From the opening whoop from Elifantree's singer and principle songwriter, Anni Elif Egecioglu,Time Out presents itself as something mysterious. As the name of the trio elliptically suggests, Egecioglu is the principle focus, with saxophonist Pauli Lyytinen and drummer Tatu Rönkkö making up the "tree." In comparison with its well-received debut, Love and Trees (Eclipse, 2010), Time Out is something of a return to the fold of convention, but very much Elifantree's own type of experimental, pop-influenced mainstream. Despite the predominance of voice, sax and drums, some archetypal synth and keyboards slip into the mix on ''Where's Your Courage,'' with the echo effect on Lyytinen's saxophone frequently turned way up. If comparisons between Egecioglu's mezzo-soprano and Tori Amos are accepted, the so, too, must a similarity to nu-wave French vocalist Jeanne Added, who has been described as a female Captain Beefheart in her enthusiasm to sing around or even through a melody. Egecioglu shows similar disrespect for melodic conventions, and uses the versatility of her voice to emphasize the roles which she plays through her lyrics. It's a style that takes a little getting used to.