Giant Spheres

Former Loves Ugly Children and Subliminals mainman Simon Maclaren steps out with a new album. He perfected the infectious pop-punk tunes through the latter half of the 90's with the adored Loves Ugly Children - a striking threesome who made an impression of both sides of the Hemisphere. Then made a similar impact with The Subliminals' combination of sonicscapes and irreverent pop

Now, Sleepers Union sees Maclaren embracing songwriting as he never has before, and creating an album of blissful, pop psychedelia. All the while reminding you - boy, he can play guitar.

Simon "I quit my job, moved to Waiheke Island and immersed myself in the nature trip whilst spewing out the content of the album.

There are no traffic lights and no McDonalds on Waiheke, it is the perfect sanctuary to indulge in free, unhindered and experimental states of mind. Seen in this light, Giant Spheres may be listened to as a document of a transitory and almost weightless period in a certain adult's life. As Pink Floyd suggested, sometimes you've just gotta set the controls for the heart of the sun".

He hooked up with producer Dale Cotton (Conray), and used the promise of free beer to entice guest performances by the likes of Brendan 'Hasselhoff Experiment/Subliminals' Moran + Matthew 'Spud/ Solid Gold Hell' Heine and Francis 'Stereobus' Hunt.

The result is an album of fragile beauty. An enchanting medley of dreams and storytelling. It is undoubtedly Simon Maclaren's best work yet. It will surprise you. And stun you.

Wake up to springtime with Sleepers Union.

"some of the best music you'll hear this year" noizyland.com