So there's a new Charming Disaster album out, and I'm writing crazy high praise. Some things are as constant as cherry blossoms in March. But while perusing various other people's writing about this New York chamber-goth duo, I came across something I did not know: Jeff Morris was in Kotorino, whose 2014 album about which I was similarly effusive.

Truly, some things never change.

Charming Disaster The Double (self-released)

This album tries to pierce the veil between the world we know and the world that we imagine might lie behind it. Yes, that is a Charming Disaster staple, but this album stays in pocket and drifts through the world of magic and mystery. The music stays within somewhat tighter lines, propelled along by a much stronger orchestral feel.

The vocal interplay between Morris and Ellia Bisker is as threaded and playful as ever. Both have vocal limitations, but they intentionally use those limitations to dramatic effect. After all, these songs are about looking at reality through a warped mirror. Again, some things never change.

As with any Charming Disaster album, that's perfect. There's no need to change what works spectacularly. What's more impressive is that the duo subtly changes gears every album, managing to create a unique set that doesn't repeat what has come before. So, yeah: All due praise for the wonderfulness that is this new offering. The rest of what I wrote is blather.

Jon Worley