Team Sleep - Team Sleep (2005)

Genre- Rock, Dream Pop

Team Sleep is a side project by Deftones vocalist Chino Moreno. Besides Moreno's distinctive voice there is absolutely zero similarity between the Deftones and Team Sleep. There are a few rockers on this album, but the majority of the songs are gentle dreamscapes that are intended to create a mood of calm. The album features plenty of lush textures, combining electronics and turntables over a dreamy guitar. Team Sleep reminds me of many of the early 90's Dream Pop and Shoegaze bands. I hear a strong Catherine Wheel influence as well as My Bloody Valentine. Although there are many guests on the album such as DJ Crook on Turntable/Programming, Todd Wilkinson on Guitar, Pinback's Rob Crow and Helium's Mary Timony on Vocals, this is without a doubt Moreno's band. His ethereal voice shines through on all songs whether he's singing in a hush over ambient electronics or whether he is letting loose his primal scream over soaring guitars. The album is not without faults though. At times it becomes too experimental and overindulgent. Or maybe it's just me. I just don't like boring 1 minute filler tracks. There are a few of these on the album that just aren't necessary. Other than that, it is an interesting album and worth a listen. My favorite tracks are Blvd. Nights and Your Skull is Red.

Rating- 6/10

Frank Black - Honeycomb (2005)

Genre- Alt Rock, Classic Country

Frank Black is a legend. It is safe to say that his band the Pixies lifted Alt Rock of the late 80's to the mainstream boom it had in the 90's. Surfer Rosa and Doolittle are true classic Post-Punk-Alt Rock albums that will stand the test of time as demonstrated by the Pixies successful reunion tour this summer. Frank Black has earned the right to play any style of music he prefers. This is evident on Honeycomb which was recorded during a 4 day session in Nasheville during a break on the Pixies tour. Honeycomb is classic country music with an adult contemporary smoothness. The lyrics are also quite country in content with songs about break ups and drinking. I could never say this is a bad album. Actually, if the mood is right, it would probably be a beautiful relaxing album. The problem for me is I can't seem to find this mood. This album is just too country sounding for me. Since I am not a fan of country music I really cannot rate this based on how much I like it. I can only rate it on how I think it compares to other albums in its genre. I think it compares nicely. Best songs are I Burn Today and My Life is in Storage.

Rating- 5/10

Bear vs Shark - Terrorhawk (2005)

Genre- Indie Rock, Post-Hardcore

Bear vs. Shark are from the Detroit, Michigan area and reside on the Equal Vision label. Terrorhawk is their second full length release. Describing Terrorhawk's sound will prove to be difficult. Their influences are many and elements of each influence shine through in their music. At times you can hear hints of Dismemberment Plan, Fugazi, and Leatherface . It is a combination of Post-Hardcore, Math Rock and jangly Indie Rock all rolled into one tight, high tension sound. Vocally, Mark Paffi doesn't really sing. He doesn't really scream either. It is an emotive wail that blends into the hidden start stop melodies of the band. The music is aggressive, powerful and at times down right beautiful. Time changes are plenty and elevate the tension slowly to a simmering boil. Eventually it boils over and the song is burned into your mind. You want to go back and listen to the song again, but you stop because you can't wait to hear the next. Terrorhawk is also quite experimental. It's certainly not your average Post-Hardcore album. There are jazzy interludes of horns and strings that should not sound appropriate, but for some reason sound just right thrown into the mix. This album has high replay value. It is like a complex movie that you watch multiple times. Each time brings something hidden that you missed the time before. I strongly recommend this album. Best songs are Catamaran and Baraga Embankment.

Rating- 8/10