by Jon Azpiri
Dierdre Dubois-Haddab is an interesting singer, no matter what she is singing. Sometimes she sings in English, sometimes French, and sometimes you're not exactly sure what language she is singing in. Like the Evoka's previous album, Space Lullabies and Other Fantasmagore is a jumble of musical styles that works remarkably well. Featuring members from the U.S., Iran, and Algeria, Evoka has a strong Middle-Eastern influence set to an electronic groove. Highlights include the funky dance track "How Sweet Mal" and a rather odd cover of English group Pentangle's "Cruel Sister." Ekova's unique multicultural sound may have you feeling a bit of culture shock at first, but by the end of the album you find yourself right at home. You won't know what language they're singing in, you'll just know that you don't want them to stop.