Today, Sleeper’s Bell — the Chicago folk duo of lyricist/vocalist Blaine Teppema and guitarist Evan Green — release their new single, “Corner,” via Fire Talk Records' new imprint, Angel Tapes. The first music since Sleeper’s Bell 2021 debut EP, Umarell, “Corner” is a thrilling glimpse at what the duo has in store. “Refreshed by a lo-fi drum machine and the oscillating rattle of guitar strings” (Post-Trash), “Corner” transforms the group’s incisive songwriting. “Why can’t men admit they’re nervous?” — Teppema begins the song by asking — “or scared or full of shame? ‘Cus then it all just comes out like anger, and I think I’m the one to blame.”
“Corner” is one of four unreleased tracks on the “tender” (Chicago Reader) cassette reissue of Umarell, Sleeper’s Bell 2021 debut EP. Across Umarell, Teppema creates a world of phone call confessions, early morning meditations, and big dead deer. It is currently available on a limited run of lilac tapes, marking the EP’s first-ever physical release.
A librarian by trade, Teppema has always harbored a deep love for reading; there were never entire books that made her feel new so much as there were phrases and fragments which felt like incantations. It’s this transfixing quality she aims to recreate in Sleeper’s Bell. The songs she writes aren’t as much about anything as they are spells to ward off the regressive impulses of nostalgia. As a self-described “deeply sentimental person,” songwriting is Teppema’s way of quelling growing pains.
In 2021, Teppema was approached by guitarist Evan Green. Before the two ever sat down to play together, Green was already singing along to songs; and when they did, the sessions yielded a palpable understanding between them. Green’s guitar filled in a space Teppema felt had been missing, incorporating intricate and melodic textures around her cutting prose. Together, they allowed old songs to take full form, flourishing into what they were always supposed to be.
Since connecting, Sleeper’s Bell have been hard at work on their forthcoming debut album. Their new songs reflect the chemistry of Sleeper’s Bell live performances around Chicago, anchored by their trust.
Watch Sleeper’s Bell “Big Dead Deer (Live at Schubas)” Video
Purchase Umarell EP