Upon learning this album was released by Asthmatic Kitty my spirits were almost instantly raised. Earlier this year Fol Chen's Part I: John Shade, Your Fortune's Made opened the door to a Narnia of sound. I suppose I was hoping DM Stith would resemble Aslan. Though who believes in Aslan nowadays?

DM Stith shares a certain vocal vulnerability with transgender troubadour Antony Hegarty; he also kind of lingers a little on certain words like a man who has bitten his own tongue. I suppose these comparisons will most likely haunt Stith because when I Am a Bird Now broke through in 2005 Hegarty appeared to be a one of a kind, and though there are similarities, Stith's voice is far more soothing and used intelligently throughout the duration of Heavy Ghost.

Heavy Ghost is an album for the New York dreamers, ethereal and tranquil. Stith should be admired for releasing a record with such scope; these are not so much songs as ornate compositions, with stirring arrangements, exquisite and beyond borders. The tone of the record is melancholic; it appears Stith is one of these tortured souls who when left alone will stare out of the window, look up at the sky, and get lost in grey cloud. Though don't be sucked into believing this record is trapped in introspective gloom, there is a certain amount of beauty in this bleakness.

'Isaac's Song' is a piano driven haunt; it's disturbing like an Andrzej Å»uÅ‚awski film. 'Pity Dance' entices with soft acoustics and raindrop strings before sparking into live with starlit piano, it would be perfect for an atmospheric musical playing out whilst the waif-like heroine wails on stage. 'Creekmouth' accentuates Stith's vocal range. I love how Stith exaggerates the assonance I'm gonna hush ssshhhhh”. 'Pigs' is a sumptuous caterpillar crawl. 'Spirit Parade' - the mischievous poltergeist rampant in a tinny percussion room.

'BMD' again utilizes the piano as an authoritative force of footsteps, wandering woozily through dense woodland. 'Thanksgiving Moon' intricately blends acoustic into classic brass with Stith's vocals a woozy layer on top. 'Fire of Birds' exclaims innocence with Stith euphorically proclaiming We dance like we're on fire. 'Morning Glory Cloud' continues on a more upbeat note. Before the sobering lone piano instrumental 'GMS' segues into 'Braid of Voices' where Stith yearning vocals nestle up with the twinkling keys. 'WIG' closes the album, with an experimental shoegaze sound blast.

What we have is a beautiful collection of music. DM Stith is an artist who uses his voice organically, acting as a unique instrument amongst the orchestra. Heavy Ghost is perfect for concert halls and reclusive iPods though I believe it will have limited appeal to a world of music listeners who in the majority are impatient, with their wandering ears forever seeking immediacy.

You can appreciate Stith's music but I don't think you'll ever be singing along to his songs.