The rare
Liu Sola record that does not feature frequent collaborator
Wu Man,
Apparitions is a more contemporary, Western-influenced album than much of her recent work would lead you to expect. The always-compelling singer/composer's partner in audio rebellion this time around is drummer
Pheeroan akLaff, whose primal mixture of Chinese and rock drum styles lend
Sola's sound even more edge than usual. But it's
Sola's voice that carries the songs, its visceral physicality blending Chinese, jazz, and avant-garde influences to create a wholly distinctive sound. Even less accessible than her usual output,
Apparitions is definitely not for the faint of heart. ~ Bret Love