sleeper

CD NOW (1998)

Sleeper

The provocative sexual/politically incorrect statements of lead vocalist and guitarist Louise Wener (b. 30 July 1966, Ilford, Essex, England) first launched Sleeper into the mainstream in 1994. Such was her 'rent-a-quote' status that it initially eclipsed the contribution of fellow members Jon Stewart (b. c.1967; guitar), Andy McClure (b. c.1970, Liverpool, Merseyside, England; drums) and Diid (pronounced Deed) Osman (b. c.1969, Somalia, Africa; bass). The latter pair were recruited by the creative axis of Wener and Stewart, who had arrived in London from Manchester, where they had studied degrees in politics and had also gone out with one another.

Their first gigs were played in October 1992, and they eventually signed to the new indie label Indolent Records the following year. Their debut EP, Alice In Vain, was recorded with Boo Radleys / My Bloody Valentine producer Anjeli Dutt. This set the group's agenda, Wener expressing her disenchantment with the austerity of feminism: 'Really women are as shitty and horrible and vindictive as men are.'

Sleeper's musical perspective revealed urgent, stop-go punk pop close in construction to Elastica. February 1994 saw the release of Swallow, with a third EP, Delicious, following in May. 'Inbetweener' finally brought them to the UK Top 20 the following year. The group's debut album continued the fascination with matters anatomical, 'Swallow' and 'Delicious', which both reappeared, hardly requiring further exposition.

Two further singles, 'Vegas' and 'What Do I Do Now?', also rose high in the charts, before extensive touring preceded sessions for a second album in autumn 1995, this time produced by Stephen Street. By now Wener had become a media star. In addition to her stunning good looks, she was articulate and deliberately outspoken. Future success seemed assured as long as Wener stayed at the helm, but the critical backlash that greeted 'She's A Good Girl' and the disappointing Pleased To Meet You appeared to knock her off her stride. Dan Kaufman joined the band as replacement for Osman in October 1997.