Since their first performance at LA’s The Smell in April 2006, the band have continued Wives’ tradition of incendiary live shows, playing as frequently as possible, expounding a visceral energy on an equal footing with their recorded output, via guitar, drums, vocals and a minimal amount of effects. No Age’s music is deceptively simple in its construction, yet thoroughly compelling. Raw, considered and skilfully arranged, these eleven tracks are overflowing with ideas, ambition and intent. Both Randy and Dean are also involved at The Smell in a curatorial, social, and artistic sense. The Smell is an all ages space dedicated to underground music and art. Citing The Smell as seminal and inspirational to many, and at least partially responsible for the existence of both their bands to date, it’s a mutually supportive grass roots space reflecting No Age’s DIY ethic. It is this building that features on the front cover of their debut album for FatCat, ‘Weirdo Rippers’. The band also make video, performance and visual art under the name No Age and by themselves, and curated the ‘Get Hurt’ exhibition in LA, featuring works by Devendra Banhart, Rich Jacobs, Ron Rege Jr., Matthew Thurber, Susan CianCiolo, and Ashley Macomber to name a few.
They have released three albums to date, 2007's "Weirdo Rippers" (a compilation of early material). The band released five limited vinyl-only releases on a variety of DIY indie labels across the globe on the same day. Weirdo Rippers is a collection of highlights for these releases. Despite its multiple sources, the tracklisting for Weirdo Rippers follows a narrative of its own, cohering effectively as an album. In mid-2008, the band released the single "Eraser", which has since become the band's best known song. This was followed by "Nouns" their second release in 2008 titled Nouns, on Sub Pop. The album was rated 9.2 (out of 10) by Pitchfork Media. In 2009 they put out their second Sub Pop release, an EP of loop and sample-based songs called Losing Feeling, a continuation of their punk-filtered pop songs with a few straightforward songs and a few more abstract compositions that harken back to their early EPs. The third release was 2010's "Everything In Between".
Sleeper Hold
No Age Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
With passion it's cold, and nice to try
With passion he choose the one he's like
With passion he's ruined
With passion it's true and what's his name?
Inside home
I shouldn't make a bright one
And I sulk but a bright ones all I choose
With passion it's true and what's his name?
With passion it's you
The lyrics to No Age's song Sleeper Hold are filled with emotion and explore the idea of passion and its consequences. The opening line "With passion he choose, why don't you scream" suggests that the singer has chosen a path with intense feelings and desires but no one is there to recognize or understand them. The line "With passion it's cold, and nice to try" may allude to the fact that passion, while exciting and enticing, can also lead to feelings of isolation and heartbreak.
The lines "With passion he choose the one he's like, with passion he's ruined" highlight the danger of making choices based solely on passion rather than practicality. The singer has chosen a path and pursued their desires with such intensity that they have ultimately ruined themselves. The line "With passion it's true and what's his name?" perhaps refers to the lack of identity and true understanding of oneself when blinded by passion.
The chorus, "Inside home, I don't wanna take a ride home, I shouldn't make a bright one, and I sulk but a bright ones all I choose" is a poignant reflection on the dichotomy of wanting to stay in a safe and familiar place but also yearning for something new and exciting. The singer feels stuck and in a state of sadness but still chooses the bright light, representing the passion that has brought them to this point.
Overall, the lyrics to Sleeper Hold explore the complexities of passion, identity and the consequences of pursuing one's desires without considering the practical realities.
Line by Line Meaning
With passion he choose, why don't you scream
He made a decision with fervor and intensity, urging the listener to express themselves.
With passion it's cold, and nice to try
Although impassioned actions might seem harsh, they are worth attempting at least once.
With passion he choose the one he's like
He acted with fervor in selecting his preferred option or partner.
With passion he's ruined
His emotions got the best of him and he suffered negative consequences as a result.
With passion it's true and what's his name?
Intense emotions drive a person's actions in accordance with their true desires.
Inside home
The setting is within a living space.
I don't wanna take a ride home
The singer does not want to leave the space in which they feel at home and comfortable.
I shouldn't make a bright one
The artist should aim for a negative response or not try to appear overly cheerful.
And I sulk but a bright ones all I choose
Despite feeling down, the artist chooses to put on a happy facade or attitude.
With passion it's true and what's his name?
Intense emotions drive a person's actions in accordance with their true desires.
With passion it's you
The focus shifts to the listener, as if to suggest that they too should act with intensity and purpose.
Lyrics © Songtrust Ave, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Dean Allen Spunt, Randy Randall
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind