ArchiveX's Some Ungodly Hour is an intriguing blend of pop, rock, gospel and ambient that has already invited comparisons to artists as diverse as Moby and Little Feat.

The project, managed by Hugo Vereker, is the brainchild of a West Coast musician who prefers to remain anonymous and who wields an unearthly voice (cultivated in church choirs, though he's not himself a believer--long story) and an uncanny flair for mood.

On my favorite tracks, such as the Randy Newman-ish "Brother," he infuses classic pop-rock structure with spiritual uplift, making the most of his ravishing falsetto. Other standouts include the rousing "Drink the Water" (think A3-meets-Alan Lomax), the stomping, bluesy "Been Down," the impossibly gorgeous "What You Need" and the mysterious, intimate "Pilgrim of Sorrow." An example of his pure vocal conjuring, meanwhile, can be found in "Hymmmn," accessible below.

A companion release, which brings more electronic elements into the mix, is due in April.