The Thao and Justin Power Sessions

The Portland Cello Project is an eclectic “indie cello orchestra” from the Pacific Northwest that operates way outside the classical box. Their self-titled debut featured appearances by indie artists such as Nick Jaina and Laura Gibson, and it’s not unusual for them to perform music by both Metallica and Bach, or to tour with Buckethead. This collaboration with singer/songwriter Thao (Nguyen) and Northwest musician Justin Powers is a match made in New Music heaven, with Thao’s warm, breathy voice and Powers’ lonesome trill coloring the collection with a variety of beautiful hues.  It’s a thrill to hear Thao doing her own songs — especially the gorgeous “Tallymarks” — with a half dozen cellos working the melody, and Powers’ darker, more haunting tones interlaced with the somber strings. “Cut the Rope” is goosebump-raising. “Mouth for War” is a real standout, a bona fide rocker, and it’s a tune that belongs to metal band Pantera. There are more surprises to discover in this brilliant collaborative effort, and fans of the Decemberists, Bon Iver, or Andrew Bird should all feel right at home.