Lala Lala

Originally released in October 2016 as a long-since sold-out self-released cassette, Hardly Art is proud to announce that Sleepyhead, the debut full-length from celebrated Chicago band Lala Lala, is now available again. Recorded in a basement over the course of five days during a typically-inhospitable Midwestern winter, Sleepyhead is an auspicious-if, at the time, criminally overlooked-debut effort from the young songwriter Lillie West and her then-lineup of supporting players (Abby Black on drums and Karl Bernasconi on bass). Unlike 2018's critically-acclaimed The Lamb, Sleepyhead is a rawer, more punked-up album with fewer lyrical metaphors obfuscating it's intimate, direct emotionality. Committed to tape in an urgent outburst of creative energy, the self-produced record eschews overdubs and takes unfussy aim at the listener's ears, heart, and the lump in their throat. Album standout "F*** With Your Friends" was a breakthrough moment for West-it was the first song she ever wrote, one that tumbled out of her fully-formed, setting her on the path that's led to her recent successes. It's also emblematic of Sleepyhead's confessionalism and fearless forthrightness: "I drink more than I want to 'cause it makes you easier to talk to / And what you're saying is boring," West sings.