Audio Mixers: Ethan Gold; David Alhert.

Unknown Contributor Role: Phantom.

Arranger: Ethan Gold.

Elvis Perkins is the son of film star Anthony Perkins, who passed away from AIDS-related complications, and photographer Berry Berenson, who died in the September 11th attacks. If tragedy begets great art, Elvis Perkins certainly has plenty of real-life material for his tales of heartbreak and sorrow. On his first album, ASH WEDNESDAY, Perkins crafts brooding, reflective songs that manage to be heartrendingly sad yet still hopeful. Relying on softly strummed guitar chords over simple, understated arrangements, the music lends support to Perkins's earnest, fragile voice--a soft whisper that boils in intensity to a crackling falsetto. Coupled with surprisingly lush orchestral arrangements that move the album past folk towards flowery pop, ASH WEDNESDAY is a stunning debut from a rising young star.