CocoRosie

If you've been on the fence about CocoRosie's past work, or vaguely curious, but mostly ambivalent, Grey Oceans will easily tip the scales one way or the other. The bizarre duo have struck upon a refreshing, unique alchemical fusion of genres to create one of the year's most fascinating and enthralling albums. From the haunting, piano- and harp-driven ambience of "Trinity's Crying," complemented by a gently stabbing synth motif, the sisters dip into soothing Eastern-flecked trip-hop, honky-tonk piano mixed with complex live break-beat drumming, sombre, echoing balladry, groovy, buzzing synth-blues with dramatic classical horn arrangements and elements of techno, hip-hop and opera, all dressed in gorgeous, richly layered, experimental production. The emotional journey of Grey Oceans is as expansive as the far-reaching musical influences inspiring it. Some may be turned off by the guttural vocal approach by one of the sisters, but it's tempered by gorgeous instrumentation and the other's silky smooth melodies. Only on album closer "Here I Come" do they cross the line of palatability with an intentionally uncomfortable, modulated vocal poetry reading punctuated by stately piano and a thumping staccato loop. It's only appropriate after repeat listens though that after such a beautifully cohesive trip there be some bumping sailings on Grey Oceans.