muzike.org -

After two excursions into the field of alternative guitar rock, the British-Australian collaboration headed by Richard Levy have remembered their true strengths, and with \"The Only Solace\" have produced a breath-takingly beautiful neofolk album which catapults OSTARA right back to the spearhead of the genre. Fatalistic lyrics full of abysmal thoughts, executed with sensitive vocals, carried by captivating melodies and crystal clear acoustic guitar. Far removed from cheap effect and unreflected symbolic games, OSTARA create a magical world under the spell of a tragic past and faced with an uncertain future. In their mystical world view they penetrate time and open the way for unforeseen connectivities. In this context many of the lyrics are revealed as traps, and mundane experiences take a cruel twist. Levy surrounds the listener with comforting atmospheres and soothing metaphors, just to waken them roughly from their sleep once more. When the rustling of the masses grows into a deafening noise, the cry of the individual appears like a tentative murmur on the wind. Only OSTARA express this silent tragedy so powerfully.