Tasmanian alt rock trio Verticoli have long been celebrated for their “big riffs” and volcanic energy, but with their late 2025 release, “Sleep,” they reveal a compelling, softer sonic underbelly. As a standout track from their third fulllength album, Silverlinings, “Sleep” trades the band’s signature driving grunge for a hushed, hazy soundscape that captures the restlessness of 3 a.m. mental unrest.
Produced by Luke Cincotta at Sing Sing Studios, the track leans into tension rather than immediate release. It opens with drifting, reverb heavy guitars that feel thick yet controlled, creating a looming presence that mirrors the song’s lyrical themes of internal struggle. Unlike the anthemic grunk found elsewhere on the album, “Sleep” is “deft and spacious,” allowing the rhythm section to ground the track with a pulse that feels more human than mechanical.
Lyrically, the song explores the state where a tired body meets a mind that refuses to slow down. Vulnerable lines like “I pray my nerves will be discreet” highlight a raw, unpolished vocal delivery that makes the performance feel lived in rather than merely performed. It is introspective without being indulgent, maintaining a balance where melody cuts through the grit to offer flashes of warmth.
In the 2026 indie landscape, “Sleep” stands as proof that Verticoli’s strength lies in their versatility. They have successfully translated the chaos of major life changes into a track that is both heavy and hollow in exactly the right ways. For fans of 90s alternative rock seeking a more contemplative edge, it is an essential addition to any melancholic playlist.
This has been added to our Lit Vibes Spotify Playlist. Discover all the incredible artists featured and give the playlist a follow to stay tuned for more great music!
