The Shine of Dried Electric Leaves is quite a departure from Cibelle’s last album; it’s loose, exploratory, and often abstract which adds up for a charming but at times a challenging listen. The first half of the album see her stretch herself creatively with meandering piano lines, ambient sounds and textures, and guitar parts that rush in only to pause and consider their surroundings. Cibelle’s voice is the strongest thread providing not only the melody but tempo as well guiding the listener through the pathways of the song.

“Phoenix” opens with hushed electronic chirps and an unconstrained guitar part given greater depth by the inclusion of string and fret noise. The song is rounded out with a throaty string part that buoys Cibelle’s whisper like vocals. It is a quiet and meditative piece, much like the rest of the album, that is most satisfying when listened to with an unencumbered mind. “London, London” quickly turns things about with a delightfully charming duet with Devendra Banhart in a playful and free Samba inspired song.

Cibelle treats sounds and textures as a form of poetry; stripping them back to their essential elements and applying them only in necessity. “Mad Man Song” sees rhythmic textures used to heighten a state of tension and provide a sort of propulsion that could result in resolution. Ultimately, there is no resolution, though, only a sense of the music being taut and an uncertainty when or if it will give way.

Listeners looking for an easy going redux of her self-titled debut album will likely be disappointed but if you possess an open mind and are looking for a heady trip through a work that is informed by Folk, Brazilian, and Electronic musics it is a rewarding journey. As a sophomore effort Cibelle has outdone herself proving that she is not afraid of risks and of expressing her vision. Highly recommended. You can pick up The Shine of Dried Electric Leaves at either eMusic or Amazon.