Out of Fresno, California comes The Sleepover Disaster. Formed in 1997, they have played abroad over the West coast and are influenced by 80's Brit rock. The group has released a six song EP entitled If Only… and recently released their first full length, Staring At Nothing.

"Your Gravity" gets things going weakly -- very weakly, but "Over The Top" goes over and above the top. It makes up for the preceding rubbish with a very impressive spacey alt-rock tune adding a vocal likeness to Julian Casablancas of Strokes fame. "Defect Download" brings the Coldplay whereas "Glide Away" turns up the volume with a soaring rock track and "Strange Crush" adds a candid Beatles recycled product. "Epic Song" goes back into space, as "Elite" brings a grungy distorted bittersweet anthem. Four songs end the album in ballad form.

The Sleepover Disaster definitely wears their influences on their sleeve as I can see the Radiohead, Coldplay, Oasis, and John Lennon persuasion. At times I make out The Strokes, Kevin Max, or even Starsailor but with an essential New Wave feel. Impressive production, exciting music, and daunting issues addressed in their songs, The Sleepover Disaster keeps up with the impressive crowd they look to for guidance. With Staring At Nothing, The Sleepover Disaster makes something far from heavy-eyed and devastating.

- Review date: 3/23/02, written by Blake Garris