Au Yong's clever lyrics and the accomplished librettists pull off these pieces.  For me, Au Yong draws the perfect balance of strange, unexpected moments and musically satisfying, accessible passages.  The great revelation of this album: water makes a great percussion instrument!  My favorite tracks are 6 "Puckered Skin", 10 "Kun", and 12 "Taking Time".
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Byron's music is much like Byron himself -- playful, imaginative and fun.  These Bottled Operas frolic and sport with the theme of water in all its permutations.  I love the combination of voice and water, played by percussionists using wood, stone, bamboo, bone and other materials.  My favorite selection is Kun (five operas), which begins with Dean Moore's gong sounding in the water and Emily Greenleaf's  evocative voice.  I've been listening to the CD at work, and it uplifts my spirit.
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I felt that I was listening to a story leading to a tribal ritual of containment.  I liked the feel of “I Float” that I disconnected with the peace I feel while floating.  "Puckered Skin" was wonderfully aggressive!
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