Don't Sleep

DON't SLEEP is a new band from Harrisburg, PA and Washington, DC featuring Dave Smalley, the singer of influential hardcore and punk bands such as DAG NASTY, DOWN BY LAW, D.Y.S., and ALL, as well as Garrett Rothman (bass), Tom McGrath (guitar), Jim Bedorf (drums), and Tony Bavaria (guitar), who have also played in a number of bands previously on labels such as Blackout Records, Eulogy Recordings, Art Monk Construction, Sony and Megaforce. While originally DON't SLEEP started to back Dave up while playing songs from his former bands, the members all became fast friends and quickly began writing new material. The music they created was not only influenced by Dave and his former bands, but the records that all the members have been listening to and have been influenced by over the years. DON't SLEEP has recorded seven songs which are on this European exclusive release on vinyl only. Two of these songs were co-written and have bass playing provided by Chris Bavaria, the bass player from React! Records bands MINDSET and PRAISE. While DON't SLEEP's music can be described as aggressive, fast, and energetic, they've managed to infuse melody and an element of pop sensibility into their songs. Additionally, while callbacks and influences to classic hardcore and punk bands such as 7 SECONDS, JUDGE, BLACK FLAG and BAD BRAINS can be heard in their songs, a current/modern element is present as well.