*** The Hope Blister

. . . SMILE'S OK

(4AD/Mammoth)

The Hope Blister pick up where This Mortal Coil -- a project that featured a rotating roster of 4AD stalwarts (Cocteau Twins, Dead Can Dance, Wolfgang Press) and like-minded colleagues performing esoteric covers -- left off in 1991 with Blood. With 4AD guru Ivo Watts-Russell once again at the helm, the Hope Blister maintain a somewhat traditional band line-up (string quartet, sax player, rhythm section) and tackle material by Brian Eno, John Cale, Heidi Berry, and Tall Dwarves' leader Chris Knox. Vocalist Louise Rutkowski lends her disquietingly detached voice to generally austere chamber arrangements, singing with more character than presence. It's an approach that works best on selections that were originally marked by overwrought or mannered vocals, such as the Cranes' "Sweet Unknown," and David Sylvian's "Let the Happiness In." The Hope Blister lack the stylistic variety of This Mortal Coil's all-star karaoke. But . . . smile's ok offers plenty of soothing sounds for souls who think navy blue and forest green are bright colors, and for fans of vintage 4AD fare.

-- Kurt B. Reighley