Apart from the labels of release and a couple disjointed moments involving slide guitars and uncharacteristically atonal electronics, not much separates Masha Qrella's first two solo albums. Unsolved Remained, released by Morr Music, isn't quite as dreamlike as 2002's Luck, but Qrella's sweet, affable vocals remain an instrument as much as before, and they can be taken on a deeper level as well; you could call these tracks songs or mood pieces and be equally accurate. Qrella continues to combine acoustic and electronic elements effectively -- this will gain her more comparisons to Lali Puna than ever before, now that she's one of the group's labelmates. Though plaintively plucked acoustic guitars and barely-above-a-whisper vocals are the rule again, "Destination Vertical" is the prime highlight, with a dance beat full of friction and a level of tension that crests just short of bursting. This is another album ideal for days when all you want to do is sprawl out on your bed with some magazines or examine the ceiling. ~ Andy Kellman
