This Austrian duo takes blips and bleeps and fashions them into the backdrop for breathy, introspective pop. At once busy and calm, Leyya seems to like to be two (or more) things at once.

Leyya Half Asleep (self-released)

That conflict drives the songs on this set. Not quite beautiful, these songs are certainly beauty-adjacent. There's seemingly no audio collage this duo will refuse, and no beats are too skittish or addictive to turn away, either.

Sophie Lindinger's vocals are conventionally pretty (if trending toward atonal), but even they get manipulated. The effect is subtle, but every small act contributes to the greater good. It's very easy to fall into hypnotic nodding, but close attention is rewarded.

Grand, ambitious and utterly self-effacing as well. Leyya makes sure every note is in its place, but the sounds built are impressive. Somehow, these songs manage to be understated and anthemic. It's pretty wild, even if Leyya is hardly that at first listen.

Jon Worley