Reviewed by Andy Shaw

It is becoming more and more difficult for a new band to carve out a sound of their own without being dismissed as sounding like any number of other bands. With 'The Clearing' California-based three-piece, Sleep For Sleepers, have not come up with something completely original but there is enough in it to make it register. There is a good balance of sounds on the album with edgy guitars backed up by layers of keys making for an altogether smooth and mellow sound even on the more upbeat tracks. The album starts with explosive opener "Bravery" and the first half of the album largely sticks to this upbeat, energetic feel. There is a more mellow and reflective feel to the second half of the album with tracks like the piano-led "The Sea" showing the influence of Copeland on their sound. Vocally, Sleep For Sleepers they are at their best in the mellow moments often using falsetto and layering up harmonies to add to the dynamics. The album closes with a return to the energetic, guitar-heavy title-track to end in the same vein as it started.

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