The Sleeveens – UFOs / Bernadette 7″ (I-94 Recordings)

The Sleeveens, a fiery garage rock outfit straddling both Nashville and Dublin, delivers a punchy, invigorating experience with their new double A-side 7” single UFOs / Bernadette. Known for their raw energy and infectious sound, this release marks the band’s return after their successful debut album on Dirtnap Records, bringing a fresh take on garage rock while simultaneously paying homage to classic soul. These two tracks are a wild ride, showing off The Sleeveens’ ability to combine punk rock grit, garage rock jangle, and rock ‘n’ roll swagger in an authentic and thrilling way.

The first track, “UFOs,” is a blazing original that sets the tone with a relentless blend of gritty garage rock and punk rock energy. The song bursts open with jangly, distorted guitars that immediately grab your attention. The riffs are sharp, angular, and drenched in enough fuzz to give the track an otherworldly texture. It’s a perfect encapsulation of the band’s signature style, with just the right amount of reverb on the vocals to make them sound distant yet powerful, as if the singer is calling out from some cosmic void. The vocals are slightly gritty, with a touch of retro cool that brings to mind the garage rock revival of the early days but with a fresh, modern urgency. Lyrically, “UFOs” doesn’t shy away from the unusual, matching its sonic intensity with themes of alien encounters and the unknown. The subject matter could easily feel cheesy in the hands of another band, but The Sleeveens manage to deliver it with a swagger that makes you believe every word. The chorus is catchy, with the kind of hook that you’ll find yourself singing along to after just one listen, and the song’s structure builds in intensity without losing its loose, freewheeling feel.

The bassline on “UFOs” deserves special mention as well. It’s prominent without being overwhelming, driving the song forward while giving the track its necessary rock ‘n’ roll backbone. Paired with powerful drumming, which balances precision and chaos beautifully, the rhythm section really makes this track soar. The Sleeveens excel at creating music that feels unpolished in all the right ways, and “UFOs” is a prime example of this controlled disorder, a song that feels raw, spontaneous, and perfectly messy. The Sleeveens’ decision to tackle The Four Tops’ classic “Bernadette” on the B-side is a bold move, and it pays off in spades. Covering a Motown hit like this might seem like a risky departure for a garage rock band, but The Sleeveens manage to infuse the track with their own sound while maintaining the original’s emotional intensity. Their version strips back the lush production of the original, replacing it with generously distorted guitars and a more stripped-down, punk-infused rock ‘n’ roll sound, but the heart of the song remains intact. The song begins with a fast, more calculated tempo than “UFOs,” leaving the listener no time to breathe. The raw, distorted guitars remain a focal point, offering a grittier edge to the soulful melody. The vocals are delivered with a mix of passion and restraint, capturing the longing and devotion that made the original such a timeless hit. What’s remarkable here is that, despite the clear stylistic differences between The Sleeveens and The Four Tops, the emotion in “Bernadette” still shines through, showing that great songwriting can transcend genre. The Sleeveens’ punk rock spirit comes through in the roughness around the edges, this isn’t a polished Motown cover, but that’s what makes it so compelling. They take “Bernadette” out of the smooth world of soul and into the grittier realm of rock ‘n’ roll, making it their own while honoring the essence of the original. The guitars are more aggressive, the vocals more forceful, and the drumming more energetic, but the song’s emotional core remains.

What’s striking about this single is how well “UFOs” and “Bernadette” complement each other despite their differences in origin. “UFOs” is a moderate, punk-infused, garage rock galaxy, while “Bernadette” pushes things forward with its soulful roots but delivers just as much power and intensity in its own way. Together, these tracks show off The Sleeveens’ versatility and ability to tackle different styles without losing their distinct identity. Both songs are driven by jangly, distorted guitar lines, vivid bass, and powerhouse drumming, but each offers something unique in terms of mood and energy. The Sleeveens have a knack for capturing the raw, visceral energy of classic garage rock while injecting it with a modern punk rock attitude. The production on this 7” is wonderfully raw and unrefined, which suits the band’s style perfectly. There’s just enough polish to keep things from sounding muddled, but it still feels like you’re in the room with the band, sweat flying as they tear through each track. It’s this live-wire energy that makes UFOs / Bernadette such a compelling listen and a great follow-up to their debut album.

With UFOs / Bernadette, The Sleeveens have once again proven that they’re a band to watch in the world of garage and punk rock. Their ability to blend high-energy rock ‘n’ roll with thoughtful, passionate songwriting sets them apart from many of their contemporaries. “UFOs” shows off their skill at writing original, in-your-face garage rock tracks that stick with you long after the song ends, while “Bernadette” highlights their talent for making even the most familiar songs feel fresh and exciting. The Sleeveens have tapped into something special here, creating music that feels timeless. Whether you’re drawn in by the intensity of “UFOs” or the soulful, in-your-face passion of “Bernadette,” this 7” offers something for everyone and cements The Sleeveens as one of the most exciting bands in the garage rock scene today. The 7″ is available via I-94 Recordings. Don’t miss it!