Maguire, in addition to providing angelic vocals, also plays guitar (both electric and acoustic) and cello. Maguire also has a sure way with melody, which she proves with "Water Rise," a sweetly finger picked tune. This track also features unobtrusive acoustic piano. The album's title track is a mostly guitar-backed song, which is sung slowly and thoughtfully.

There is an element of escapism involved in appreciating what Maguire has done with The Sandcastle King. Much like fantasy fiction, this music momentarily transports one's mind far away from the contemporary world. And it's a beautiful escape!