Reviewed by Stephen Adams

After the cracking 'Night Owls 1: Nocturnal Doctrine', this is the latest in Syntax's attempts to introduce people to some quality Christian underground hip-hop. So alongside members of Syntax's roster, such as Future Shock, Luke Geraty, etc, they showcase underground favourites such as LA Symphony and new acts such as Science Project and JustMe (formerly Sage of Solseekers). 'Sleep Therapy' builds on 'Nocturnal Doctrine' and improves on it, with as much variety as Volume 1. We get the humourous punchline-filled tracks like "Apples And Oranges" by Chuck Dimes, or the remix of "Somebody Broke Wind" from his Neighbourhood Watch compadre, Nomadic The Journeyman, the deep and emotive cuts such as SintaxTheTerrific (Deepspace 5 member)'s "Dramamine" or Luke Geraty's "Drowning In My Dreams", the speaker-banging anthems from LA Symphony and Science Project who both impress with the brilliant "King Kong" and "Backbone" respectively. However, three cuts in particular caught my attention. Overflo, from the Stowaways, brings the excellent "Jail Cell" with a musical nod to the Dilated Peoples circa "The Platform", Locke's "Only A Moment Away" which features Acts 29's Braille, rides a deliciously jazzy beat to convey their optimism despite the struggles they face in hip-hop. But the cream of the crop is saved for the last track. Syntax's super group, Def Shepherd (RedCloud, Man Of War and Sackcloth Fashion's MaxOne) deliver the most innovative track I've heard for a while which sees Sackcloth Fashion's producer, RocDomz, flipping a violin sample in what seems to be 6/8 time over drums in 4/4 and the MCs ride this amazing beat with seeming ease. Don't just take my word for it. This is an essential release.

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