Hidden Lands

iTunes Review

Candy Claws’ gossamer and aqueous debut, In the Dream of the Sea Life, was partially inspired by a Rachel Carson book on marine ecology, and incorporated various sounds of nature into the duo’s gauzy weave of synths, guitars and breathy vocals. Their follow-up, Hidden Lands, retains a hazy, amorphous feel, and though reportedly “a musical companion to Richard M. Ketchum’s book, The Secret Life of the Forest, the songs don’t feel particularly rooted on terra firma; instead, they impart an otherworldly, B-movie soundtrack vibe. Old-school synthesizers serve up everything from wisps of Theremin-like smoke to a carnival calliope, always mixed equitably with the Claws’ vaporous, soothing vocal tapestries and gliding synth washes. Founding members Kay Bertholf and Ryan Hover expanded Candy Claws to an eight-person touring company, giving the live experience a carefully orchestrated and lush sound. You won’t exactly rock out to Hidden Lands, but there’s a good chance you’ll fall under the spell of its somewhat mystifying charms.