From the first notes on "To Be Still" it is hard to pigeonhole Alela Diane as any particular genre. Steel guitars, wood blocks, acoustic guitar, banjos, violins, it could be any given singer-songwriter trying something a little more innovative than the same old same old but her voice tells a story that isn't quite country and isn't quite indie and is certainly unique in many ways. Her follow up to 2006's "The Pirate Gospel", Alela opts for simplicity in delivery and complexity in songwriting. Utilizing what used to be primarily country and bluegrass instruments, Diane manages to not fall into the trap of letting the music try to carry her voice - instead her voice carries the music as a beautiful backdrop carried by her voice.
This is exhibited few places as well as on "The Alder Trees" where the banjo remains understated, the guitar follows her voice more than the other way around, and she floats vocally over the music as if the two were written separately and just happened to fit beautifully together. "White as diamonds", the first song released from the album, might never make it onto commercial radio yet is showcases her voice and range better than any other song on the album. Although quite listenable, this is far from the highlight of the album. "Take us back" takes you back with its simple southern sound and "Lady Divine" almost feels like a slowed down Southern classic rock song that would close out an epic set, calming everyone down and bringing back the love. Very pleasant, very Sunday inside on a rainy day baking cookies, and very beautiful.