Conceived at the same time as her 2011 self-titled album, The Sister is the quieter, sparer sister act. Marissa Nadler's angelic folk hits new peaks with this gorgeous song cycle. Producer Brian McTear knows that reverb only enhances the mystery behind Nadler's vocals and words, and these tracks play like dreamsongs drifting between the twilight of sleep and semi-consciousness. The beauty of acoustic guitar and vocals makes "Christine" an alluring experience that grows more so as the backing vocals and additional instrumentation add to the siren's call. The sweet melody of "Apostle" is accented by the long vowels flowing from Nadler's lips. She understands music as both sound and meaning, using the two to enhance her tales. Her songs come across as timeless pieces from a romantic world that the best music evokes. Though the approach is simple, the arrangements are more complex than they seem. The ambience lurking behind "In a Little Town" adds a whispery intensity that's beyond the notes.