"No Compass, No Map" is one of the best examples of this. The acoustic guitar plays throughout with piano, but horns are added in along with some other interesting keyboard/synth sounds. There's an odd timing to the music, but it works nicely within the context of the song. Most of the album is very chill sounding with light guitars, keyboards, synths, and other random instrumentations depending on the song. One of the top tracks worth mentioning is without a doubt "First to Leave." The song has this melancholy type of feel both musically and lyrically, but was instantly the track I was drawn to the most while listening.

As the title, Child of My Sorrow, may suggest, the album is about suffering. Krewson describes it as the type of micro-suffering that we carry with us in our everyday lives. In the final song, and title track, Krewson finally mentions Jesus and presents Him as the hope of rescue from our suffering. Krewson pleads, "Jesus be near me; be near me." As the album comes to a rather abrupt halt, after a rather strong build at the end of the song, Krewson exclaims, "When Jesus finally comes for us; I will gladly go. I'd be glad to know there's more to life than pain," as the final truth and hope presented.

The Chairman Dances is definitely a band unlike any you will normally hear in your day to day. If you're interested in the quirkier side of the band, "Acme Parking Garage," "Mascot," and maybe the more atmospheric "Out of the Lion's Den, Into the Lion's Maw" are good places to start. If you're looking for something more indie rock or pop related, try "No Compass, No Map," "A Half Mile From Allenton," or "First to Leave." Child of My Sorrow is an interesting album and one that requires multiple listens to fully digest and appreciate. There isn't really a lot of room for middle ground for this release and it's likely that it will strike you as brilliant, or not resonate with you at all. At this point, I've come over to the side of brilliance. I'd highly recommend two to three open minded listens before you make your own decision. Give this one a listen and enjoy the journey.