Strata Florida: Made of Stars (2014)

Strata Florida is the newest project of Louise Trehy, formerly one half of the 4AD duo Swallow. Debut album Made Of Stars is only Trehy's second album in twenty years. Swallow's flame flickered bright but brief in the early 1990s, and disillusion after the band’s break up caused Trehy to abandon music altogether. Her creative spark was revitalized after joining a local choir while living in rural Wales; in 2011, she began recording again after meeting guitarist Pete Pavli, and the duo subsequently enlisted drummer Steve Kent. Made Of Stars connects Swallow's satisfying dream-pop style with a more guitar-oriented sound, while Trehy's dreamy vocals remaining the luscious aural attraction. The less-is-more approach of Made of Stars accentuates Trehy's sensual voice, winning over new listeners whilst delighting those who have waited two decades for a new album. Best of all is the promise of new material; Strata Florida is Trehy's project; satisfied with her work, freed from the pressures and expectations of indifferent record labels and a fickle, cynical press, Trehy exudes a new confidence in herself and her band. Made of Stars proves that Strata Florida is one of 2014's more satisfying musical comebacks.