Leah Callahan

Even Sleepers

Baraca Records

http://www.leahcallahan.com

This is Leah Callahan's debut solo album, having formerly performed with artists like Turkish Delight, Betwixt, and Butterfield 8. This is one of the most intriguing albums of this year without a doubt. "Even Sleepers" is the result of various styles of music, ranging from Klezmer and Flamenco influences to lounge and many others. While each song will catch you as "odd" in proportion to the last, the album has surprisingly smooth flow. Callahan's voice is undoubtedly the spotlight here with it's eerie and sultry lure, like a siren drawing you to the rocks. The instrumentation is sparse on all the songs, which further serves to make Callahan's voice the focal point. In reality, this album could have probably been pulled off acappella and few would have noticed the difference. The lyrics hit on many things but always manage to come off as intimate and thought out. This CD may sound odd to those trying to listen to it throughout the hustle and bustle of every day life, but some time spent alone with it will reveal a deeply heartfelt album of experimentation and wonder. I highly recommend this release.

Key Song: "Vampire Heart"

Reviewed by:Mark Fisher