Priscilla Hernandez- Ancient Shadows

ARTIST: Priscilla Hernandez
ALBUM: Ancient Shadows: The Ghost and the Fairy
LABEL: Yidneth Productions
REVIEWER: Matthew Johnson
DATE: 10-21-07

One of the most professional-sounding independent releases you'll hear all year, Priscilla Hernandez's album stacks up favorably with such ethereal pop acts as October Project and Clannad. If anything, it's almost too professional; ethereal fans that tend toward more experimental or primitive stuff like Lycia and Corvus Corax might be a bit put off by Hernandez's rich synthesizer arrangements and full, trilling vocals, not to mention the wailing rock guitar of "Nightmare." On the other hand, "Lament" is perfect, a subtle mix of cello, piano, and richly layered vocal harmonies set off by a softly exotic rhythm reminiscent of Loreena McKennitt's Mediterranean-inspired work. "The Call of the Nymph" is more Medieval with its harps and cellos, though electronic keyboards set it apart from the stricter stuff of historical purists, while delicate pianos on "Fairy Tale" hint at classical influences. "Sueño Muerto" stands out as one of the album's highlights, with the Barcelona resident singing in her native language over soft ambient tones, and "I Steal the Leaves" evokes a natural mysticism with its airy flutes, plinking harp, and invocation of the seasons. In addition to her work as a singer and songwriter, Hernandez is also a fantasy illustrator, and the album is filled with her darkly romantic illustrations, which call to mind a more feminine Michael Parks with their images of gothic fairies and raven-winged angels and which perfectly capture the mood of her music. Pick this up if you're a fan of melodic ethereal stuff like Louisa John-Krol and Enya.

Visit www.yidneth.com to learn more about Priscilla Hernandez, her music, and her art.