My Little Flame

Despite the dark content of death and grief that seems to permeate, there tends to be many uplifting moments scattered among this ambient trip-hop down memory's lane. Relying on a more electronica feel than on previous efforts, the drum'n'bass loops and brief blips add a striking urgency to several of the songs, noticeably "Life's Luxurious." Tension-filled in a way slightly resembling an easy listening Nine Inch Nails. More reflective and lyrically stronger, the album flows from top to bottom without much in the way of extras or inane surprises. "I Married Myself" is a perfect example of Rose using a bare-bones approach in vocal, harmony, and piano for a waltz-like ballad. Also, there's the haunting, almost eerie "Dear the Mother of a Dead Son," which sums up the beautiful and dark theme throughout. Ron Sexsmith also accompanies Rose on the closing "Virginia."