This past January, I introduced my readers to Ukrainian indie rock band Homeless Radio when I reviewed their terrific hard-hitting single “Submarine“. To summarize, the band formed in the city of Kharkiv in 2016, and includes Andrii Yampolskyi (vocals/guitar), Fedir Orlov (guitar), Stepan Tkachuk (bass) and Ivan Orlov (drums). Guitarist Ihor Pankieiev is also technically still a member, though he’s currently away, fighting in the terrible war against their Russian invaders. Drawing from a dynamic mix of garage rock, alternative rock, skate punk, grunge and pop influences, their music ranges from pleasantly melodic to relentlessly intense.

Now the guys are back with a blistering new single “SleepNot“, delivering more of the raw, unbridled energy we loved with “Submarine”. Released on July 2nd via Arizona-based indie label Sunset Alliance, the track was mixed & mastered by Nikolas Quemtri at NRQ’s Studio. The appropriately-titled “SleepNot” features hard-driving instrumentals and emphatic lyrics that beautifully express the singer’s aim of keeping up with the frantic pace of modern life and enjoying all it has to offer. And yet, while on the one hand he laments “Sometimes I wish that I could never fall asleep, yeah. I’m not enough for a day!“, he then concedes that he just wants to sleep when his alarm clock abruptly wakes him. It’s a conundrum I’m sure most young people have experienced. I remember staying out late partying many nights in my college days, then having to wake early to finish a paper.  

Starting off with a deliciously dirty bass riff nicely executed by Stepan, the song blasts open with a volley of Ivan’s smashing drumbeats and Andrii and Fedir’s dual grungy and fuzz-soaked guitars. As Stepan’s dexterous bassline and Ivan’s pummeling drums continue driving the rhythm forward, Andrii and Fedir lay waste to the airwaves with scorching guitar riffs. I really like Andrii’s passionate heavily-accented vocals, which soar to spine-tingling fiery wails in the bombastic choruses. “SleepNot” is an electrifying rock banger, and another marvelous single by this talented foursome.

It’s admirable that Homeless Radio have still managed to keep making music, despite the fact their country has been waging a valiant defense again their Russian invaders for more than two years. I hope they will remain safe and able to continue doing what they love.

(Alarm clock rings, I just wanna sleep)
(Alarm clock rings, I just wanna sleep)

Every day when I open my eyes
I see a plan for a while:
I need to join a party,
get drunk in the nearby town
I want this, you can be sure
And today I've got one aim
I'm trying to finish my business
I worry about my brain

Sometimes I wish that I could never fall asleep, yeah
I'm not enough for a day! Yeah!

Every time when I see you
My country blows up
I wanna be somewhere near you
But my business is still undone
To be smart you must catch up with the rhythm
It's speed can make you insane
See, honey, I'm still in the middle
In this competitive game

Sometimes I wish that I could never fall asleep, yeah
I'm not enough for a day! Yeah!

Alarm clock rings, I just wanna sleep
Alarm clock rings, I just wanna sleep

Homeless Radio Socials:  Facebook / X (Twitter) / Instagram / TikTok

Find their music on Spotify / Apple Music / Soundcloud / YouTube