On these two rather lengthy drone pieces, throuRoof expand on the themes and sounds that they have explored through many a release. “Whale Bones” may be somber at times, but its tone is never suffocating. There is an emotional edge to the tracks that is never less than compelling and, despite the darkness, hopeful.

“Humpback Cemetery Blues” trades off its trance-like drone with the imposition of harsh piano lines, an aggressive drum. It is a disorienting song, but one that has a solid center, even if it is obscured by a laconic chaos.

“Sing the Last Dream” almost disintegrates as you listen, a simple chord structure slowly plodding through toward a jarring violin rescue. This is psych/ambient at its outer edges, defying gravity while taking the listener higher. It is a gorgeous track.

Limited curiously to 100 copies, “Whale Bones” may already be hard to find. But dig for it. throuRoof use their dark, multi-colored drone to stare at the stars rather than their shoes. It is that sense of wide wonder that gives these two tracks their power. This is thoughtful music that is never ponderous, hypnotic, soaring music that keeps a jaundiced eye on the small emotional wars as well. 7/10 -- Mike Wood (22 January, 2009)