TEF x Gabriel Byrd "Still Asleep"

Sounds from Netherlands

27/05/2025 |

TEF x Gabriel Byrd’s “Still Asleep” is a poignant and atmospheric Indie Rock/Pop track that beautifully captures the emotional turbulence of navigating new love after a long, life-defining relationship. The song opens with an evocative piano intro that immediately conjures 80s nostalgia, setting a reflective tone that's perfectly complemented by vocals reminiscent of R.E.M.’s Michael Stipe—earnest, slightly raspy, and full of feeling. The warm vocal harmonies add depth and comfort to the otherwise vulnerable subject matter. Set against the backdrop of the pandemic, the lyrics explore doubt, fear, and cautious hope with a raw honesty that feels deeply personal yet universally relatable.

The collaboration shines especially bright in the second chorus (at 2:05), where the lead vocal leaps into a higher register and electronic drums subtly elevate the emotional stakes. Gabriel Byrd’s guitar additions tastefully enhance the track’s texture without overpowering its intimate core. As the musical project of Amsterdam-based multi-instrumentalist Thomas Jongsma, TEF blends vintage influences—from Bowie and Talk Talk to CSN—with modern indie and prog sensibilities. On his latest album Faith & Superstition , this mix of eras and styles coalesces into a rich, emotionally resonant collection, with “Still Asleep” standing out as a highlight—a song that feels both timeless and urgently contemporary.