Labradford: Mi Media Naranja

Labradford's fourth full-length album, Mi Media Naranja, is open to misinterpretation and mystery, with seven mostly instrumental, drum-free songs (sample titles: "S," "G," "I") that are bound to be compared to anyone from Angelo Badalamenti and John Barry to Rachel's and labelmate Low. There's a moody, epic, film-score vibe to much of Mi Media Maranja, but if anything, Labradford's music is too intrusive to serve that purpose: With its swirling strings, pianos, samples and slide guitars, it never allows itself to slip into the background. That the titles and packaging are as cryptic as they are—and that the band members enjoy virtually no presence in the press, even after making numerous beautiful albums and singles—only heightens the emotional impact of Mi Media Naranja. It's lovely in an intense, searing, unpredictable sort of way, and it gives you the enviable opportunity to feel like you're discovering something few others have heard. Pick it up, and revel in its drowsy, hypnotic charms. (Kranky, P.O. Box 578743, Chicago, IL 60657)