For fans, The Innocence Mission are beyond a favorite band, more like a beloved companion, such is the intensity and fragility of their sound and vision. Spearheaded by Karen Peris' heartbreaking and breathtaking voice, with husband, the guitarist Don Peres and upright bassist Mike Bitts, they have spent ten records speaking to our collective memory and awe at life's mysteries. Their dreamy, orchestral songs are full of sensory imagery and deeply felt instrumentation, and it's their unique way of trying to approach universal joys and sorrows that allows the trio to achieve the emotional connection with their fanbase, which includes Sufjan Stevens and Sam Beam (Iron & Wine), who have both covered innocence mission songs.