The band Charming Disaster first caught my attention with their album Love, Crime, and Other Troubles. The musical duo released another album last year, this one titled Our Lady of Radium.

This album is primarily a tribute to the love story of Pierre and Marie Curie, the latter being the sainted “Our Lady of Radium” whose story anchors the album. The recently popularized story of the Radium Girls also makes an appearance, as well.

Quintessentially Charming Disaster, the music swings from haunted and ethereal to jaunty and festive. Although they describe themselves as goth-folk, you will notice a significant ragtime influence. The ragtime piano joined with a folk-rock guitar lends well to the content, considering the album largely spans events of the 1890s-1920s.

I really need to give this album two different ratings. For anyone unfamiliar with Charming Disaster, Our Lady of Radium is a phenomenal introduction to their unique sound. And then the fact that the content is perfect for their style? For that, it receives a 9/10.

However, if you are already familiar with their music, you may find the album to be a little “samey.” In many ways, this album does Charming Disaster well…and that’s all. The drums coming in as the ticking of a clock is probably the most innovative part of the album. It’s good, but this is not the album that is going to land them in the national spotlight. So, if you are a fan of Charming Disaster, I would call this album a 7/10.