THE VIOLETTES

It\'s nice to know that, even with as much music as there is in the world, there are still bands creating new and unique albums. One of those bands is The Violettes. Their new, self-titled, 12-track LP is a sitar-dipped space rock album that cries out to be compared to the musical masses, yet manages to float away as its own, distinct thing.

The melodies range from joyfully bouncing pop ballads and haunting intergalactica to trip-hop Arabian Nights-styled tunes and soothing love songs. And the whole time, lead vocalist Sarah Khan\'s voice echoes and sways like an intoxicated wraith, tormenting the hillside inhabitants of their auditory landscape. The resulting goulash of instruments, vocals, and production is a surprisingly hearty and layered stew. Especially when you consider the fact that this album came from just a quartet of musicians.