(Stroom/Granvat)The duo are joined by a stellar cast including Bill Frisell and Laraaji, bringing innovation and playfulness to their bright, elemental musicSpiralling out from a palette of Lithuanian folk forms, this album feels like a sharp, cold and bright autumn morning, bracingly new. Once a three-piece, Merope is now a duo comprising Lithuanian singer Indrė Jurgelevičiūtė, who plays the kanklės (a Baltic chordophone with which she makes sounds that phosphoresce like frost or flash like streaking meteors) and Belgian multi-instrumentalist Bert Cools. They bring in a stellar supporting cast for their fifth album, including zither master Laraaji and jazz guitarist Bill Frisell, plus innovative composers Shahzad Ismaily and Toma Gouband.Vėjula begins with Koumu Lil, about a newborn foal taking to its feet before heading across the fields. Fragments of Jurgelevičiūtė’s vocals burst in, like sunlight through clouds, over glimmering arpeggios on zithers and synthesisers, suggesting the momentary magic and fragility of early life. Just as beautiful is the more traditional Namopi, featuring both Laraaji and Ismaily. Its lovely violin melody emerges from an undertow of chimed strings and Moog shimmers, and carries you along in its bowed movements. Continue reading...