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Sep 15, 2014 Web Exclusive By Alexandra Svokos

Marketa Irglova, the female half of The Swell Season of Once fame, wrote her new album Muna with God in mind. Inspired by Jesus Christ Superstar and Neale Donald Walsh’s book Conversations With God, Muna is riddled with Biblical references, both in lyrics and orchestration. With song titles like “Mary,” “Point of Creation,” and “Gabriel,” Irglova has a clear theme for this work.

But like most religious works, things get most interesting when there is conflict. Muna opens with “Point of Creation,” a melodic, spiritual song that would not seem out of place in a cathedral. Most of the music on Muna is like this, filled with echoing vocals, organs, and peaceful overlaid rhythms. And like church music, it can easily become just background noise, lulling to a restful nap.

That’s not to say the music isn’t beautiful—Irglova long ago proved her compositional skills. But she shines when she gives herself some energy, like on “Fortune Teller,” a spirited track with a strong rhythmic beat. This is a song about questioning, looking to the uncertain future, and demanding. Irglova has the ability to make you sit up and pay attention, and that ability is on grand display here.

And Irglova deserves your attention. Her work is impeccable, with careful orchestration and complicated melodies. But too often on Muna she falls back to silence, when she should be singing and playing with force. (2014.marketairglova.com)

Author rating: 5/10