Marissa Nadler's journey though music is as compelling as her songs. Her earliest records showed her talent as a true balladeer, delivering tragic songs that were stripped down so her lush vocals became the centerpiece. Since then Nadler's records have become even more ambitious and layered. And 2016's Strangers might be her most accessible, although it still lurks in the shadows. This doesn't even include her contributions to albums from ambient doom band Wrekmeister Harmonies and black metal artist Xasthur. Nadler continues to do just fine on her own, and remains one of the most intriguing, intelligent, and strong singer/songwriters of the past decade. This is only the beginning. MARK LORE