Sometimes, it’s possible to predict how a record will sound using context clues. And judging by the band name, song titles, astral-philic record cover, and release date, it’s easy to tell what Heavenly Bodies’ sole release would sound like.

The gated drums, reverberated guitars, moody basslines, etherial vocals, and wailing saxophone are not surprising. Even when the didgeridoo appears, hidden in the atmosphere, it’s no great shock–this sort of ethereal post punk was having a love affair with world music in the late 80s. And no one embraced it more passionately than Dead Can Dance–oh, what’s this, Allmusic? Two members of Dead Can Dance were IN Heavenly Bodies? No kidding! And the vocalist worked with This Mortal Coil? How surprising (read: not surprising at all).

But predictability aside, there’s some great music on this disc (which I passed over for at least three years in a hidden section of the record store before deciding to splurge the two dollars they were asking). The album alternates between enjoyable dark dream pop songs and experimental instrumental tracks that borrow heavily from ethnic textures and rhythms. Most notably, the tribal-dance fueled The Icon that closes side A. And as the record goes on, I think I might enjoy these instrumental tracks a little more than the proper songs. But all in all, I’m glad I picked it up. It’s got that brand of 4AD ethereal/new wave music like Cocteau Twins and early My Bloody Valentine that I love so much.