OurStage

This stunning six-song debut EP from the Juilliard School theatre major will probably get labeled by critics as experimental folk-rock, but don't let that scare you-this is primo mood music. The Brooklyn transplant's unconventional approach, which she deems "freak folk," results in haunting melodies and lyricism, and showcases extraordinary musicianship, ranging from the poignant instrumental guitar piece "Ode (for James)," which opens the set, to the dramatic "Dog Days," which sounds like some of Ani DiFranco's darker, more intense fare.The DiFranco comparison continues with "Colorado," which reminds me of "Millennium Theatre,"with it's sparse guitars and mostly whispered vocals. The rest of the EP continues in much the same vein, but, hey, if it works, why not? I look forward to hearing more from this up-and-coming performer.

A former theater major at Julliard, Kristen Gass is not stranger to dramatic turns and pauses and it shows on her debut EP, Band of Silhouettes with stunning results. That Gass takes chances here is an understatement - her haunting melodies, whispered vocals, and experimental instrumental turns scream nonconformity. Her album opener, "Ode (for James)," is an entirely instrumental, gripping guitar piece, while "Dog Days" is driven by an ominous bassline punctuated by jarring electro-fuzz bursts and Gass' signature hushed and haunting vocals. On "Colorado" Gass' vocals are so whispered and light the listener instinctively leans in to make sure not to miss a moment of whatever wisdom she might be imparting. "Posted" could be a simple acoustic folk track were in not for the subtle flute in the background, snippets of buzzing electricity, and poignant lines like "So this is what love is / a brutal harmony, a knock-kneed child that is a well / that only dries when it cries too long." On "Ziploc Torso" an electric guitar riff persistently tries to press its way into the foreground, held in place by Gass' unassailable vocals. Rather than a complete introduction to Gass, this EP seems to just hint at what the musician can and will achieve on her first full-length. Listeners will be eagerly waiting for more.