Genre: Celtic / World / Neoclassical

01 The Juniper
02 Twilight
03 The Birch's Lament
04 Light

It is no secret I have a weakness for female vocalists, especially when combined with gentle music. I adore Loreena McKennit, really enjoy Enya and occasionally play Tori Amos' "The Beekeeper". Emilie Autumn's 'Enchant' is one of my very favorite albums. More recently Carved In Stone got a special place in my heart, just like SRX. I even cought myself humming along with Katy Perry's 'I Kissed A Girl', a rather popular pop song recently I find equally revolting and enjoyable.

Sora's Light is a prelude for her second full length that should be released somewhere in 2009. Her first album, Winds Of Change, consists of thirteen songs recorded with all musician in the same room. The four tracks on Light have a noticable better recording and production. The must is cleaner, which is best heared in Sora's vocals. But I also think she has progressed over the years since her first album. The vocals are reminiscent of Loreena McKennit, at least in style of singing. That is not the only connection with the excellent Loreena though, as this EP features some musicians who have also worked with Loreena; George Koller and George Graves.

The four tracks on this EP are together worth of 15 minutes of music. It's not much, but it's so beautiful! This is music I can listen to over and over again. The lyrics are wonderful as well, which is mostly due the crystalclear vocals. It fits perfectly together, and it gives an atmosphere of serenity. My favorite song is the track Twilight, strangely enough also the longest track, lasting five minutes. It made me feel melancholic for some reason, but also very strong. I was filled with optimism while listening to it, and nothing could touch me.

Sora's ballads are filled with sincerity and pristine beauty. Her combination of folk and neoclassical is stunning and defies easy pigeonholing. It's simply glorious music. I immediately had to order Winds Of Change after hearing Light, and I'm looking forward to Sora's second full length. You should go to Sora's Myspace where this complete EP can be listened. Sadly it is myspace quality. The sound on CD is so much better and well worth your money. This is one of the best EP's I've heard. Not just this year, but ever.

And it came with a cookie, can you imagine the cuteness?