SONGS: OHIA THE LIONESS

Brood-meister Jason Molina, otherwise know as Songs: Ohia, pursues his artistic vision with a consistency rarely seen this side of Texas outsider musician/recluse Jandek. THE LIONESS, his fourth full length CD, still continues with the deep indigo twilight vibe of his previous work. This is a melancholy disc best listened to at 2:00 am, alone with your broken heart.
Recorded in Scotland with pals from the equally doom-laden Arab Strap and Appendix Out, THE LIONESS stretches the Songs: Ohia format away from the cryptic turf he established so well on his earlier recordings. There's more of a live band sound and a real emotional directness to the lyrics. A few of the songs approach epic lengths; the opening track clocks in at over seven minutes. The disc also forms a pleasing emotional arc, the last two tracks being Molina, alone with his guitar, singing barely above a whisper.

• Format: CD
• Genre: Pop