ACT I: THE LAKE SOUTH, THE RIVER NORTH

Cinematic is how I would describe this music, and rightfully so- this is, after all, the first act in what is supposed to be a six part affair. Overall, this is a lovely and thoughtful work, almost serving as a wondrous prologue.

"Battesimo Del Fuoco" This two minute a cappella prelude, the title of which is Italian for "Baptism of Fire," has many layers of gorgeous vocals.

"The Lake South" Even shorter than the first track, this piece has trumpet and other brass instruments, and sounds like music straight from the beginning of a motion picture. You can almost picture the opening credits rolling.

"City Escape" The rock begins here, though, with crispy guitar and somewhat heavy drums. A disembodied female vocal bridges the convincing male verses, which are punctuated by hard-hitting chords. Ghostly piano breathes new life into the piece and ushers in an ethereal chorus of voices.

"The Inquiry of Ms. Terri" Laid back and yet somehow simultaneously very intense, this piece incorporates heavy and almost melodramatic sections with the graceful choir that is Judy Crescenzo, the mother of the mind behind this project. Bizarre noises take over at the end.

"1878" A softer piece, laced with rich acoustic guitar and fluttering drums, this song contains an extremely memorable melody in the refrain. Phil Crescenzo, the father of the composer, guests with a royal organ part that compliments the music but stands out to a great degree. This is a true highlight of the album.

"The Pimp and The Priest" A dark and fun cabaret-style song, this contains some of the harder elements of previous songs with a jaunty twist. It closes with another fantastic a cappella passage.

"His Hands Matched His Tongue" Clean, finger-picked guitar softens things up. As per an overall pattern of the album, a complex vocal section concludes the song.

"The River North" Quiet piano, which sounds like a vinyl record, begins the end of this EP. The static remains though the music is long gone, and finally people applause, and the scene closes like an orchestral concert.