Although it would have been neat if the duo chose a name for this collaboration, former
Madder Rose bandmates
Mary Lorson and
Billy Coté remain productive and challenging, releasing records consistently over the last ten years and keeping busy with film projects.
Piano Creeps continues on a similar route as
Tricks for Dawn, as they shed all evidence of their shiny underground pop, exploring somber instrumentals which wander into jazz, ambient, and experimental. Playing the majority of instruments,
Lorson and
Coté bestow the dusky sides of guitar, bass, Moog, (creeping) piano, Rhodes, and violin. Three arrangements do have vocals, but they're kept well down in the mix. "Dig a Hole," with a jazz foundation and some light vocals from
Lorson, is reminiscent of
Fiona Apple's "Criminal." The closest thing to
Madder Rose are "Americana #1" and the pretty "See the Stars." Otherwise, this is a respectable endeavor that isn't interested in following the rock format.