Though released during the English dream pop explosion, , like (who also recorded at London's ), didn't neatly fit that storied movement. However, they did share the shoegazers' interest in late-'70s/early-'80s esoteric post-punk and the equally subliminal shadings of ( , etc.). Indeed, brooding-voiced singer attracted notice when he was singing for honcho 's project, and his haunting voice hovers, lightly crooning over 's bass. Hers is the lead instrument, bubbling dissonant-pretty notes a la and . Guitars, keyboards, and drums add textures that make pure foreboding glisten like a frosty winter scene fraught with peril. Don't miss the landmark opening a classic study in romantic distrust, anguish, and angina. Within seven songs, is overcome during the closing which signifies that his draining fears weren't misplaced. What an era, when English musicians expressed the dark subconscious surfacing into deep emotion. That journey is characterized here by a bittersweet reinterpretation of ' with himself reprising his guitar part. Powerful stuff. ~ Jack Rabid