Chimera

The dreamlike sequencing of “You Fee Right” that opens If By Yes’ Salt on Sea Grass is rooted in downtempo R&B – a crisp, almost ethereal delicateness moves with Petra Haden’s soaring, instrument-like vocals. The quartet, founded by the LA-based Haden and New York City multi-instrumentalist Yuka Honda, locks in like Zero 7 and proves to be masters of the somnolent mood, even if the constant strain is a bit sleep-inducing. By In My Dreams," the album’s sixth track, the jig is up as the group’s layered avant-pop is toppled by the weight of its own repetition. Even David Byrne’s contributions to “Eliza” fail to spark any excitement. Instead, it floats on like another piece of what plays out as one giant, hazy song.