Captured in Ice

After the subdued sound of Jedda by the Sea, the bouncy folk-pop of Captured in Ice is downright startling. Yep, this is the same group, and though the music is more lively and a bit more mainstream, it is still subtle and interesting. The overt Middle Eastern influences are gone, though the intro and ringing guitar lines of "Icarus" show that they aren't entirely forgotten. There is considerable variation here. Though much of the album consists of upbeat and intelligent folk-pop, "Autumn Cathedral," has a cinematic quality and more than a bit of Ennio Morricone influence. "Home Again" is a standout track, a haunting, bleak, and poetic word portrait of someone standing in their parents' silent home and cherishing old memories. Though Captured in Ice was not as theatrical and eclectic as Welcome, the better-known release that followed, it is still a fascinating and compelling album that bears repeated listening.