Idaho
The Lone Gunman

Rarefied atmospheres, piano, faint and anguished voice. This is the most immediate sensation when you listen to this remarkable album. Then you let yourself be carried away by the constructions of this very sad gentleman (or at least supposedly so) named Jeff Martin, a Californian, leader since 1993 of this melancholic and oppressive duo. Instrumental minimalism, absence of guitars (not as a definitive choice but only in this CD), a bit of electronics, and above all Martin's tormented and gloomy voice.

The final result is not to be disregarded, I like it very much, it is the classic album to listen to in solitude, certainly to be avoided when you are very sleepy and need to stay awake, but highly recommended for those nice and unfortunately rare cold afternoons spent under the covers. The tracks begin with two instrumental pieces, "The Orange Cliffs" with persistent and syncopated piano, and then move on to the sweet whisper of "Echelon" where the piano becomes more persuasive and accompanied by some electronics. Beautiful "The Mystery" where Martin's singing is accompanied by another voice simulating an additional electronic contribution. The tracks are all short, about three minutes, but certainly not lightweight songs.

Although being from a town near the desert and talking about cacti and canyons, these two gentlemen are glacial, musically very far from Calexico, but more similar to Red House Painters and Codeine. Take a look at their older albums as well.