Mia Pixley is a classically-trained cellist. Which says about as much about this set as "Aaron Rodgers throws a football" does about a certain cheesehead hero. Pixley does play the cello, but her songwriting and arranging skills are what make this EP spectacular.

Baeilou Inside Under EP (self-released)

So, yes, there are the barest echoes of Rasputina (cello, duh), but Pixley's vocal and musical range is much broader. There are also hints of Kate Bush's ethereal ethos and the gothic folk of Trailer Bride. In all, Baeilou (fun note: the name utilizes all the vowels in alphabetical order) is a pop construct. Just an exceptionally eccentric one.

Pixley's cello is provides just enough otherworldly feel to keep the listener off balance. Her songs themselves are twisty-turny--both musically and lyrically--and she feels no need to spoonfeed anyone. Damn straight.

Completely entrancing. The spell is cast almost immediately ("Eleanora" is one of those songs that grab quickly and surely, even as it surprises) and it continues throughout. Mia Pixley is a classically-trained cellist. And Baeilou. And someone to keep both eyes firmly focused upon.

Jon Worley