Welcome to the resurfacing of Orenda Fink, one-half of now defunct dream-pop duo Azure Ray. Since Ray’s ‘04 disbanding, Ms. Fink soldiered on with her Saddle Creek solo release Invisible Ones the next year, later forming Art Belle (essentially constituents of her touring band, including members of the Anniversary, Bright Eyes, etc.) … then renaming the project Art In Manila.

The Art poppers forthcoming Set The Woods On Fire puts Orenda’s vox in familiar settings, though twisted at the corners: still plenty of stargazing balladry, occasionally turning up the amps and BPM for something more urgent and crunchy. The shining moments still sit Orenda under the night sky, though, as in the heartfelt jangle confessional “The Abomination”…

Art In Manila – “The Abomination” (MP3)

Another we’re loving is “I Thought I Was Free,” but a must download comes via Orenda’s campfire rearrangement of Les Savy Fav’s manic anthem “The Sweat Descends.” Compare Art In Manila’s take with Harrington’s hysterics at Stereogum’s inaugural McCarren Pool free show last year, or at Les Savy’s NYU scorcher a few months later. Less crazed guitars and props here, but a lovely take…

Art In Manila – “The Sweat Descends” (MP3)

Set The Woods On Fire is out 8/28 on Saddle Creek. More to hear at MySpace.