Hildegard "Hildegard"

Country: USA
Genre(s): Art Rock, Jazz
Format: CD, digital
Release date: April 28, 2015
Tracklist: 

1. A - Z (4:03)
2. Sally Brown (3:59)
3. Siren Song (5:13)
4. Karma (4:16)
5. Cabin 72 (6:20)
6. Austria (3:36)
7. Isolation (4:58)
8. The Witness (4:12)
9. Quetzal (3:40)
10. Vanishing Hue (5:43)

Line-up: 
Cliff Hines - Guitars, Bass, Vocals, Synthesizer, String Arrangements
Sasha Masakowski - Vocals, Synthesizer
Max Zemanovic - Drums, Percussion
John Maestas - Guitar, Synthesizer
Max Moran - Bass
Andrew McGowan - Piano, E-Piano, Organ
   With
Ciel Rouge - Drum Programming (Track 1)
Joe Shirley - Synth, Drum Programming (Tracks 2,5)
Lulu Reeks, Susan Miller Boldissar - Strings (Tracks 2,4,6,7)
Oliver Bonie, Emily Fredrickson, Stephen Lands - Horns (Tracks 2,7)
Nicholas Solnick - Percussion (Tracks 1,3)
Paul Thibodeaux - Percussion (Track 7)
Martin Masakowski - Acoustic Bass (Tracks 2,4,6,7)

Description/Reviews: 

Clearly, Cliff is making a distinction between Sasha's cool articulation (reminiscent of Suzanne Vega) and his own occasionally-distorted guitar histrionics. This combination works for the most part, although during songs like the opening and lively A – Z and the otherwise engaging The Witness I found the improvised shredding an unwelcome distraction. Songs like Austria and the aforementioned The Witness also feature some rather dated voice effects which again I could have happily lived without.
Elsewhere however the sound produced has a very classy feel thanks to the thoughtful arrangements and the sharp musicianship from all concerned. Whilst Hildegard could never be accused of being out-and-out prog, songs like the deceptively titled Karma with its edgy guitar riff, XTC-style time signature and apocalyptic finale have the right ingredients to keep aficionados interested.

 Read the full review by Geoff Feakes at dprp.net

Media/Samples 
3 tracks

Links:
Web page
Facebook