Libana
Borderland
Play Borderland
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AMG Review of Borderland
Bob Tarte
All Music GuideA collection of world vocal music backed by sparse yet highly effective vernacular guitars, flute and percussion. Material ranges from a peppy Karelian tune ("Oi Dai") from the portfolio of Finnish girl-group Varttina to a cappella songs of the Balkans and Middle East, where Libana really hit their stride. Standouts include the "Medley of Slav Wedding Songs" and a gorgeous vocal arrangement with hammer dulcimer of the traditional Rumanian cradle song "Joc de Leagne." While a minimalizing of dissonance means you won't mistake Libana's adaptations for the genuine article, neither is the listener persuaded that these women are ethnic vacationers.
 "Borderland")
