(13 March 2008) Noa Babayof, a folk indie singer/songwriter from Israel released her debut album, From A Window To A Wall (AnovA Productions Ltd (Israel), AN004, 2007), last November in Israel and will release the album in the United States in May 2008 on Language of Stone (Philadelphia, PA, USA) and distributed by Drag City. Noa recorded her album at Hexam Head Studios in Philadelphia with Greg Weeks, the producer and frontman/guitar player for the Espers, a psychedelic folk band.

This talented twenty-five year old songstress is originally from Be'er Sheva and first began performing in 2005. She does gigs regularly as a solo act, but does occasionally team up to perform with other artists including musician Amit Erez who is a well known figure in the Israeli alternative scene and has been playing guitar in the acclaimed art-rock supergroup Eatliz (review).

Noa's talents are being touted by the Israeli media as one of the most unique voices in recent years and she is quickly creating her mark on the new international folk scene. Israeli media has been quoted describing Noa as "a frightfully talented singer, with a voice that even the heavens can not bear" (Walla Portal, Israel) and "a slow and clear vocal delivery with a voice that makes you believe in reincarnation"(7 Nights, Israel). Her spellbinding vocals have been likened to great female vocalists such as Joni Mitchell, Nico and Vashti Bunyan. Noa is influenced by some renowned artists such as The Beatles, Judy Collins, Simon and Garfunkel, The Carpenters, The Mamas andThe Papas, Joan Baez, Joni Mitchell and Bob Dylan, along with contemporary icons such as Diane Cluck, Smog and the Espers.

All twelve songs on From A Window To A Wall were written by Noa and are sung in English. She has an outstanding pure voice and she is backed by lush string arrangements that create a mysterious and captivating aura of sound. The compositions are entirely acoustic, featuring guitar, violin, mandolin, cello, flute, recorder and harp, which produces a highly atmospheric and mystical feeling. The band is comprised of Katt Hernandez on violin, Jesse Sparhawk on mandolin and harp, Greg Weeks on recorder, percussion, white/pink noise and bells, Jessica Weeks on flute, Margaret Weink on cello and contra bass, and Amit Erez on additional guitar and additional vocals.

Noa's touching vocals are delivered with a seductive yet deliberate approach. She evokes a vulnerability and sensitivity to her music, giving the passages a dreamy effect. Some standout tracks include the mesmerizing "Indian Queen," the melodic "One Song" and the expressive a capella "Them That Are Writing These Songs." Noa keeps true to her feminine folk style, and she clearly has a knack for conveying her story with allure and in a charismatic fashion. She beautifully articulates an expressiveness to her music and vocals that creates a clear imagery.

From A Window To A Wall is a wonderfully appealing album, with creative lyrics and lovely musical arrangements. Noa Babayof's crystalline and folky vocals have a magnetic appeal, and her musical renditions are of the highest quality. She exudes a passion throughout this album and is able to draw in the listener with her mellow tunes. Noa's precise vocals and vulnerable melodies certainly make her one to watch.--Audrey Elliot in New York