Song of the Day #55: Fluoride – “Sleep”

During a two-year hiatus from releasing music with the Beach Fossils, frontman Dustin Payseur and his wife, Katie Garcia, built Bayonet Records. The couple’s new platform now purveys a collection of contemporary bands including Red Sea, Warehouse and Payseur’s new project, FLUORIDE.

Late last month, Fluoride’s debut single “Sleep” was released to promote the groups forthcoming album Material, released yesterday via Bayonet Records. Anyone expecting the nostalgia tinged indie pop they’re use to from Payseur may be disappointed or, like this writer, pleasantly surprised by his progression. This evolution is undoubtedly influenced by the (presumptuously) melancholic presence of contributing writer Rene Nuñez of Herzog Rising. Payseur’s ability to create subtly atmospheric tracks is the only remaining trace of the Beach Fossils in the new Fluoride single, “Sleep”. However, the “beach-y” ambiance has been replaced by ethereal, industrial tones reminiscent of shoegaze. Rather than dreamy pop vocals, the standard swirling guitars are instead complimented by a muffled hardcore scream that fills the repeating passage of a fluttering bass. Give the track a proper listen below and stay tuned for more from Bayonet Records.