Sleepy Tom – ‘The Rush’ [EP] [Album Review]

Vancouver-based electronic producer Sleepy Tom, aka Cam Tatham, releases his new EP, The Rush, a six-track collection of sparkling, balanced songs exuding hints of R&B, pop, and EDM.

According to Sleepy Tom, “The original demo for ‘The Rush’ was titled ‘Burning’—likely because it was written in mid-July when my apartment reaches 35 degrees Celsius. I sent it to Thandi after hearing her song ‘Hot Sauce’—I sense a theme here—and her vocals fit effortlessly!”

Sleepy Tom has worked with well-known labels such as Spinning’ Records, Fool’s Gold, Mad Decent and currently MNRK Music Group. He has previously collaborated with Diplo on the platinum-certified “Be Right There,” which reached #2 on the UK Dance Charts, Top 10 on the UK Charts and #8 on Billboard’s Hot Dance/Electronic Charts.

Sleepy Tom has also worked with Anna Lunoe, Grandtheft and LIGHTS, as well as remixes for Zeds Dead, Martin Solveig, Porter Robinson, and Dillion Francis.

Entry points on The Rush include “Actuation – Intro,” with its shimmering topline and rippling layers of sound, resulting in warm, cinematic surfaces. The title track, featuring the sumptuous vocals of Thandie Phoenix, travels on a funk-like rhythm topped by flavors of voluptuous R&B. Manga Saint Hilare’s smooth, rapping flow adds another dimension to the tune.

A personal favorite because of its upbeat rhythm and the stylish vocals of Fur Trade, “My Girl” offers buoyant motion and a glossy feel, amalgamating yacht-pop and suave savors of electro-pop. Whereas low-slung, rippling textures give the closing track, “Divination,” a velvety, fluctuating aura that’s tumescent with quixotic insinuations.

On his latest EP, Sleepy Tom delivers a lean and sultry group of songs perfect for dance floors and driving down the highway on a summer’s evening.

Sleepy Tom, photo courtesy of Sleepy Tom

The Rush Track Listing:

1. Actuation – Intro
2. Golden
3. The Rush
4. My Girl
5. Fallin
6. Divination

Run Time: 16:20
Release Date: August 16, 2024
Record Label: MNRK Music Group