INSTANT MAGAZINE (#24 - Sept/Oct 1999)


REFLECTING SKIN (self-release) Haley 11-song CD
Like the smoke from smoldering Copal incense, the enchanting sounds of Boston’s own Reflecting Skin waft up and around the air, enfolding you like an atmospheric blanket of ambient soundscapes. A brief untitled intro track sets the tone with strange, otherworldly effects then segues perfectly into the second track, “Seven Mile Drive.” With a 3-octave range, Leah Chandra’s voice embraces a vortex of limitless possibilities. From whispery murmurs to soprano songbird calls, her omnipotent vocals carry you across the expanse of time. When I first heard the voice, it reminded me a lot of Yemenite folk singer Ofra Haza. And like Ofra Haza, there’s a lot of Middle Eastern influences percolating in this cup of mystical sonic tea. Each track on Haley does a fine job of standing up on its own while at the same time, they all seamlessly blend with one another in a way that makes you think twice about skipping from track to track lest you interrupt the flow. And flow they do ­ ebbing and melting like butter on a hot day. And just because Leah’s vocals are enhanced with delay and reverb effects does not mean she’s trying to hide anything. I’ve seen the band live and can verify that she delivers a strong performance without any studio wizardry. Christian Gilbert’s melodically dynamic acoustic-based guitar grandstanding also shines with some expert and adept string arrangements. If I didn’t know better, I’d swear I also heard some mandolin in there somewhere. Dave McFarland’s tribal beats give the music a primitive feel while Alex Milne’s bass gently thuds in the background, leaving plenty of room for the other instruments to work their magic. Haley is a moody tapestry of textures and rhythms that will find a captive audience amongst Goth, Ambient and World music fans alike. ­ J. Lianna Ness