(Nashville, TN): Nashville-based alternative rock duo Sleep Nation returns with new concept EP FAMINE THE DESOLATE. The EP is AVAILABLE HERE.

With FAMINE THE DESOLATE, Sleep Nation steps into a darker chapter of the larger narrative introduced with the Four Horsemen series. Following the electronic and industrial world established on The Spaceman – Conquest, the new EP explores the arrival of Famine as Sleep Nation’s reign falls apart, setting the stage for the ruthless forces of Famine, Death, and War. The project continues the band’s ongoing approach to building music around a larger conceptual world, with a darker backstory informing a sound that blends traditional rock elements with modern production. Recent coverage from V13 describes the project as a new era for the band, pairing its futuristic approach with the conventions of rock and roll.

The musical direction of FAMINE THE DESOLATE came from an unexpected discovery. While online one day, Sleep Nation frontman Bran Merritt came across Stephen Wilson Jr. and was immediately drawn to his heavier approach to Americana and country. Rather than creating an entirely separate band to explore that side of his musical interests, Merritt began developing the Four Horsemen series as a way to take Sleep Nation into new territory while keeping the project intact.

“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 continues, “Following our electronic/industrial debut, The Spaceman – Conquest, Famine serves as the second installment.”

That influence can be heard throughout the Famine era, which moves Sleep Nation toward a darker acoustic and Americana-influenced palette while retaining the atmospheric production and alternative-rock foundation that has defined the duo’s catalog. The shift also opened the door for new collaborators, with vocal contributions from sisters Lauren Mann and Alexandra Mann and Flip Cooper, formerly of Taco Mouth, joining the project on bass.

CREDITS | 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 by Publicity Nation PR LLC.

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”