Their music is dreamy and ethereal. It ranges from dischordant music
matched with melodious vocal tracks to potential pop gems. Their name is
"Drill Team," and their album is "Hope and Dream Explosion". This album has had as many reported release dates as Madonna has had real dates, but followers of Drill Team should be delighted to know that the album should be available in stores by the time both my fans read this review.

The band is made up of Michael Long (lead singer/guitarist and primary
songwriter), Timothy LaRue (guitarist), Jeff Watson (bassist) and Apollo
Strange (drummer). Their music defies immediate classification, but if
anything, it would be considered alternative, which is not surprising
considering the producers of this album have also produced albums by "Elvis Costello" and "Bush."

The album begins with a strident guitar chord which introduces the track
"Hold You Down." This first track shows off Michael Long's strong vocals, and lets listeners know that they're in for a strange but exciting musical
experience. Lyrically, it's reminiscent of both the similarly titled "Hold
Her Down" by "Toad the Wet Sprocket{ and "Sex Type Thing" by "Stone Temple Pilots." All three songs carry different meanings though, and produce unique emotions.

One of the most immediately radio friendly songs, at least as far as radio
stations whose playlists go beyond Celine Dion, is the song "Peppermint." With this song, the band is able to accomplish an enjoyable love song while staying within their style of music. This track will be a delight to people who appreciate good lyrics, but who don't care for saccharine sweet ballads.

This track is followed by what, in my opinion, is the centerpiece of the
album - the tracks "Hope and Dream Explosion" and "Stars Fly." "Hope and
Dream Explosion" is an almost psychedelic layered sonic experience. It
features moody lyrics paired with a wall of distorted sound. This song
segues seamlessly into "Stars Fly," which to me has a "Radiohead" type feel to it. It's another love song with a punch, featuring some of the best
guitar work on the album.

The hard-rocking "Overflow" follows next. This is another strong track and
the bass and drum lines are prominent in this song. Following that is the
haunting "Sorrow Marry Me." This is another radio-friendly track, if listeners
don't mind being depressed. The vocals are layered over dirge-like music,
and everyone seems to hold back to let the lead singer express his pain.

Other strong tracks on the album include "Monarch Mine", another
psychedelically fueled track, and a "hidden" track called "Drippin." "Drippin" is another good lazy rocker, and the vocals remind me somewhat of the style of the lead singer of "Love and Rockets."

Overall, this is an enjoyable CD, and though not technically a debut (the
band also has an EP), is a strong first effort. After having listened to the
CD several times, though, I found myself skipping past a few of the tracks. I
do think any fans of alternative music that remains melodious and listenable should check this CD out. I can't wait to see this band live, just to see if the drummer lives up to his rather unusual name.