Iditarod

The disc starts off with a coffeehouse feel to it guitar, vocals and bongo percussion giving the sense of that intimate, hippie-folk-type of performance. Thankfully a truer impression, comes after a few more numbers. The Iditarod are actually more of a dark folk project. With all of their instrumentation (cello, viola, Moog, tomboura, dulcimer, glockenspiel, chimes, bells) they even have a medieval feel to them. They do both traditional and original numbers and the overall atmosphere is very tranquil and settling, but the collection of instruments keeps the CD from getting boring (and showcases their immense talent as well). Carin Wagner has an unpolished, almost off-key quality to her vocals, but they are a refreshing break from the more dramatic style often heard in this genre. "Cycle Circle" is an interesting listen, as they explore a very sparse, industrial, non-musical approach to songwriting.