The Cranes are one of the most underrated bands of the late eighties. Their music has so many layers and facets to it, from ripping guitars, melodic bass, to melancholy string and piano arrangements. Alison Shaw's angelic vocals are soft and child-like, but fit perfectly with their style, drawing you into a strange, Gothic, Dreamy musical landscape of fantasy. Their influences are readily apparent, Cocteau Twins, Dead Can Dance, Cure... but the result is something unique. From the beauty of opener "Watersong", through the ferocity of "Starblood" to the uplifting fadeout of "Adoration", you would have to have a heart of stone not to be touched by the spheric music of this band. 'Wings Of Joy' hasn't aged or dated since it's release.