The bringing together of the Flesh Quartet and a small symphony orchestra does not result in a classical and solemn atmosphere, if anyone would expect that, but rather in an intensive, hectic, and sometimes cramped affair. Short periods of restful strings are quickly broken up into something more unnerving and, while the lyrics may at times feel a little mystically clichéd (like in "Matter Doesn't Matter"), Wadling makes up for any such flaws with his tremendously expressive voice. The strings of Västerås Symfonietta start held back, but as the album proceeds they gain in strength, turning the music into a style that could be described as overly dramatic film music gone evil. The climax is reached in "Off Punk," and the surprising applause at the end of this truly hectic tune reveals that there has been a well-behaved audience there all along. This is proved when you check the cover notes, making the well-produced and excellently performed first songs even more impressive. Following the applause are two covers, and the album's strongest tracks: Lennon's "Cold Turkey" and "Over the Rainbow." Here Wadling's distinctive vocals are at their best, growling in terror in the first song, and longing sentimentally, showing the unexpected qualities of a distinguished old crooner, in the second. The only drawback to this album is the short playing time -- only 33 minutes -- but, because of the intensity, a longer album would be hard to enjoy all the way through