Singer Chelsea Wolfe makes dreary sound enticing

There's plenty of music made for mass consumption, much of it meant for nothing more than accompanying the mundane moments of our lives. Whether it's pretty little pop ditties to distract us as we drive around town or wishful odes that wander around with us as we withstand another workday, ultimately all the songs end up blending into the background of our consciousness.

Nothing on Chelsea Wolfe's latest album, "Abyss," comes anywhere close to fitting this description. This is an album that sticks with you. It's the kind of recording that demands that you set aside time to adequately absorb its ambiance, letting your ears trace the captivating contours of Wolfe's vibrant voice and the delightful discordant way it contrasts with the intoxicating sounds that envelop her.

Droning guitar figures and synths keep pace with plodding rhythms that move at the speed of Sunn 0))) and Boris' "Altar," while slivers of "Kid A" poke out periodically. The tone, texture and bleakness of "Abyss" is admittedly dreary, but if you're a music lover seeking a wholly satisfying listening experience, particularly in headphones, this is most definitely it.

And that's just the music. Thematically, the downcast nature of "Abyss" was inspired by Wolfe's experience with sleep paralysis, which, from the sound of it here, is a daunting and unsettling thing to contend with, even if it makes fascinating fodder for an album. Give it a listen and then head over to Backstage Bar & Billiards on Thursday to experience it live for yourself.

Read more from Dave Herrera at bestoflasvegas.com. Contact him at dherrera@reviewjournal.com.