The music of My Brightest Diamond has always been a bit out there. It features a very non-traditional sound when it comes to pop music, oft with orchestral movements much more suited for classical music than popular. Add to that the eccentricities of front-woman Shara Worden, who’s blood runs with music – both mother and father were musicians as was a grandparent, all of whom seemed to have a bit of gypsy in their blood.

The influences of a wide variety of musical styles and genres has literally led to Worden’s project My Brightest Diamond, which blends seemingly countless styles for a sound truly original both in musical arrangement and Worden’s own vocal styling.

This can be easily heard on her new track “Reaching Through To The Other Side”. The song is off My Brightest Diamond’s new LP, All Things Will Unwind, out October 18 on Asthmatic Kitty Records. Here you can also hear accompaniment from chamber orchestra yMusic, who has also accompanied the likes of Bon Iver, Antony & The Johnsons, and Rufus Wainright.

Download: “Reaching Through To The Other Side” by My Brightest Diamond

On a recent drive to Seattle from my new hometown of Mount Vernon, I picked up my iPod Touch and changed the song to Royal City’s “Bad Luck”, putting it on a one-song repeat. The song clocks 3:04 and is only the palest shade less impressive than album opener “Here Comes Success”. Both songs are absolutely stunning, blending a gritty folk-rock with freak-folk and noise.

1999-2004 encompasses the years Royal City spent together, packing within its unique cover casing twelve songs. Being a rather new fan of Royal City is a bittersweet experience; it’s exciting to hear and discover such great tunes but unfortunate I will never have the chance to see the group in a live setting. From the mind-blowing noise-infused folk in the previously mentioned tracks to the minimal folk of “Can’t You Hear Me Calling” and “A Belly Was Made For Wine”, Royal City is truly a must-hear band.

The packaging for this release is unique, with thick front and back covers and a strong but thin black binding. It works well with the minimalist approach, featuring only the barest of exterior labeling in a beautifully scripted font. Add the great music within, and 1999-2004 is perfect for fans of the physical release.

1999-2004 by Royal City is out now on Asthmatic Kitty.

Royal City: A Belly Was Made For Wine [mp3]

Royal City: Can’t You Hear Me Calling [mp3]

World Premier. You could call Hermas Zopoula, a West African musician whose songs reminisce of Seu Jorge, a premier world artist. There’s a double meaning here; this is also the World Premier of Zopoula’s video for the outstanding “Alpha Et Omega” off his upcoming double LP Espoir.

Sung in various languages, Espoir features a diverse assortment of songs. The first disc finds Zopoula sticking close to his roots while the second is a lower-fi collection filled with primarily solo-acoustic tracks. Espoir will be released on May 19 via Asthmatic Kitty Records.

If, in “Alpha Et Omega”, Hermas appears quite at home on a moped, he is — Zopoula is a self-described Moped Enthusiast. The song features tweeting birds and background female accompaniment on vocals. “Alpha Et Omega” may be a simple video, but it effectively conveys the greatness of Zopoula’s ability to write a catchy tune, no matter in what language he decides sings.

Hermas Zopoula: Alpha Et Omega [mp3]

Alpha et Omega from Asthmatic Kitty on Vimeo.