Alessi's Ark

Posted by keenangaynor

WEBSITE: www.alessisark.com
MYSPACE: myspace.com/alessisark
PURCHASE: Amazon, iTunes, Free MP3s

Alessi's Ark is the name under which London's 18-year-old Alessi Laurent-Marke presents her musical stylings. Although originally starting out as a drummer at a young age, Alessi was later drawn to the guitar by influences such as Bright Eyes, Rilo Kiley, and other artists along the likes of Saddle Creek Records. After recording a few basement demos and spending a bit of time performing, she was quickly signed to Heavenly/EMI, and eventually Virgin - who is responsible for her latest (and first) major release entitled "Notes From The Treehouse."

The record, produced by Mike Mogis (who is also responsible for producing Bright Eyes and Rilo Kiley), was recorded at Conor Oberst's studio in Ohama, Nebraska. In essence, it's a folk/pop record - but not just any folk/pop record. Alessi's unique musicality incorporates a sense of magic and dreaminess into each track. Through the use of baroque-like harp melodies, light percussion, string arrangements and lyrics influenced by the writings of JD Salinger, Alessi transforms nearly every track into a fairy tale. I know, it may sound odd - but give it a listen and you'll understand what I mean. She transcends this "fairy tale" feeling into her music videos as well, as you can see by watching her video for "The Horse" embedded below. Don't let all this talk of fairy-tales throw you off, however. Despite the raw power and imagination each track gives off, it still manages to convey that of a simple, catchy, folk/pop album.

"The Horse:"

"Magic Weather"

THE SKINNY: Alessi's Ark is folk/pop project like no other, capable of transcending the listener into a fairy-tale world
FAVORITE TRACK(S): "The Horse" off of "Notes From The Treehouse"
FOR FANS OF: Rilo Kiley, Feist