With the recent release of the Cocteau Twins' Lullabies to Violaine, there seems no better time to reflect on how uniquely perfect they were in forging a new sound. Perhaps it's listening to "Pepperment Pig" that has this on my mind, but Gregor Samsa create similarly stunning, dense dream pop more than twenty years after the release of Treasure. Reminiscent of the Cocteaus as well as His Name is Alive, Mazzy Star and the Sundays, 55:12 is an immense, ethereal triumph.

Weighty layers submerge miniscule harmonies on the opening "Makeshift Shelters," but its placement feels important when realizing that the beautifully heavy burden will be lifted on "Even Numbers," allowing us all to feel Gregor Samsa's ability to leap and soar. Indeed, the second cut begins with crashing, epic proportions before lowering to a simple, disconcerting pulse and finally rising once more to tower over adversity. It is one of 55:12's best cuts as it shows what the band is able to do to its audience by masterfully controlling the magic they've created.

On many tracks, like "What I Can Manage," a naturally poignant piano rolls dutifully, keeping one foot in reality; everything else from glances to wings is in the supernatural. Broad views and lofty vocals are inspiring and stirring throughout, and when the group sounds most like Sigur Rós, the palpable lamentation found in the inflection of their voices strikes the heart in new ways. As in "Even Numbers," when the closing "Lessening" manifests, we are cornered by Gregor Samsa's every sensitive movement. We feel the loss, the hope, the lovers' certainty, all through their ability to make us empathize. Like the Cocteau Twins, Gregor Samsa enwrap us in a world we long to understand and can't help but be enthralled by; their command over such wonderful territory allows them free reign on our emotions and aspirations. 55:12 is an inspired record of newly discovered dreams.