Nashville-based alternative rock duo Sleep Nation returns with FAMINE THE DESOLATE, a new concept EP that takes the band deeper into the story behind its Four Horsemen series. The EP is available now.
Following the electronic and industrial world introduced on The Spaceman – Conquest, FAMINE THE DESOLATE moves the story into a darker place. It follows Famine as Sleep Nation’s world begins to fall apart, opening the door for the arrival of the ruthless forces of Famine, Death and War.
For Sleep Nation, the music has always been connected to a larger story. The Four Horsemen series gives the duo room to explore different sounds while continuing to build on the same world. On FAMINE THE DESOLATE, that means moving away from the heavier electronic and industrial direction of the previous release and bringing in more acoustic, Americana and traditional rock elements.
The idea for this new direction came from an unexpected discovery. While scrolling online one day, Sleep Nation frontman Bran Merritt came across Stephen Wilson Jr. and was immediately drawn to his darker approach to Americana and country. Rather than starting another band to explore those influences, Merritt found a way to bring them into Sleep Nation.
“While doomscrolling one day, I stumbled across Stephen Wilson Jr. and was immediately blown away by his dark, nylon-string acoustic take on Americana and country,” Merritt explains. “I wanted to explore that sound without launching an entirely separate band, which led to the creation of the Four Horsemen series.”
He adds, “Following our electronic/industrial debut, The Spaceman – Conquest, Famine serves as the second installment.”
That influence can be heard across FAMINE THE DESOLATE. The songs carry a darker acoustic character while still retaining the atmospheric production and alternative rock foundation that have become part of Sleep Nation’s identity. The change in direction also allowed the duo to bring new musicians into the story.
Lauren Mann and Alexandra Mann contribute vocals to the project, while Flip Cooper, formerly of Taco Mouth, joins on bass. Their contributions add new voices and textures to a project that continues to expand the musical world Sleep Nation has been building.
Recent coverage from V13 has described the project as part of a new era for the band, highlighting the way Sleep Nation continues to combine its futuristic ideas with the foundations of rock and roll.
FAMINE THE DESOLATE features Bran Merritt on vocals, guitar, synth, and samples, Flip Cooper on bass, Lauren Mann and Alexandra Mann on vocals, and Joey Lauretta on drums. All songs were written by Bran Merritt.
The EP is distributed by Heart Songs Music Group and Soulspazm, with publicity handled by Publicity Nation PR LLC.
FAMINE THE DESOLATE is available now.
ABOUT SLEEP NATION | Though they keep the icons of decades past steady in the rearview, Sleep Nation has its eyes locked firmly on the future of rock ‘n’ roll. The Nashville-based alternative rock duo was founded in 2010 by lead vocalist Bran Merritt. After placing a Facebook ad seeking a like-minded collaborator, Merritt connected with drummer Joey Lauretta, and the chemistry was instant. Bound by late-night writing sessions and a shared vision for high-energy music, Sleep Nation was born.
Despite operating as a two-piece, the duo delivers a sonic impact and stage presence that rivals a full line-up. That relentless live energy has taken them from sweat-soaked Music City venues to opening for national touring acts such as Adema and Sponge.
Sleep Nation’s early breakout came with “I Want You Back,” which landed on 102.9 The Buzz’s “Local Buzz Top 25” and secured them the #2 spot on Sunset Island Music’s global Top 25 Unsigned Bands list. Momentum built quickly through cinematic soundtrack features — including “Mr. Unlucky” and “I’m a Werewolf, But That’s Ok” for the film Hair of the Dog, and end-credits music for Potter’s Ground — alongside singles like “Slip,” “Scream & Shout,” “American Way,” and “Headlights.”
In recent years, the duo expanded their sonic identity into theatrical sci-fi territory with And Then There Were 2… and The Spaceman – Conquest, generating playlist momentum with tracks like “Set Up The Controls” and “The Spaceman – Ground Control.” Sleep Nation further solidified their modern era in late 2024 with the release of Deadbeat Disco — a 9-track collection featuring standouts like “Into the Night” and “Sold-Out Crowd” that fuses heavy guitar work with infectious, dark-groove rock energy.
The duo has also earned multiple Apple Music editorial playlist placements and has been featured by EarMilk and other editorial outlets. 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 built for the future.
TRACK LISTING | “The Desert,” “Famine,” “You Can’t Eat Your Television” feat. Sisters Mann, “Jackie’s on Pills,” “Black Horse,” “Here Come the Horsemen”
