How Will You?

Chicago multi-instrumentalist Azita Youssefi, former singer of Chicago No Wave groups Scissor Girls and Bride of No No, isn't known for following anyone, but on her fourth solo album, HOW WILL YOU?, Azita effectively splits the difference between the dusky piano balladry of Cat Power and Joanna Newsom's self-consciously eccentric enunciations. Youssefi has never sounded as confident and mature has she does here, with accompaniment by Chicago players with ties to Tortoise, Iron and Wine, and Bonnie Prince Billy.