“Where The Echoes Bloom” is the debut solo work of L.A. based artist, Alia.  A 9-track collection of electronic exotica, that showcases her virtuosity on theremin and kacapi, a Javanese zither. With assistance from percussionist Jamal Mohamed, she sets about creating the soundtrack for an alien tropics. 

“Crescent Sun” moves to a slow, sleek beat. The results in orbit with Water Melon’s Bond theme parody, “Moon Shaker”. “Jogja” incorporates field recordings, croaking frogs, songbirds, slo-mo gamelan gongs and what sounds like zen garden water features – but are actually water drops from Alia’s bathtub. “Aquamarine” has the theremin pay homage to Hawaiian guitar. Hitting like Clara Rockmore meets the score of “South Pacific”. A soothing, sunstroked lullaby with 60s easy-listening harmonies and Frank Comstock-esque Sci-Fi sound effects. Shooting stars and spinning UFOs. 

The super laidback “Intimate” could almost be an outtake from The Gentle People’s “Soundtracks For Living”. Sex kittens purring over its lapping tide rhythm. “Endless Love” adds a tender tremolo twang, the backing resembling some of Robin Guthrie’s later work, while the theremin now apes operatic arias. 

On the final “The Thorn And The Carnation” owls hoot and treatments transform into tiger growls in a soundscape that’s atmospheric, evocative and cinematic. Like a nocturnal prowl around a jungle on Bebe & Louis Baron’s “Forbidden Planet”.

Alia’s “Where The Echoes Bloom” can be ordered from Leaving Records.