Sound: Each track is like a piece from a different, imaginary film score. With fluttering woodwinds, cascading strings, dramatic percussion, haunted choirs and sinister lyrics, the songs are overtly cinematic—often eerie, sometimes wide-eyed and dreamy. And while some of these compositions remain stuck in the world of film, the more successful and innovative tunes incorporate elements of pop and rock—a crunchy riff, folky guitar picking, shimmying drum beats, an electro funk groove, twinkling synths, memorable melodies, sweet vocal harmonies and more.
Heavy Rotation tracks: “Laughing With a Mouth of Blood”; “Save Me From What I Want”; “The Strangers”;
Medium Rotation tracks: “The Neighbors”; “Actor Out of Work”; “Marrow”; “The Bed”
Recommended: The Strangers contains some of the most challenging pop music ever recorded. It’s creepy and dense, and when it combines classical art and popular music elements, it can be fascinating. Fans of Bjork, Feist, Regina Spektor, Fiona Apple, Goldfrapp and last year’s Portishead album should find satisfying sounds on here.
Grade: B+

Listen to Tracks/Buy Music:
On iTunes
On amazon.com