Sweet Surrender Be True

19. Esmerine - Sweet Surrender Be True
Effectively Esmerine’s title track, “Sweet Surrender Be True” exhibits all the signs and symptoms of classic Constellation Records-related music. It relies on chamber-style instrumentation with more modern composition and recording styles, carries with it a Titanic sense of melancholy, and nearly meanders, like a drunk, through a protracted crescendo. Only, what sets this apart from other Constellation standards is the conscious restraint shown in never letting that crescendo fray into a storm of noise and fire. Instead, the simple, stammering piano leads strings through a much more meditative variation of melancholy. Many modern composers should thank Esmerine for opening this door, as it's created careers for many followers. (Gabriel Bogart)