Words By: Bre Offenberger

While She Sleeps — a British metalcore band that keeps getting better with time — have released their latest single, “NERVOUS,” featuring Simon Neil of Biffy Clyro, with an accompanying music video. Those struggling with mental health issues will not only find solace in it — they’ll find themselves screaming the lyrics in the car every chance they get.

The track opens with desolate keys, preparing listeners for the melancholy lyricism that’s to come, but no one could’ve been ready for the cathartic opening lines that we later discover to be the chorus. Vocalist Lawrence Taylor rips into his feelings, screaming over the harmonies of his musical counterparts and displaying what it feels like to feel uncertainty within everything. In the verses, the production strips back to those opening keys before adding crashing guitars to amplify guitarist and vocalist Mat Welsh‘s intense desire to have his partner around, so they can help alleviate some of his pain. Taylor lets it all loose in the brief interlude, but in the bridge, Neil emerges to provide soft backup vocals that juxtapose Taylor‘s blatant angst. It ends with Neil pleading for listeners to “say something, do something,” hoping they speak up and find help when they’re hurting.

The video opens with a screen catching Earth from the outside before panning to all the bandmates staring at screens of some type of beautiful nature-made entity. The screens turn all white once Taylor begins screaming next to his bandmates’ harmonizing. The boys all turn to the screens to look back on defining memories — including some of performing at sold-out concerts, which especially stings right now during the pandemic. Even Neil, with his gentle vocals meticulously placed throughout, is caught screaming his heart out during the impactful chorus. As the bridge comes with a shot of someone struggling in the water, Taylor’s unclean vocals depict the drowning person’s pain to a T. They watch as the entire galaxy seems to burst into flames, and then the entire scene disappears with the boys left stranded, unsure of what to do next.

Of the track, guitarist Sean Long shares: “The song ‘NERVOUS’ is one the band has been talking about ever since its first demo. It’s completely infected us since the start and we all knew instantly that something really special had happened. I would go so far as to say it’s the single most important song I’ve ever written in my life. It’s born from experiencing the pain and suffering generated by acute anxiety but also finding a way out from that, which whilst in such a dark and terrifying place, felt like the biggest pipe dream imaginable.”

“NERVOUS” is one of the singles off the band’s upcoming fifth album, SLEEPS SOCIETY. The band hasn’t slowed down in the slightest since forming in 2006 and impressively continues to churn out relatable, heartfelt, comforting tracks like “NERVOUS.” Fans of other noteworthy metalcore bands like Architects and Northlane will love this track, the upcoming album and every other piece of While She Sleeps‘ history.