Ekova walk a fine line between world music and otherworldly music. While the elements have terran origins--an Iranian percussionist, an Algerian guitar and oud player, and an American singer--the way they combine their traditions and influences goes beyond borders, especially in the way Dierdre Dubois often vocalizes in a nonlanguage (shades of the Cocteau Twins). Add to that some very subtle electronic programming, and you have something that stands outside easy classification, but whose melodies and ambiences simply bewitch. All too often it"s not what they play, but what they don"t play that sets the tone for the material, with Dubois"s crystal voice the beacon that lights it all. Whatever you choose to call the music, welcome to the sound of one unique world. --Chris Nickson