Hush

Extradition's sole album is highly worthwhile, and often entrancing, folk music that bleeds over into folk-rock and psychedelia, even though there aren't electric guitars and conventional rock drums. While the entirely original songs are at their base much like British folk music in their haunting melodies and somber lyrical tone, they owe far less to traditional British folk than much British folk-rock did, drawing in "acid folk" (though that label didn't exist back then), classical, and even avant-garde influences. With fine harmonies and Shayna Karlin's pure, high vocals (perhaps the most conventionally folk element here), the group created something individual with an eerie fragility, enhanced by the understated use of so many instruments other than acoustic guitar -- flute, organ, dulcimer, harpsichord, harmonium, and all manner of exotic percussive devices. Though some might find it too precious in places, it deserves a wider hearing, as its appeal isn't strictly limited to die-hard specialist collectors of the acid folk genre. ~ Richie Unterberger