If you have seen The Decade of Sleep play live you generally get the impression
this energetic rock four piece has a lot of fun on stage. Their musical camaraderie is a
refreshing departure from pretentious rock bands that treat the stage like a soapbox, or
worse, an exercise in vanity. The first thing you notice is that they’re all clearly having a
good time, and it’s contagious. The next thing you will notice is that their songs are
catchy and smart. The writing is strong, relying heavily on strong choruses and just-left-
of-centre musical ideas. Although their pop influences are undeniable, The Decade of
Sleep has a strong prog bend to it, falling naturally into odd time signature and intricate
rhythmic figures. Lead singer Phil Laffin fronts the band with powerful vocals that are
strong and endearing on record, while live he is charismatic and dynamic. Drummer Mat
Pataki and bass player Eric Walker are technicians that move the band effortlessly
through its most unlikely endeavors always promising a big pay off. Lastly, the finishing
touches are added by the distinctive tone and expressive playing of guitarist Lance
Schibler.
This young band of diversely experienced musicians has just finished their debut
EP entitled “Morning Sun” set for release May ’09. They plan to promote themselves live
throughout Ontario and the surrounding areas, further growing their ever-expanding fan
base. With a ferocious live set and a smart, lean EP to their credit the Decade of Sleep
(who have only been in existence for the better part of a year) can easily expect big things
in their future.
Born in Mary’s Town, NFLD, singer Phil Laffin studied music in Halifax. After
honing his chops as the front man of the popular Halifax band Picture Show, he moved to
Iqaluit, NU where he played solo material for the locals before moving to London ON to
study music production. Once in London Phil was asked by guitarist Lance Schibler to
play bass in The Skywriters, a hilarious alt-bluegrass extravaganza. With its demise Phil
and Lance decided to continue to write together, and with the help of drummer Mat
Pataki, formed The Decade of Sleep as a three-piece. Realizing that Phil’s talents as a
singer far outshined his ability as a bass player, they recruited Eric Walker to play bass.
The Decade of Sleep enjoy a rich musical heritage, with Phil and Lance both having
studied music formally, and Eric working as a jobbing musician since the age of 16. Also
to their benefit, both Mat and Lance work day jobs as audio engineers in successful
Toronto studios refining their production aesthetics.
Content Release
Shows(Live)
Other
Street Plug(PR)
Studio Time
Event Attending
