Last week, Message To Bears, the brainchild of Bristol-based composer Jerome Alexander, has unleashed his latest album, Tired Eyes, Waking Hearts, via Lost Birds Records. With a career that’s racked up over 200 million streams, Alexander has carved out a niche blending ambient, folk, and electronic vibes, earning him spots on stages with heavyweights like Nils Frahm and Olafur Arnalds at venues such as London’s Southbank Centre. His tracks have popped up everywhere, from BBC Radio 6 playlists curated by Mary Anne Hobbs to the atmospheric backdrops of Netflix’s Virgin River and the indie game Life is Strange. Since his debut EP1 flew off shelves in 2007, Alexander’s been a steady name in the scene, lauded by outlets like CLASH Magazine and Stereogum for his cinematic approach to sound.
Tired Eyes, Waking Hearts is a tight, immersive ride through ambient orchestral layers and folktronica beats, with the spotlight track ‘Capsize’ delivering a raw snapshot of emotional tug-of-war—think swelling strings and soft piano clashing with glitchy electronics and field recordings. The album’s got roots in the moody intensity of Explosions In the Sky and the soul-baring simplicity of José González, making it a perfect fit for fans of Sufjan Stevens or Ry X. It’s all about capturing that shift from chaos to calm, with every note meticulously placed to pull you into its world.
Jerome Alexander sums it up best: “‘Tired Eyes, Waking Hearts’ is deeply meaningful to me—its intention is to represent the transition from chaos to peace, including all the difficult moments in-between. The album was recorded entirely in my home studio, blending vintage and analogue equipment with modern technology, utilising samplers, acoustic instruments, micro-tape machines alongside classical instrumentation.” That DIY spirit shines through, giving the record a grounded, heartfelt edge that’s tough to ignore. Whether you’re a longtime follower or just diving in, this album’s a standout in the Message To Bears catalog, proof that Alexander’s still got plenty to say through his music.
Stream Tired Eyes, Waking Hearts:
Tired Eyes, Waking Hearts Album Tracklist:
1. Turbines Over Oceans
2. Knots Tied in Grass
3. Disquiet
4. Open Lungs
5. Half Light
6. Tired Eyes, Waking Hearts
7. Capsize
8. River Calls
9. Last Wave
10. Awake, Far Away
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