Happily Ever After
Leaving the Cocteau Twins analogies in their creative dust, Rose Chronicles serve up mellifluous art pop ("Heaventide," "Voice in Jail") and richly textured, guitar-drenched beauties ("Ornament," "Vicious Thorns"). Kirsty Thirsk is now exploring the harsh edge of her remarkable voice, while Rich Miranda's music has gained in subtlety and complexity. Definitely no sophomore slump here.--Jeff Bateman