During this period band members Mark Dean, Billy Holmes, and Sandy Johnston released two “work in progress” EPs without expectation. Little did they know Frankencottage and Music Box would become the toast of the blogging community, downloaded in over 100 countries, lectured upon by music professors in Brazil, and find the band rousing audiences into massive sing-alongs in cities reaching far beyond the steel cast borders of a hometown, Hamilton, Ontario – all of which motivating the trio as they emerged from the secluded lodgings of Algonquin Park and headed back into the studio, barely aware of the surrounding anticipation for their debut album.
An almost eerie level of mystery has built around the band donning such a simple name and even simpler song titles. A contradictory nature begins with the music: whimsical while monumental, traveling between overt classical pop to dream-like ambiance, the band manages to juxtapose sounds and styles without sacrificing personality or coherence, and, perhaps most notably, with uncanny ease.
Sandy Johnston and Billy Holmes, who seem to play anything and everything, are both essential to the band’s sound. Unassuming yet intricate acoustic sections, banjo riffs that will make you smile, driving drum patterns that don’t hide behind unnecessary flash, and well-crafted arrangements that are nearly impossible to fault are just some of their contributions. Mark Dean’s vocals draw the pieces together, and his phrasing and sense of melody on the record is something truly special.
Perhaps the band’s secret is simply how well they complement one another both musically and personally. Mark’s wide-eyed passion, Billy’s reserved thoughtfulness, and Sandy’s genuineness, that is so clearly reflected in his playing, all fuse into harmonious balance on the record. Dark Mean are first and foremost great friends, which is instrumental to them being a great band.
Most notable records have a duality, allowing the listener to grow and evolve with each additional play. Produced by Michael Keire (Apostle of Hustle) and mastered by Brian Lucey (Black Keys), Dark Mean’s self-titled debut is that type of album. It’s a record built over time with precision, patience, and perseverance. It’s a record that stays with you - as a good friend should.
Lullabye
Dark Mean Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Haven't slept in five days
I'll sleep when we're dead again
Close my eyes
Haven't slept in five days
I'll sleep when we're dead
Haven't slept in five days
I'll sleep when we're dead again
Close my eyes
Haven't slept in five days
I'll sleep when we're dead
(I said no, I said I don't)
Close my eyes (Want to go)
Haven't slept in five days (Want to go)
I'll sleep when we're dead
(I said no, I said I don't)
Close my eyes (Want to go)
Haven't slept in five days (Want to go)
I'll sleep when we're dead (Want to go)
(I said no, I said I don't)
Close my eyes (Want to go)
Haven't slept in five days (Want to go)
I'll sleep when we're dead (Want to go)
(Want to go)
The lyrics of Dark Mean's song Lullaby seem to explore the theme of a restless and sleepless state of mind. The repetition of "close my eyes" followed by "haven't slept in five days" creates a sense of fatigue, despair, and possibly anxiety. The refrain "I'll sleep when we're dead" appears to be a defiant and pessimistic statement, suggesting that sleep or rest is not a priority or a possibility until death. The addition of "(want to go)" at the end of the verses adds to the ambiguity and the sense of longing for something, whether it's the desire to sleep or to escape from a certain situation.
Line by Line Meaning
Close my eyes
I want to escape from reality.
Haven't slept in five days
I am struggling with insomnia.
I'll sleep when we're dead again
Sleep is a luxury and not a necessity to me.
(I said no, I said I don't)
I am trying to resist temptation.
Close my eyes (Want to go)
I yearn for a peaceful rest.
Haven't slept in five days (Want to go)
I am desperate for sleep.
I'll sleep when we're dead (Want to go)
My only hope for sleep is when I die.
(Want to go)
I am wishing for an escape from this sleepless reality.
Contributed by Peyton A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.