BEAUTIFUL STRANGERS (2007) Though drawing from music of the 1960s, their sprawling debut album has a feel neither dated nor retro. A conceptual work dealing with convictions of decadence and grace, Beautiful Strangers spans hauntingly emotional narratives through tight construction and detailed sonic texture. Beautiful Strangers works as a cohesive whole, interweaving melodic themes with its 11 song arc before building to a cathartic climax and uplifting resolution--not easily digested with one or two listens.   DAUNTED SOUL EP (2007) The Educated Guess' minimalist gospel EP employs soaring reverb and meticulous production beneath the soulfully heartbreaking vocals of Tony Mallory. Following the weary pursuit of redemption, Daunted Soul lays much of the thematic groundwork more deeply explored in its full length follow-up. Originally released in 2006, 2007 saw a complete reworking and rerecording of the 7 song project, as well as its inclusion as a bonus disc with current album, Beautiful Strangers. DAUNTED SOUL EP (2006) The writing of Daunted Soul began almost immediately after performing a two movement piece entitled "Clouds" at a high school talent show, with Charlie Brumley and Tony Mallory later enlisting Mr. Greg MacNair and Jordan Rogers as a tentative lineup of the Educated Guess. Recorded and mixed in Jordan's basement over the course of a month, the initial version of Daunted Soul is mostly characterized by sparse arrangements and dry production. Needless to say, it sucked. - J.P.