Few artists can weave tragedy and heartbreak into gorgeous lyrics and melodies the way Elvis Perkins can.  After losing his father to complications from the AIDS virus years ago and his mother in the September 11 disaster, it’s safe to say that he has shouldered more tragedy than most of us.  Perkins’ solo album Ash Wednesday dealt mainly with these issues, and his first album with his backing band, the self-titled Elvis Perkins In Dearland, maintains a natural progression in both sound and overall feel.  In contrast to the stripped-back nature of Perkins’ debut, In Dearland showcases vast instrumentation and an almost cheerful aura.
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