Alela Diane
To Be Still

She's the lesser-known compatriot of Joanna Newsom (although she's not half as... err, 'different'), but don't expect Alela Diane Menig to remain that way for too long. The Nevada native's debut album 'The Pirate's Gospel', and in particular, its remarkable title track, was an underground success upon its release in 2007. Still only 25, Diane's second album is certainly as accomplished as its predecessor, and will surely bring her folk musings to a wider audience. The question is, is it impressive enough to distinguish her from the flurry of other talented female singers (Joan as Policewoman, Regina Spektor et al), genre notwithstanding?

With many of her lyrics relating to nature and the elements, it makes sense that Alela Diane's music should be earthy and organic, too. Lap steel and fingerplucked guitar occasionally merge to create an almost alt-country flavour, although this is a folk album at its heart. It's also an album that could soundtrack a camping expedition through Yellowstone National Park, as standouts 'White as Diamonds', 'The Alder Trees' and 'Age Old Blue' attest to. Before long, though, there's a real danger of this album verging on tedium, regardless of Diane's hypnotic vocals (at times reminiscent of Joni Mitchell, and perhaps even Kristin Hersh's solo material). There's undoubtedly beauty in simplicity; but unless you're in the right mood for it, 'To Be Still' is regrettably little more than a lovely background soundtrack.

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