Ms. Charles' curious lyrics are accompanied by an odd collection of sounds from a nostalgic violin to electronic drum loops. In a similar vein, though with a darker, more urban sound is Bayonne , in which the electronic effects on Ms. Charles monotonic vocals add to the vaguely disturbing quality of the lyrics. It's an interesting piece with Ms. Charles' languid vocals contrasting with the more rock-influenced musical backing. The Edgar Ellen Poe lyrics come in the song named after his poem, Dream Within a Dream . Poe's words are a perfect fit for this album, and the arrangement with a small string section adds a further intriguing touch.
Hearts Are Open Graves .
It's a curious dichotomy between the lyrics and Ms. Charles delivery of them, and the band sounding more or less like typical alternative rock. Barely Recognize You , despite its title, comes about as close to any track on this CD to having relatively comprehensible lyrics. It's another example this album's intriguing combination of a dreamy sound with a dark undercurrent. It's one of the abum's most appealing pieces, especially with the much more positive mood of the lyrics. The album ends with another of Elysian Fields distinctive mixtures of light and dark.