Static (Sleep Theory song)
| "Static" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single by Sleep Theory | ||||
| from the album Afterglow | ||||
| Released | February 5, 2025 | |||
| Length | 3:29 | |||
| Label | Epitaph | |||
| Songwriters |
| |||
| Producer | Cowell | |||
| Sleep Theory singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
| Music video | ||||
| "Static" on YouTube | ||||
"Static" is a song by American rock band Sleep Theory. It is the third single and first track from their debut album, Afterglow. It reached No. 1 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Airplay chart in August 2025.
Background and release
"Static" was released alongside the announcement of Sleep Theory's debut album, Afterglow.[1] The song is the opening track of the album and a music video was released concurrently with the announcement.[2] The music video features the band performing in a neon-violet–lit club and was directed by Orie McGinness.[3][4]
Composition and lyrics
According to Revolver, the song combines four-on-the-floor dance-metal beats with nu-heavy hooks. Lead vocalist Cullen Moore sings in Auto-Tune-warped melodies about feeling overstimulated and unable to get away from the "static" in his mind. Guitarist Daniel Pruitt adds growls during the bridge, along with chromatic guitar parts, record scratches, and layers of synth effects.[3] Wall of Sound wrote that the song starts with "murmurs and distorted chaos" before breaking into harsh screams, and noted that its funky beat adds some groove to what it called a "metalcore-esque foundation".[5] Moore said that the band's growing schedule of interviews, shows, photoshoots and meet-and-greets created so much noise that "you can't turn it off".[6]
Reception
Wall of Sound called the chorus one of the year's most memorable and described the song as opening with "murmurs and distorted chaos" before erupting into harsh screams.[5] Loudwire stated it's packed with pure adrenaline, from the primal screams to the electro-driving beats and "robotic vocals", noting that it features one of the longest-held screams that year. They also called it a standout from Afterglow.[7] Anne Erickson of Blabbermouth wrote that the "crisp production" does not get in the way of the song's message, describing it as "brimming with emotional vocals, passionate screams and sky-high riffing".[8] Melodic grouped "Static" with "III" and "Hourglass" as songs that pair Moore's "soulful vocals with Pruitt's aggression" while "balancing chaos and clarity".[9] Melodic also wrote that the song gives Pruitt more opportunity to showcase his screaming, adding a raw, aggressive edge to the band's evolving sound while maintaining its soulful R&B rock roots.[10]
Track listing
All tracks are written by Cullen Moore, Daniel Pruitt, Paolo Vergara, Ben Pruitt, David Cowell.
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Static" | 3:29 |
| 2. | "Paralyzed" | 3:26 |
| 3. | "Stuck In My Head" | 3:17 |
| Total length: | 10:13 | |
Chart performance
It reached No. 1 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Airplay chart on August 23, 2025, their second song to do so.[12]
Personnel
- Cullen Moore – clean vocals, songwriter
- Daniel Pruitt – guitar, unclean vocals, songwriter
- Paolo Vergara – bass, songwriter
- Ben Pruitt – drums, songwriter
- David Cowell – producer, songwriter
Charts
Weekly charts
|
Year-end charts
|
References
- ↑ Garner, Emily (February 5, 2025). "Sleep Theory announce debut album Afterglow, unleash opening track Static". Kerrang!. Retrieved January 5, 2026.
- ↑ "Breakout Quartet Sleep Theory Announce Debut Album 'Afterglow', Share Video for New Single "Static"". Epitaph Records. February 5, 2025. Retrieved January 5, 2026.
- 1 2 Adams, Gregory (February 5, 2025). "Sleep Theory Drop New Song "Static," Announce Debut Album 'Afterglow'". Revolver. Retrieved January 5, 2026.
- ↑ wookubus (February 5, 2025). "Sleep Theory Premiere "Static" Video, Debut Album "Afterglow" Due In May". ThePRP. Retrieved January 5, 2026.
- 1 2 Haskins, Georgia (May 13, 2025). "Sleep Theory-Afterglow (Album Review)". Wall of Sound. Retrieved January 5, 2026.
- ↑ Adams, Gregory (May 13, 2025). "Tornados, TikTok and the Truth: Sleep Theory Talk Highly Anticipated Debut Album 'Afterglow'". Revolver. Retrieved January 5, 2026.
- ↑ Childers, Chad. "The 51 Best Rock + Metal Songs of 2025". Loudwire. Retrieved January 5, 2026.
- ↑ Erickson, Anne. "Review: Sleep Theory – Afterglow". Blabbermouth. Retrieved January 5, 2026.
- ↑ Goodwin, Victoria (May 16, 2025). "Sleep Theory's debut album Afterglow ushers in a heavier era for the band: Album Review". Melodic. Retrieved January 5, 2026.
- ↑ Goodwin, Victoria (April 3, 2025). "Sleep Theory releases new single "III" with gripping music video". Melodic. Retrieved January 5, 2026.
- ↑ "Static - Single by Sleep Theory - Spotify". Spotify. Retrieved February 12, 2026.
- 1 2 Rutherford, Kevin (August 15, 2025). "Sleep Theory Scores Second Straight Mainstream Rock Airplay No. 1 With 'Static'". Billboard. Retrieved January 5, 2026.
- ↑ "Hot Rock & Alternative Songs". Billboard. August 30, 2025. Retrieved January 5, 2026.
- ↑ "Rock & Alternative Airplay". Billboard. August 30, 2025. Retrieved January 5, 2026.
- ↑ "Mainstream Rock Airplay Songs – Year-End 2025". Billboard. Archived from the original on December 9, 2025. Retrieved June 4, 2026.