Grade: B-
Sultry crooner Chelsea Wolfe has graced audiences with more songs to bask in her melancholy beauty with her fourth album “Pain Is Beauty.” Wolfe’s haunting voice balances with transcendental piano melodies and quirky synth touches. The first few songs are slow and sad, yet intricately thought out and wonderfully composed. To break from the sorrowful monotony, Wolfe gets groovy with the psychedelic “Destruction Makes the World Burn Brighter,” but soon returns to her ethereal, almost ghostly sound. With hints of Imogen Heap and Florence + the Machine, Wolfe provides powerhouse vocals with a wide range and pitch. However, many of her songs lack the jaunty supporting music and upbeat tempos. While Wolfe certainly displays talent, this album isn’t meant for jam out sessions or casual listening.