Lycia: The Burning Circle and then Dust (Silber)
release: Spring 2006 (originally issued in 1995)
styles: Ethereal Goth
similar: early Cocteau Twins, Black Tape for a Blue Girl, anything on Projekt records
rating: ****

For Silber records, it's a dream come true. The label always wanted to release records from Lycia, as the ambient-goth act has been a huge influence for Silber as well as artists already on the roster. For those familiar with the label or those artists, Lycia will be an excellent introduction and transition to one of the standards of the style. And The Burning Circle is an essential work from the band. If you were ever unhappy with the Cocteau Twin's less dark ethereal rock, Lycia fills the void for sure. Only complaint is that Tara Van Flower should have sang more. You know it. -Kenyon