Little Hells

iTunes Review

On her fourth album, folksinger Marissa Nadler makes a few grand departures from her basic sound. Her previous album, Songs III: Bird on the Water, had its moments of electrical input, but Little Hells throws in a few tunes that take it to another level. Nadler’s voice is still draped in reverb and it still manages to create a mystical aura (her voice doesn’t so much project as seep into the room). The title track is basic acoustic guitar with some organ trailing her. “Ghosts & Lovers” is similarly haunting, hanging on little more than her breath and her nimble fingerpicking. ”The Hole Is Wide” adds only staccato piano. But “Heart Paper Lover” throws in electric piano and a Theremin to create what feels like a “pop” move for this devoted singer of straight-laced mystery-folk. “Mary Come Alive” adds some synth programs and aggressive drums. “River of Dirt” is nearly driving rock with its band arrangement. Nadler’s an impressive talent who’s chosen to make her private music public. Each of her albums is a joy for those intrigued by such enigmas.