Multi-instrumentalist and producer Gazel releases her debut genre-blending album, Gazel's Book of Souls. The LP is loosely woven around the story of a young girl who is seeking answers as to what caused a mysterious fire that destroyed her village. In the process she encounters a variety of "souls" who dwell in her town, each of which is represented by a different track on the album...

Gazel's debut album is influenced by Jungian archetypes, mystical philosophy and the folk music of her Middle-Eastern roots. The end result is an eclectic blend of subtle electronica, folk and pop.

Whether you embrace this release will depend, mostly, on whether you're open to an album of music that does its best to defy labels. Personally, I saw this as an interesting concept album with Gazel exploring the fringes of genres without fully committing.

Tracks like 'Mina's Hymn' are built around a solid, recognisable dance beat, which Gazel transforms it into a laid back folk track. The use of steel drums on 'Walk on Land' give a tropical island feel what would otherwise be a mellow pop song.

While I did enjoy the originality, I have to admit that I don't know how long the novelty will last for. It's an interesting album to explore, but it's not likely to be one that I'll play again in the future.

6

Nick Smithson