Eleusian Lullaby

Known mostly for his solely instrumental work, Stefano Musso (aka Alio Die) has collaborated from time to time with vocalists, understandably seeking singers who will blend in with his post-ambient/space rock constructions rather than jarringly stand out from them (though the contrast would be an interesting experiment). The three-song Eleusian Lullaby is one of these efforts, featuring fellow Italian Martina Galvagni throughout; her clean, beautiful keen either sits gently down in the mix or rises along with it in a soft swell, perhaps best heard on "A Drone Song for Alienor," which in both title and general impact almost feels like an homage to the Elven songs and orchestrations done by Howard Shore for The Lord of the Rings movies. The title track is, if anything, an extension of the same feeling if a little less overtly alien, thanks to Galvagni's vocals being a touch more upfront while losing none of their mystery. Opening cut "The Ontroid Sleep" is in its own way the odd one out, but only just, with an overt if very understated rhythmic structure not as apparent on the other cuts, where a regular chime and guitar combination provides calm propulsion to the song and Galvagni's performance. If Eleusian Lullaby is "just" another Alio Die album in some respects, Galvagni's contributions give it an individual air, and the whole is a worthy listen. ~ Ned Raggett