The album dives right into the signature features: bright electronic rhythms and cavernous, echoing vocals. It immediately invokes electronic acts from the 70's through the 90's, with the lead swimming in reverb above crisp snare snaps and moody synth pads. The songs flow easily together, each having a similar moving-but-somber vibe.
"Object Passion" and "Creeping Zero" both start with a simple EDM rhythm pattern, before haunting vocals are spread on top. The synths carry most of the melody, as the singing has a distinctly limited range. The same vocal patterns are on all 4 songs, an interesting bit of stylistic consistency.
Things change up a bit in "HeartDust" which is composed with more physical instruments. It begins with a piano riff and bass guitar, before adding what sounds like a harpsichord. A string section comes in halfway, when the vocals hit a crescendo above creeping synth pads. My top pick is "Undone", which has more energy than the previous songs. It's a nice combination of electric and natural instrumentation.
While the music isn't particularly dark, the lyrics are full of lamentations and love unfulfilled. A darkness held within, explored from a blistered emotion. Hopefully someday, they reach the joy at the end of the title.