Elizabeth & The Catapult follow up their charming debut, Taller Children, with a polished and carefully crafted chamber-pop record. Where their first release was perky and carefree, The Other Side of Zero has a current of melancholy running through it. This darker mood brings with it some good lyrics by singer and songwriter Elizabeth Ziman especially on the introspective piano ballads that dominate the album. But there is also enough song variety to keep things from getting too heavy or one-dimensional. Tucked among the melodic tales of heartbreak are breezy counterpoints like “You and Me,” “Julian, Darling” and “Go Away My Lover,” the sultry “Worn Out Tune,” and the whimsical “Dreamcatcher.” Buoyed by lush arrangements and layers of strings, percussion, guitar, and warm sonic touches, The Other Side of Zero makes a lovely, low-key statement.