| "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.
"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]
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] The lyrics address the constant noise and overload of life as the band gained attention. Moore said that interviews, shows, photoshoots, and social media all came at them quickly, creating so much noise that "you can't turn it off" and sometimes feel like you're going crazy. [6]
Wall of Sound called the song one of the album's most memorable tracks, noting its strong chorus and energetic opening that captures the listener's attention. [5] Loudwire stated it's packed with pure adrenaline, from the primal screams to the electro-driving beats and robotic-sounding 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 said the clean production never gets in the way of what the song is trying to say, pointing out that the song is loaded with emotional vocals, fired-up screams, and big, soaring riffs. [8] Melodic said the song mixes chaos and clarity, with Moore's soulful vocals contrasting Pruitt's growls. [9] Melodic also mentioned that "Static" lets Pruitt cut loose with his screams, bringing a raw, aggressive edge to the song while still holding onto the band's soulful R&B rock roots. [10]
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 | |
It reached No. 1 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Airplay chart on August 23, 2025, their second song to do so. [12]
Weekly charts
| Year-end charts
|