The second album by the disturbingly original Croix, is a bit terrifying. A massive collaborative project spanning four years (from 2001-2005), Smiling Feline Descendant is essentially a 52-minute, nine-part song encompassing nearly every genre known to man as it progresses through dozens of artfully integrated themes. Common as well as typically uncommon instruments are used throughout as well as makeshift instruments. The music is almost maddening in its insistent rhythmic journey, convincing at least this listener of the innovation of Croix art, however intricate and bewildering it might be. ~ Alec Trelawney