The project of Tiia Jaakola, Count Jaakola makes lovely music that aims for that sweet spot that Julee Cruise frequently hit. Tiia, the touring keyboardist with site faves Allo Darlin', branches out here into other directions. And Kind Eyes, her newest, is entracing.
Tracks like "Healing" are elegant. The instruments are simple, with keyboards setting the pace. Jaakola's voice is a wonderful instrument, and it gives numbers like this one, and "Redcurrants" an ethereal vibe, even as the music never quite drifts away (thankfully). There's even the hint of dance forms on "Erica", a brighter number here.
There's a nice mix here of tunes which are airy and almost dream-pop, and others which veer closer to a kind of indie that's wildly catchy and nearly dance-y. Kind Eyes sounds nothing like any of the Allo Darlin' albums, but fans of female-fronted indie bands will find this compelling and highly listenable.
Kind Eyes by Count Jaakola is out now via Tip Top Recordings.
[Photo: Kind Eyes]