It may be hard to believe after glancing at the Billboard charts, but pursuing a singular musical vision can be rewarding, at least in terms of career longevity. Case in point: RASPUTINA. Cellist/songwriter MELORA CREAGER‘s distinctive take on music – an almost indescribable mélange of gothic folk, classical motifs, literary allusions, fairy tale atmosphere and surrealist drive – is almost a contradiction: its very uniqueness guarantees it attention, but only enough to either inspire devotion (from a loyal but likely small cult) or revulsion (from most everyone else). Too bad about the latter – they’re missing one of the few bands around that’s making art without being pretentious about it. On Sister Kinderhook, “Afternoon of the Faun,” “Holocaust of Giants” and “Sweet Sister Temperance” may be defiantly odd, but they have their own internal logic that makes perfect sense when given the close attention they deserve. Creager isn’t being weird for weirdness’ sake – she’s merely sharing her view of the world, inviting anyone with the desire to join her. Six albums in, Rasputina continues down its self-willed path with no end in sight, and thank the wood sprites for that.
