Parabola West : "Stars Will Light the Way"

 Atmospheric pop with a moody edge to it would be the best way to describe what happens when this album really gets underway. Amy Tucker West is the singer songwriter who is an American now based in New Zealand, because well the "Lord of the Rings" was shot there and America sucks, it makes sense to get the hell out, this kind of music that goes from atmospheric pop to more traditional culturally appropriated Northern European folk.  Wear corn rows and get cancelled, pretend you're a Viking siren and no one bats an eye. She is pretty convincing on "Hannah" . After this is there more of a slinky electronic feel coupled again a more sultry folk cadence, owing more to say Imogen Heap than any of the dark folk songstresses who gained popularity in recent years. 

There is more of a quirky pop bounce to what sounds like harps and electronic of "No One Can Get Me Here" something happier in the vibe of this song that makes it not connect as strongly with me, but still very well done. There is less holding "the Best Thing" together, the minimalism does give way to a beat that give the song more of a spine. It is just not what I typically set out to hear from this kind of music, but it does grow on me. The piano centered "Come to Me" is less experimental but offers a backdrop her voice is able to emote around with flowing melody. Sure it is more of a ballad but well crafted. I am open to most forms of music if they are effective,. 

"the Edge" bursts forth with an 80s beat that surprised me though is congruent with her pop tendencies and works well/. The piano centered folk melodies of " While the Watchman Sleeps" has a pretty graceful melody and it's one of those songs that will have to grow on me, but I know it's well crafted. There is a hint of Kate Bush, to what she does , more so than Tori Amos though that is also in the sonic zip code where she is goin. This feels very 90s in many ways. "Flowers'' is a more fragile song.. It could use a more percussive backbone to rein in the ambiance. I first imagined that "Bippity Boppity" would be a Disney song. , it is as well written as one and a stronger note to end on. The lyrics do make note of the fact there are not prince coming to save you like in fairy tales/. A message I can get behind. I will give this album a 9.5, which is impressive for a new comer who dropped from the sky into my in-box, with little label backing,. If you like 90s Lilith Fare styled pop with Renn Fest tendencies then this is for you.