The name 'Team Sleep' has been bandied around for about 5 years now, having only just finished the record (the type of work ethic that would make Trent Reznor think he's a workaholic) and being able to put it out on Maverick. None of the other band members are established in other groups, these are just mates who decided to put a record together, and a damn fine one it is too.

Taking cues from everything from post rockers such as Godspeed You Black Emperor! (or Godspeed You! Black Emperor, depending on what album you’re referencing) and Mogwai, to the trip hop beats of DJ Shadow and the hypnotic electronica of Kid A-era Radiohead, Team Sleep has lived up to their name and put together a debut that can easily send you to sleep. This is no bad thing - after stressful moments in life, you need a record that will calm you, sedate you, and lull you to slumber. Less eclectic fans of Deftones will dismiss this, but frankly it’s their loss.

The album is one that is best consumed as a whole, but standout tracks include 'Ever (Foreign Flag)', and 'Tombs of Liegia', featuring the angelic vocals of ex-Helium singer Mary Timony, which is inspired by an Edgar Allan Poe poem. I'm not going to pretend some of the songs don't sound like Deftones - with vocals as unique as Chino's, it's hard for them not to - 'Blvd. Nights' being very 'Tones-esque indeed.

A very good debut indeed. One last thing - on the brilliant 'King Diamond', Chino has the best last word ever - "What you thinking about?" "Nothing...important."

Ollie Connors