Anna-Lynne Williams' third full-length solo album as Lotte Kestner,
Blue Bird of Happiness
finds more of her gentle, intimate, intensely melancholy indie folk. Expressed mainly with acoustic guitar, they're joined at times by limited reverb, backing vocals, flute, strings, and keyboard for a quietly haunting reverie. Topics include loss, affection, and regret ("Missing, too familiar a feeling"). Included are a guest appearance by Arnar Gudjonsson of indie rock's Leaves on "Pairs," and a profoundly spare cover of Beyonce's "Halo." ~ Marcy Donelson