Love Spirals Downward's Temporal: A Collection of Music Past & Present gathers early songs, remixes, and previously unavailable tracks, showcasing the transitions in their ethereal, folky, and now subtly electronic sound. Working in reverse chronological order, the album emphasizes this new direction with remixes of "Alicia" and "Misunderstood," the Flux track "Ring," and the previously unreleased "Asleep." As always, Suzanne Perry's sumptuous vocals and Ryan Lum's playing and arrangements make this collection an atmospheric yet engaging delight, particularly on songs like "Amarillo," "Mediterrenea," "Depression Glass," and the live version of "Subsequently." Though it's not necessarily a good starting point for Love Spirals Downwards, Temporal is a fine overview of their past, present, and future sound.
© Heather Phares /TiVo