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Hala Strana's first two albums, the recently reissued two disc Fielding album and the self-titled album, are both essential. No matter whether you have heard of Jewelled Antler or have any interest in folk music, this music is amazingly engaging and powerful, transcending its genre. However, I can't be as strong in endorsing Steven R. Smith's third album under this name, These Villages. While the first two albums were melodic and full, free-sprited and lively, These Villages is just as likely to be slow-paced and droning, creating dark tones that dwell and simmer. Its most powerful statements are in subtle nuance in a solitary guitar line instead of bold strokes that demand attention. The album leaves no breaks between songs, begging to be listened to continuously, and the album flows extremely well, building up to the most intense moments in "Wood Scree" and "October" before settling down and beautifully languishing through the mostly drone-filled second half. This second half is by no means dull, though, as the ethic and folk influence to Smith's music creates wonderful tones from the guitar and other instruments, from the moaning bowed strings in "Dilkash" to the simmering seance in "For G. Mesmer" to the plaintive woodwind melody of "Nepdal Tarogaton" (sounding much more South Asian than Eastern European). The highlights for me, though, are those more uptempo moments where the music is full enough to fill the ears. "October" is almost a rock song with its prominent drums, bass backbone, and lead accordian riff, which morphs and mutates with each bellow. The album is beautiful and has its breathtaking moments, however, Smith's first two albums under this moniker set the bar high, and those new to the Hala Strana side of the world should check those first.

Hala Strana at Amazon & Insound