Jeff Greinke/Anisa Romero: Hana Jeff Greinke/Anisa Romero: Hana (First World - 1999) Most ambient listeners should already be familiar with Jeff Greinke (whose 1992 classic Lost Terrain was recently re-released) and his lushly organic soundtreks. Multifaceted Anisa Romero is perhaps most well-known as the lead vocalist for Sky Cries Mary. Together they've created Hana, which very effectively showcases their prestigious talents. With this strange, wonderful and enticing release, the "etheral vocal" niche has a new top contender. Pattering bongobeats and distantly tweedling ethnic flutes emerge from the seductively swirling vocal clouds which make up horse dance; droning electronics and rhythmic loops blend with layers upon layers of Anisa's wail in an opening number which defines "good first impression." Somber, though stunningly beautiful, synth sounds thread through smoke, where whispily uttered lyrics are almost indefinable, mixed with layers of word-free crooning. Vaporous waves of churning radiance float above the head, a dreamlike space which is inhabited by musical spirits and rolling clouds of darkness and light. Elastically throbbing drumbeats and Arabesque cymbals are heard through voodoo lily's thin, percolating murk of voice and synth, exotic and heady like burning incense. Lizard opera is operatic indeed, though in a most unearthly style; the smoky synth-symphonic curtains which flutter behind are decorated by Anisa's crystalline song, as well as altered versions which echo and range like a gorgeous, phantasmal choir. wash me by flows in on a drone and percussion intro. Richly multi-tracked lyrics are further backed by an electrically buzzing backdrop. Anisa's womanly warbling presides over sweet sorrow (4:10), where insect chitters are buried beneath Indonesian gamelan sounds. A chiming drone rises from the depths into sitting room (8:19), filled with buoyant wails, wafts and sparse adornments. This most mellow track twilights the disc with dusky loveliness. I don't usually make band-to-band comparisons, but... with the semi-tribal leanings behind Greinke's atmospheric arrangements topped by Romero's generally wordless vocalizations, the tracks on Hana are reminiscent of a more-contemporary Dead Can Dance, though a clone by no means. Excellent production, intriguing sonic panoramas and ethereal vocal artistry earn a deservedly high ranking of 8.8. Greinke and Romero are writing material for their next album, which we look forward to. This review posted September 29, 1999 AmbiEntrance © 1999-97 by David J Opdyke (except CD cover art, rights retained by original owners).