Now, after contributing one track to the "The Matrix: Reloaded" soundtrack, Team Sleep will finally hit stores Tuesday courtesy of Maverick Records, also the label of the Deftones. The band originally planned for a 2001 debut album, but it was held after the song "Mercedes" was leaked on the Internet and picked up by the radio station Power 106 in Los Angeles.
On Wednesday night in Chico, Team Sleep got a taste of the limelight and kicked off a tour that will take them through the United States and parts of Europe. They will be at Slim's in San Francisco on Thursday.
Four words and some profanity come to mind when listening to the new album - damn well worth the wait. This band is not for the comfortable, traditional, or predictable music fan, however. For that, we should all be grateful.
Instead, this album brings together darkness and elegance in a pleasing way.
Moreno's soothing and disturbing voice layers over riveting and melodic songs such as "Blvd. Knights" and "Ever (Foreign Flag)." Wilkinson joins Moreno on guitar and Rick Verrett on bass to produce intricate blends of string work. Zach Hill's drumming is impressive to say the least. Besides his engaging style on "Team Sleep," check out his other project, "Hella," and you will hear the goods. To top off the chemistry, DJ Crook's drum tracks and turntables contribute just enough to strike an ambient, yet assertive, instrumental-electronica balance.
The big surprise, however, is the visiting voice of Rob Crow, vocalist of Pinback. Not only are "11-11" and "Our Ride to the Rectory" well-written songs, these duets between Moreno and Crow also pinch a nerve that fans will want to keep squeezing.
Unfortunately, Crow is not touring with the band, although he did appear with Team Sleep on Saturday at the Coachella festival in Indio, Calif.
Fans of Mary Timony, former Helium vocalist, will be pleased with "Tomb of Leigia," the one track she sings with Team Sleep. In comparing it with the rest of the album, however, the song trails a distant and dead last. For some listeners, the song might warrant a skip, or even a deletion from your audio library.
Besides that little blemish, Team Sleep brings much-needed creativity to a stagnant alternative music scene that survives off tattooed boy bands and cookie-cutter metalheads.
It's always a relief to hear something from the road less traveled, so pay attention, folks - this road will be bringing Team Sleep to a venue or music store near you.
Sidebar
Who: Team Sleep w/ Strike Him Centurion
Where: Slim's, 333 11th St., San Francisco
When: Thursday May 5, 9 p.m. (doors 8 p.m.)
Cost: $16
Info: (415) 255-0333, www.slims-sf.com