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