In between working with elaborate classical evocations of her small-ensemble compositions (Isabelle) and creating powerful detailed works such as her Radica Jewish Culture composition Mouth=Maul=Betrayer, New York avant-garde composer Zeena Parkins still found time to make fiery, improvised solo recordings for electric harp. With her entirely personal instrument she can shape complex works of feedback-drenched, string-bending, and percussive noise texture, and with this recording she continues in the vein of work developed on her striking solo debut, Nightmare Alley. Parkins uses tape loops and samplers sparingly as accompaniment, though the majority is solo harp filled with distorted metallic textures. Zeena Parkins transfigures the harp into an extraordinary instrument of many voices. No Way Back comes highly recommended to fans of ’90s experimental and improvised music. – Dean McFarlane