This debut album, the title of which means "code of silence", is rock's understated, stripped-down and more grown-up relative. The Belles offer a pretty acoustic collection, the loping, distinctly lo-fi tracks now and then making way for the odd bit of electronica, while the vocals are soft and raspy.

It's an inoffensive collection of softly-sung ballads that, though pleasant enough, only have staying power after a few plays ? and that's if you like this kind of stuff.

Borrowing heavily from Wilco and Kings of Convenience, The Belles offer a line-up of confessional, lullaby-like tunes that could prove emotionally therapeutic or suicide inducing ? depending on your disposition.

But Kansas-based duo Christopher Tolle and Jake Cardwell have created a few standout tracks.

"Omerta" has shades of Low and toned-down Yo la Tengo (on 'And Then Nothing Turned Itself Inside Out'), with a loping beat and beautiful low lilting violins that underscore the sense of disappointment that weighs heavily on the song:
Is this the weight you've been waiting for?
Lift off and come crashing through the outer door

Another goodie is "Never Said Anything", with its nod to Bowie's "Ziggy Stardust" in the opening chords. Later in the song chimes, shakers and more energetic drumming break away to give the music some much-needed air (especially when you?re weighing down heavily with lyrics like: "We're in a bad way/It only gets worse"). It's this track that shows the band has promise.

Because their sound is so understated, you've got to give this album time, immerse yourself in it, so that the slightest changes in key lift you so much higher than they normally would ? on second or third listen, it's almost as if your ear and soul has been reconditioned onto some special level, almost as if you've been admitted into the Code of Silence ? and I think this is what Tolle and Cardwell are trying to do.

But it's not the first time a band has tried this, and to be truly memorable, they're going to have to come up with something a little more inventive next time round. Having said that, it's brilliant driving music ? even if it feels at times like you're driving with your foot hovering over the brake pedal.