Choice Joanna Newsom-inspired haunting female folk from Halifax’s Ghost Bees. Twin sisters Romy and Sari Lightman were blessed with angelic voices and dual musical talents that effortlessly bring their extraordinary songs to life on Tassomancy. They’re joined here by a cast of four talented players on viola, glockenspiel, accordion, piano, drums and glockenspiel.
The voices recall Newsom but aren’t mere knockoffs. The fact that there are two such beautiful singers in itself serves to distinguish the Ghost Bees. Then the duo goes ahead and replaces Newsom’s harp with mandolin to great effect - Sari’s mandolin and banjo adding a mournful Appalachian quality. Aside from the aforementioned Joanna Newsom influence, I hear a similarity to new age songstress Lisa Thiel - who I doubt the group has ever heard considering her the depth of her obscurity. The resemblance nevertheless endeared the group to me immediately.
Unusually strong songwriting and the superb arrangements. These songs are bloody catchy: I had all the vocal hooks memorized by the second listen. Further, there’s a strong energy here - the songs at times have a noticeable urgency and drive, and at other times great joy and bounce. Tasseomancy is an outstanding album from a very promising new group. Highly recommended.
- Vampire of the West Coast
- Sinai
- Erl King
- Tasseomancy
- Tear Tassle Ogre Heart
- Goldfish and Metermaids
Track Listing
- 2008-08-01 SappyFest 08 on 1 Aug 2008
