

DON'T TELL ME WHAT TO DO! *eats breadsticks out of boredom while waiting for the server*

[@NikkiWright-STLVR23]

Eric hit the nail on the head! All the emotions from a breakup are expressed musically....from the pleading, depression stage to the angry, revenge stage. Total genius....Vessel never stops amazing me. I can't wait to gather for worship May 6th. Loved this one guys.... can't wait till you get to Nazareth... that's my favorite off TWO EP. I hope they will perform it on the 6th. Til next time,✌️ Worship

[@th0mm027]

Such an amazing song. I got to see sleep token live just a couple days ago as well as bring me the horizon and it was one of the best experiences I've ever had.

[@JamcFit]

i recently found them while i was looking for new songs and now there my Fav. Band

[@Emma_S226]

"Wtf is happening??!" Haha. Love it.

[@bigalinia]

Can you imagine Sleep Token doing a movie soundtrack (Trent Reznor look out) 6:08

[@FauzanAlfansa]

Love the reaction to that last part of the song!🤣

[@abelinkinxvi1735]

“What the F#{% is going on???” 🤣 Love you guys

[@candaceredmayne1218]

If there is nothing else that I am certain about in life, is that there are NO bad ST songs! The lineup on this EP just goes to prove that some bands/individuals are just naturally talented and you can tell even from their early stuff that they are only going to get better with age. That bit at 3:20 with the chair creaking, I dunno, I think it might be a rocking chair seeing as how "When the bough breaks" is part of a nursery rhyme (and a pretty dark one, too IMO). Even if I'm wrong about this stylistic choice, Vessel can sing me to sleep anytime! #hat #giveaway

[@lfreeman0828]

Calcutta is next!!!! I cant wait for it!! ❤

[@cajones_1]

i’ve always said that When The Bough Breaks reminds me of Life Is Strange cutscene, like the slow emotional music, it’s such an emotional game it fits so well

[@JewelsLeigh]

One and Two are masterpieces in their own right. 🖤

[@rocka_fella_8870]

One of your best reactions yet. I was smiling and laughing along with you. You guys are infectious and what you are doing is fucking 🔥

[@SnoozR-sq2id]

Sleep Token is musical therapy. Worship.

[@robotwaifuengineer]

I’ll always remember exactly where I was the first time I heard this song drop in at the end. It hit me like a truck. Worship.

[@jessfeasler4590]

The Two ep are my favorite songs. I can’t wait for the next episodes !

[@isnobodyreally102]

i am hyper excited for the second EP. a fave.

[@caitlinholloway2627]

I love every journey their music takes me on, i still figure out something new about both the songs and myself every time i listen even though I've listened to most of the songs a million times by now lol. An awesome review as always, i love watching folks fall in love with music over and over 💜

[@ChandlerOstler]

I absolutely love Eric's reaction at the end of the song. "Dude tf out of it!!" hahaha

[@sandcake]

I love this song so much, but the live version hits so much harder and feels so magical. I wish we had a recording of it. #hope

[@HappyMediaxx]

One more time you guys showed me another banger song and band that I didn´t know... thanks for sharing!

[@FreshChawz]

I can't get enough of you guys. So glad you're doing Sleep Token's older stuff. You guys actually feel the music and not just hear it, but LISTEN to it. #hat #giveaway

[@yilomina2047]

ST has definitely evolved and become more polished over the years, but I will always love the freedom and playfulness of their early stuff. Worship!

[@aidanthompson4328]

Love how excited y’all get, can’t wait for the coming up reactions. #hat #giveaway

[@ashen_strix]

WTBB is one of the most central pieces to their lore. It's also one of my favorites.

[@joesweeney3089]

Love the synchronized head bang at 10:35. Great song. Great reaction.

[@spiritually-awake-metalhead]

That chair squeak... I have not noticed this before 😂. I heard this so many times but did not notice it. Thank you for pointing it out, I guess. Now I can't unhear it 😂 Maybe it's supposed to be a branch squeak?! Edit: It's the song where he sings "you don't really love...you just hate to be alone" I always connect this with: "is it better to just not feel? do you whish that you loved me?"

[@BeefyMatt]

Its funny cuz ive always noticed the squeak and it somehow adds to the song. BUT theres a version of this song on bandcamp that has a completely different mix than any other version and on top of that, the chair squeak is absent

[@spiritually-awake-metalhead]

@@BeefyMatt Thank you for pointing this out. I need to relisten because I downloaded One from bandcamp. This is really cool 😊

[@StuckInTheQuantumPattern]

This is my favorite off of One. Also I love you're shirt Eric.

[@Twist3dJoker]

Next up is TWO!!! I can't wait for yalls reaction to it. Especially that verse in Nazareth lol gonna throw yall for a loop.

[@bradendosch9510]

Well I’m going to have to listen to that about 200 more times so it can just live rent free in my head forever

[@flawlessdragon4358]

Sleep token just can’t make a bad song, saw these guys live, was blown away by how good they sounded.

[@anthonyrooney6608]

Introduced your reactions to my wife through these guys she's watched all of them and we are going to see them next month in Iowa love you guys thank you!!!

[@carlnorrbom]

Been an avid AIC fan since their debut and for me, almost all the songs changed their meaning when Layne passed away. Reading between the lines it became obvious that so many of the songs were his way of coping and to let everyone understand his struggles. RIP Layne.

[@teresaj2718]

Seeing you experience Sleep Token is such a joy 🖤! Thank you❣🙏

[@davidabernathy3197]

I like how jarring the switch ups are in this song

[@arimewillow4278]

This why when I listened to Euclid, I just laid in the floor in awe. The 1st EP's are just ao good at leading up to everything else. Calcutta has a video, its one of my favorite songs.

[@nnunghi]

this song will always be my favorite insane Sleep Token song well, next you will find Two EPs, it will be a fire

[@xXx_th3m4dh4tt3r_xXx]

Finally got around to making it to the reaction...been a busy couple of days... As always, great reaction guys; glad you guys turned me on to ST 💯❤️🤘😎

[@rosieorde3146]

Love this song!! Got the album cover tattooed on my forearm.

[@rebeccalevy8491]

One of my favourite Sleep Token songs! ❤

[@JessicaBecker-ps8mr]

One of my favorites for sure

[@JaffaIrons183]

This song is unbelievable live.

[@nikkijones5019]

Vessel’s vocals mixed with these beautiful melancholic lyrics is just simply amazing!! I love binging Ryker Road’s videos. You guys have helped get me through a lot of stuff over these last couple of years and I thank you so much for just being yourselves. #hat #giveaway ❤❤

[@devlinfoyston5522]

Much love from Sudbury Ontario Canada