Review Fix chats with Sleep Nation’s Bran Merritt, who discusses their new album ‘Famine’ and their cover of the Hall & Oates classic, Maneater.
About the Band:
Though they keep the icons of decades past steady in the rearview, Sleep Nation has their eyes locked firmly on the future of rock ‘n’ roll. Unapologetic, high-octane, and constantly evolving, Sleep Nation fuses rock guitars, modern production, and narrative depth to prove that authentic rock ‘n’ roll is alive, kicking, and ready for what’s to come, including their forthcoming iteration of Hall and Oates’ “Maneater,” dropping September 23. This kicks off a multi-release Fall with three albums and two more singles to come before the end of 2026, including The Famine due out September 30. Sleep Nation has earned recognition across the independent music industry through award nominations, media coverage, radio placements, and film sync opportunities. The band has been nominated for the Josie Music Awards, one of the largest independent music award shows held in Tennessee, and has been highlighted by independent music and rock outlets including Earmilk, Drop The Spotlight, and antiMusic. Sleep Nation has also appeared on Nashville television, performing their singles “Crybaby” and “Sophistication” live on WSMV’s Today in Nashville.
Review Fix: How did the band get together?
Bran Merritt: Joey Lauretta, our drummer, answered the call in 2019 through a local Facebook musicians’ page. Sleep Nation has gone through different phases, but this is the current lineup. In my opinion, our best songwriting has been accomplished during this time.
Review Fix: How has your sound changed since then?
Merritt: Most definitely. We’ve been all over the place stylistically, and with our upcoming Four Horsemen album series, we’re doubling down on that. We’ll be exploring folk, goth, post-punk, and metal.
Review Fix: How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard you before?
Merritt: Overdriven disco, where the amps are turned up to 11!
Review Fix: Why cover Hall & Oates?
Merritt: Why not? We didn’t set out to cover this song. It happened by pure accident. Our producer heard one of the demos for our upcoming Famine the Desolate album and jokingly started singing “Maneater” over the synth line. The album is supposed to be dark folk, so that really got my wheels turning. I mean, the lyrics are dark anyway. So, let’s do it!
Review Fix: What makes your version of “Maneater” special?
Merritt: The haunting backing vocals from the Sisters Mann, along with a string arrangement courtesy of Nikki Christie from Flight Attendant, who replaces the original saxophone solo.
Review Fix: How was Famine put together? What was the creation process like?
Merritt: I grew up in a small town in Tennessee where most people listen to country music, so I have a love-hate relationship with the genre. This is my attempt to tiptoe up to that line without singing about trucks.
Famine the Desolate is the second installment in the Four Horsemen album series. The subject matter explores going hungry, both physically and mentally.
I felt very comfortable writing and recording this material. I was able to draw from influences such as Johnny Cash, Stephen Wilson Jr., and Marty Robbins. It felt like dusting off an old, familiar book that I hadn’t read in a while.
Review Fix: How do you want it to affect people?
Merritt: This is an interesting question. I don’t believe I’ve answered something like this before. I don’t necessarily want to impose my feelings on the audience. Some sad songs make you happy, and some happy songs make you sad. But if a song resonates with you, that’s all that matters.
Review Fix: What’s next?
Merritt: The rest of the Four Horsemen albums will be released. Death the Destroyer comes out on October 28, and War the Destructor comes out on November 12.
Review Fix: Anything else you’d like to add?
Merritt: Thank you for giving us this opportunity!
Review Fix: Where can people find out more?
Merritt: Just search Sleep Nation on Google. You’ll only find us and a mattress company.
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