Throughout the album, Irina takes traditional Balkan, Russian, and Turkish songs and shapes them to her unique vocal style, ranging from the full-throated power of "Heyamo" to the gentle, almost whispered "Rusalki". Supporting the vocals are intricate, wisely chosen arrangements of many different instruments, like Turkish oud and yali tambour, middle-eastern percussion like bendir and darbukka, hammer dulcimer, and Indian tabla and tamboura. And the electronic arrangements --unlike so much of the "world beats" dreck out there -- have been produced by people who know what's happening with the vocals and instruments. The result, an album of power, beauty, and original expression, full of timeless melodies and absolutely modern production. (less info)