by Heather PharesOver the course of their career, Low's glacially beautiful music has gradually melted into something much more accessible and intimate. The thaw culminates on Things We Lost in the Fire; despite its brooding title, it's the group's loveliest, most approachable collection of songs yet. Voluptuous strings, softly fuzzy guitars, and propulsive percussion suffuse songs like the sweetly melancholy opener Sunflower and the slo-mo pop of Dinosaur Act and July with a warmth and direction that Low's best work has always hinted at. Even the album's darkest moments, such as the tense, implosive Whitetail, have more emotional urgency, heightened by Alan and Mimi's close, brooding harmonies. Yet Mimi's airy solo on the spare, undulating Laser Beam is equally spine tingling. Things We Lost in the Fire also features more of Low's understated stylistic experiments: The slightly jazzy harmonies and tempo of Medicine Magazines add a bit of swing to the group's usually steady rhythms, while Kind of Girl delves into earthy yet ethereal chamber folk. Breathtakingly gorgeous moments, such as Like a Forest's pealing strings and poignant melody, and Whore's build from delicate harmonies into a gently triumphant swell of guitars, vocals, and sparkling percussion reaffirm that Low have perfected and refined their sound. The finale, In Metal, evolves from a melancholy ballad into one of the group's sunniest, most kinetic songs, mirroring the overall transformation of their music. A perfect match for its late-winter release date, Things We Lost in the Fire's slowly rising warmth and subtly hopeful tone not only make this Low's most cohesive, compelling collection, but one of 2001's best albums.