Four women, three violins, and one cello are the ingredients for this surprisingly eclectic and experimental collection of music. Real Vocal String Quartet melds influences from the predictable (chamber orchestra) to the less expected (jazz and folk) to the downright surprising (rock, West African, and Balkan music). Genres are mixed, then layered with the quartet’s vocal harmonies and improvisation for results that are playful, complex, and often mesmerizing. Each of these elements have a place in RVSQ’s cover of Regina Spektor’s “Machine.” The group’s second release, Four Little Sisters, is available through their website now.

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