Review / 200 Words Or Less
Armor for Sleep
What to do When You are Dead

Equal Vision (2004) Michael

Armor for Sleep – What to do When You are Dead cover artwork
Armor for Sleep – What to do When You are Dead — Equal Vision, 2004

Armor for Sleep is a band that for me failed to live up to the potential they were capable of on their debut album, Dreams to Make Believe. They had recorded a great demo, but when the record came out those re-recorded songs were the only shining moments. A few years have passed and now we have a new album to take in. First and foremost, this album is a definite step up for them as songwriters, and as storytellers. What To Do When You Are Dead is a concept album that follows an individual from the moment of death to heaven and through the daily events of a ghost. It's a really unique concept, and they pieced it together quite well. As for the songs contained within, well they still follow the indie rock/pop formula, leaning more towards pop. The choruses are catchy and even if you didn't want to, you'd probably end up singing them as you go about your daily business. While the music isn't as annoying or obnoxious, it wouldn't surprise me if this band blew up on MTV2 with fans of Taking Back Sunday. 'Stay on the Ground' is too captivating to deny enjoying.

7.0 / 10Michael • February 25, 2006

Armor for Sleep – What to do When You are Dead cover artwork
Armor for Sleep – What to do When You are Dead — Equal Vision, 2004

Related news

Armor For Sleep reunites with Equal Vision

Posted in Bands on July 18, 2024

Armor For Sleep Announce Breakup

Posted in Splits on October 30, 2009

Armor For Sleep Post New Song

Posted in MP3s on September 13, 2007

Recently-posted album reviews

Summer Blue

Self Titled EP
New Morality Zine (2025)

You may not be familiar with the band Summer Blue, but that’s your issue. If you do know the San Jose, CA based band, then you know how enjoyable they are to listen to. For some background for the newcomers, the band started in 2022 as a side project between friends already orbiting the Bay Area DIY and indie scenes. … Read more

Relay For Death

Mutual Consuming
Helen Scarsdale Agency (2025)

At a time when experimental artists are constantly churning out new music, it is curious to find some that take their time. Rachel and Roxann Spikula might not be the most prolific creatives, but when they make an appearance, it is worth paying attention. The twin sisters have performed in Towering Heroic Dudes and Boyzone, but it is their own … Read more

Scorching Tomb

Ossuary
Time To Kill (2025)

Whenever I see the cover art of an album for a metal band and there’s impaled skulls, blood, and a logo I can’t read, I know I’m getting ready to get obliterated. If I’m at the record store, I instantly flip it to the spine of the album to see the band’s name so I can check them out on … Read more