L'altra's Different Days is one of my favorite records of the decade, fulfilling the drifting, dream-like promise of their early records with a remarkably assured, IDM-informed disc of affecting, layered slow-burners. Given Lindsay Anderson and Joseph Costa's tenuous relationship—they broke up while recording Music of a Sinking Occasion, but kept the news quiet until the album was completed—it's hardly a surprise that L'altra has gone on an extended hiatus since Different Days came out in 2005. Anderson's solo debut If came out last year, but her gorgeous voice alone couldn't hold my interest in the midst of less evocative lyrics and more straightforward arrangements. Joseph Costa's upcoming debut as Costa Music, however, sounds remarkably like Different Days-era L'altra, retaining its exquisite sense of layering in a compelling blend of folk and electro-pop. Marc Hellner (Pulseprogramming), Joshua Eustis (Telefon Tel Aviv) and Kevin Duneman (The Race) help flesh out the disc, but it's the occasional contributions of guest vocalist Aleksandra Tomaszweska that hit the closest to L'altra. Whereas L'altra's vocals were always about balance, giving foreground and background duties to both Costa and Anderson, Costa Music blends the male and female vocals to great effect. Aleksandra Tomaszweska isn't afforded the same level of personality that Anderson's vocals brought, but it's important to remember that this is a solo record, not a L'altra follow-up.

"Snows" isn't single material, but its dynamic range impresses, beginning with intricate percussion and lingering piano chords, building up the mix with background vocals, strings, acoustic guitar, and electronic effects, and ending with only Costa's voice over reverb-heavy piano. Lighter Subjects has already made the sidebar list of worthy 2008 releases, so be on the lookout for it when it's released on May 1.