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Over a decade has gone by since Brown University graduate Sheik overtook the pop charts with "Barely Breathing." Since then, he's become best known as the composer of the Tony Award winning Broadway hit "Spring Awakening," and WHISPER HOUSE takes a giant step further in this direction, since it's the soundtrack to a musical that has Sheik writing both words and music. Despite the bare-bones acoustic setting and ever-pervasive Nick Drake influence, Sheik comes through with a cache of catchy tunes and even throws in some witty lyrics to boot. Newcomer Holly Brook brightens the tone of songs like "It's Better to Be Dead" with engaging harmonies. For full enjoyment (and a complete understanding of the aforementioned titles significance) research the play before playing the CD.