Xela
The Dead Sea
Type

Hypnotizing, melodic, hallucinogenic, sweet, tremendously profound, mysterious, wild, cinematographic, a most intense, and for that matter sinister, trip into the void-all these words mean little, before the assault upon the senses that's unleashed at first play of this mega-record. It's common to think that music composed on a computer will often be followed by a frigid, empty, streak of light-some might say this is due to a lack of wood. That's why I invite you to give Xela a chance, and attest to all these devastating frequencies that are capable of giving us goose bumps and bringing us to a halt. It's a charming atmosphere under the brand of one of the most interesting labels of this genre: Type. Checking out the cover art, it's easy to see that the entire package is a novel and musical trip. With tracks like "Wet Bones, Sinking Cadavers", "Drunk On Salt Water", "A Floating", or "Watching A Light In The Distance" ones head begins to spin, and all this mystery invites you to submerge yourself in this conceptual music. Guaranteed to leave you yearning for more. Indispensable.

Ghost
In Stormy Nights
Drag city

I doubt that an album titled In Stormy Nights would be meant for the masses or ever be taken lightly. The proof is in the dense, addicting, loud, incomprehensible, psychedelic and thick 28:05 minutes that are unleashed only in the second track: "Hemicyclic Anthelion". If you survive this track and follow the bolts of the storm, you'll understand that this is not just any band. Who would have imagined, with the friendliness of the initial cut "Motherly Bluster"? In their long history, Ghost appeared as if they were going in the opposite direction; albums such as Snuffbox Immanence (1999) were three times more digestible. This time, I believe they stay true to their name. They have launched into a longer and more profound, mysterious and dark album. There is an evident and coherent evolution in their sound. Causing some music lovers to foam at the mouth, while others may choose to take their time finishing the album in one sitting, not an easy task. Hopefully this introduction doesn't scare, but rather entices you to get this incredible album. Take a risk and give your ears the opportunity to get closer to this distinct concept that is sounding throughout the unpretentious and non-commercial underworld. It's the orchestral sound of medieval battle. Want to be transported to another time? Allow yourself to rip through the bagpipes of the track "Calcedonia", which is like a hymn sung by a type of wizard/warrior. How do you describe the sound? Like tremendous emotion that I can't even begin to fathom!

Who the hell is Alela Diane? That's what I kept asking myself each time I stumbled across her name, time and time again. It wasn't difficult to find her music, because it appears that this cowgirl bewitches all who listen to her sweet voice in the company of her guitar and good stories. Listening, one can quickly understand why suddenly overnight everyone was talking about his or her favorite singer-songwriter. Tracks such as "The Pirate´s Gospel", "Oh! Mama" o "Can You Blame The Sky" are irresistible. Her music is enchanting, and even if you don't like folk, country or western music, there's something in her voice that hooks you, raising the hairs on your neck. Yes sir, when there's talent the success is evident.