On the disc’s opening cut, “Sometimes I Smile,” Eddins uses acoustic and electric guitars fused with synthetics beats, textures and other delicate sonics to create a gorgeous swirling universe of sound. Her voice is sharp but soft, innocent yet worldly, with a slight edge and just a hint of vulnerability.

On “Called to Say,” Steve Fisk makes his mark by infusing his trademark sound–pops, blips and textural layers–into the deep, translucent arrangements. Along with the twin guitar work of Eddins and Horist, the song moves with grace and sophistication through sleek pop melodies and a steady acoustic rhythm. When Eddins sings, “Time is wasting/ I’m wasting time rehearsing my lines” the song clearly resonates as one of the disc’s best.

Suspended electric guitar notes shimmer and shine against a tight acoustic groove on “Strange,” another stand out tune. The song uses Eddins’ straightforward vocal presence to express the pain and wonder that lies at the heart of all of our relationships.

Then the title track brings some gorgeous harmonies into the picture. While the song’s mid tempo rhythm walks through questions of direction and purpose, Eddins’ voice expands into a delicious space. It’s a new direction that offers a glimpse into her future recordings.

For the EP’s final cut, Eddins rewinds to the album’s opener, revisiting “Sometimes I Smile” with a new, remixed version of the track. This version takes the song to a whole new place. Dark, grinding rhythm elements cook and twist somewhere in deep space. The melody cuts through the synthetic low end with a dramatic clarity that is rarely achieved in recorded music.

Mische Eddins’ Vertebrae No.5 is a dreamy collection of tunes that melts the secrets of our hearts with expert songcraft and a synthetic/organic sound that lies somewhere deep below the surface yet high above the clouds.