Haunts

Liu Sola's unforgettable singing style, which can range from freeform vocalizing and animated nonsensical emoting that make Yoko Ono look reserved by comparison to simple folk-like melodies, is DEFINITELY an acquired taste. But her sophomore solo release is easily her most compelling and accessible album to date — an artsy outing on which she largely eschews traditional Chinese traditions in favor of an evocative sound so joyously original it's almost impossible to resist. The lack of vocal histrionics allows the subtle textures in her voice to come to the fore on gorgeous tunes like "Witch's Beads" and the title track. True to its title, this is a haunting, stripped-to-the-bones album, with varying moods and methods that show Sola exercising considerable restraint.