Elysian Fields
Ghosts of No
(Vicious Circle Records/Ojet)
Elysian Fieldsâ Jennifer Charles has one of those beautiful voices that, as the saying goes, you could listen to even singing the phone book. She and co-composer/bandmate Oren Bloedow have been working together for more than twenty years, and that chemistry shines through on
Ghosts of No. Though the music is excellently crafted and dreamy, itâs Charlesâ voice that carries you from one song to the next in a hypnotic manner. Opening track âBird in Your Houseâ is a beautiful, subdued track that could be taken on a literal or metaphorical level. âHigher Powerâ exploits the seductive edge of Charlesâ voice to grand effect, employing the age-old imagery of sex as religion. âMisunderstoodâ employs distorted vocals with lovely strings to create a slightly sinister air, which also includes clever lyrics such as âDonât tangle your britches when dealing with witches.â The subdued, mellow nature of Ghosts of No may not captivate some, but the record is gentle and lush, the musical equivalent of a long walk in the woods. Thereâs plenty of beauty to be uncovered here if you can be patient and submerge yourself in Elysian Fieldsâ world. Theyâve been cultivating it long enough that they should be trusted not to misguide you.