The Haunting of Fursaxa at Highwire Gallery Oct. 30

Local native Fursaxa (a.k.a. Tara Burke) conjures up cinematic soundscapes that are mystical and strange. Strange like a séance or a foggy moon-filled night. The ancient sounding intro of “Alone in the Dark Wood” feels like a high-register Gregorian chant, notes bending into twangy strums that settle yet linger like ghosts. There’s something hypnotic and calming in the way the track unfolds, in the way it deconstructs as it progresses, isolating each component with focus and haunting emphasis. Similar to Fever Ray nix the overt dramatics, Fursaxa’s sound exists on the same plane as folklore or myths. Whether it’s the swelling rush of “Cle Elum” or the tolling “Bells of Capistrano”, Fursaxa will entrance you at first listen, note by note each time. Burke will be joined tonight at the Highwire Gallery by The New Heaven and The New Earth, Killa and Vincent Fournier-Boisvert. Highwire Gallery, 2040 Frankford Ave., 8pm, $8, All Ages – Dianca Potts