The third album from STEVEN R. SMITH (THUJA, MIRZA, JEWELLED ANTLER COLLECTIVE) under his HALA STRANA banner. A further culmination of Smith's interest in Eastern European folk, These Villages features original instrumental compositions peppered with interpretations of traditional songs. Eleven tracks built upon layers of sustained drone and delicately plucked and bowed strings that create a seamless, almost raga-like environment with plenty of quiet-loud dynamics.