Although only seven songs long, this EP from Olympia, Washington is so engaging that it's difficult to believe that the whole affair is over in twenty-five minutes. The opening "Death Ship Intro" immediately draws me in with its combination of Andrew's dissonant guitar and Nora's sawing violin. Combined with the rolling rhythms from Alex on drums and Themba on bass, the result lies somewhere between the avant-garde of Sonic Youth and the country-punk of the Geraldine Fibbers. The quartet's sound opens up in "Tundra'd", with occasional guitar and bass notes chiming over top of an insistent violin pattern. This leaves room for the monotone, sprechstimme vocals to roam before the guitar builds into a complex, jagged exercise. This driving feel is the heart of the record, adding a punk texture to the convoluted music.

The songs ignore typical structures, instead moving from one section to another without looking back. Because of this approach, the focus is squarely on the interplay of the legato violin and the angular guitar rather than the vocals. This is especially evident on "Under the Cement, Sediment", in which these two instruments build to a crescendo as unnerving as any since the climax to the Beatles' "A Day In the Life". From here, the music segues into the propulsive "To the Daring", which hurtles along thanks to spectacular work on bass and drums. Listening to this, it is not surprising that the band credits Gang of Four and the Mekons as influences. The almost tribal, always gripping motion of the rhythm is clearly influenced by early ‘80s post-punk. When Andrew lets loose a deadpan laugh in "End Over End", the alliance reminds me of early T.S.O.L. with its combination of artistry and menace.

Despite the overwhelming urgency of the music, moments of teetering tranquility can be found. Of particular note is the gentle, chiming center of "To the Daring", with its reverbed vocals and disarming melody. "Summer of Twelve Thousand Years" also relaxes the mood and creates something of fragile beauty, with tender arpeggios atop a martial drum line. No Lullaby for Sleep is an impressive EP, filled with stunning moments and fresh approaches.