HE HAS LEFT US ALONE BUT SHAFTS OF LIGHT SOMETIMES GRACE THE CORNER OF OUR ROOMS

This album rarely gets out of first gear as it slowly plods along with violin leading the way. This is a sad record for the most part although there are shafts of light that shine through once in a while mostly on "13 Angels Standing Guard 'Round The Side Of Your Bed". This particular song reminded me of SIGUR ROS and has an uplifting section.

The opening track "Broken Chord Can Sing A Little" slowly moves along with piano as we get a sample of a man preaching. Violin comes in as we then get another sample of a different man preaching. It's cool the way the two men are both speaking their message at the same time. The way the band made these messages sort of mesh together is brilliant. My favourite track is "Sit In The Middle Of Three Galloping Dogs" as we get more of a melody of drums and violin. 3 minutes in the drums get heavier and the violin gets more aggressive. Nice.

"Stumble Then Rise On Some Awkward Morning" features mournful violin melodies and slowly played piano in the background. Upright bass is added as the tempo picks up a little. "Movie (Never Made)" is a song with vocals and they really remind me of Neil Young. Piano and violin after 3 minutes. "Blown-Out Joy From Heaven's Mercied Hole" opens with vocals that are almost whispered. Violin then leads the way in this slow paced song as piano comes in late. "For Wanda" is such a sad song with piano and violin. The organ is a nice touch as well.

Those who are into latter day TALK TALK or NO-MAN should enjoy this recording especially if they like Post-Rock music. This record did take on greater meaning for me when I read what ClemofNazareth wrote concerning the album's title and the song "For Wanda". One of the band members' dog named Wanda passed away when this was being recorded. As an animal lover and also one who lost a dog many years ago this makes this record even more emotional than it already was. There is a picture of Wanda in the liner notes.