| "Static" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single by Sleep Theory | ||||
| from the album Afterglow | ||||
| Released | February 5, 2025 | |||
| Length | 3:29 | |||
| Label | Epitaph | |||
| Songwriters |
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| Producer | Cowell | |||
| Sleep Theory singles chronology | ||||
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| Music video | ||||
| "Static" on YouTube | ||||
"Static" is a song by American rock band Sleep Theory, released on February 5, 2025, from their debut studio album, Afterglow . The single became the band's second consecutive number-one on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Airplay chart.
Sleep Theory released "Static" on February 5, 2025, through Epitaph Records. The song was issued as the band announced their debut studio album Afterglow and was presented as its opening track. [1]
In the band's announcement, "Static" was described as beginning with a ferocious opening before moving into a dynamic, heavy groove and prominent vocal hooks, positioning the track as an energetic introduction to Sleep Theory's sound at the time of its release. [2]
"Static" blends metalcore elements, opening with murmurs and distorted chaos before erupting into harsh screams. Wall of Sound highlighted the track as "a bold introduction to the identity Sleep Theory have put forward," noting its funky, metalcore‑esque beat and strong, memorable chorus that contribute to its high‑energy character. [3]
Musically, the song features nu-heavy hooks and four-on-the-floor dance-metal beats, layered hyper-manic synth-screeching, record scratches, and grotesque chromatic guitar chunkery. Vocalist Cullen Moore delivers auto-tune-warped melodies, while guitarist Daniel Pruitt contributes growls on the bridge. [4]
Loudwire described "Static" as opening with a primal scream and featuring electro-driving beats and robotic vocal elements, with one of the longest-held screams in a popular song of the year, emphasizing its adrenaline-fueled intensity. [5]
Moore explained that "Static" addresses the overwhelming noise and nonstop activity that accompanied the band's rapid rise in profile, reflecting the feeling of being overstimulated by obligations and external pressures. [6]
Melodic noted that the track "explodes with energy and deep growls," pairing Moore's soulful vocals with Pruitt's aggression, and highlighted it as indicative of the band's evolving sound, balancing chaos and clarity. In coverage of the single "III," Melodic also emphasized that both it and "Static" allowed Pruitt to showcase his screaming abilities, adding a raw, aggressive edge while retaining the band's soulful R&B rock foundation. [7] [8]
The music video shows Sleep Theory performing the song for fans in a neon-violet-hued club, with the band described as "crunching out the number" in an energetic setting. [4] The music video for "Static" was directed by Orie McGinness, who has worked with Bad Omens and Spiritbox. [9]
Loudwire included the track in its "Best Rock + Metal Songs of 2025," praising its adrenaline-fueled intensity. [5]
Blabbermouth highlighted the album's "crisp production" that complemented tracks including "Static," noting its strong vocals and riffing. [10]
"Static" topped Billboard's Mainstream Rock Airplay chart, becoming the band's second consecutive number-one single. [11]
| Chart (2025) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| US Hot Rock & Alternative Songs ( Billboard ) [12] | 46 |
| US Rock & Alternative Airplay ( Billboard ) [13] | 20 |