LOS ANGELES—Go figure the charming but enigmatic music of Stella’s Notch.  What you get is a slew of probabilities that leads to a contradiction; a paradox that hints of something else beyond conventional definitions.  Or, whatever.

Probably Chadface, the band’s hyperactive bassist, could easily relate to the high-handed attempts at categorizing his LA-based act’s “beyond borders” sound.  The first time I asked him for an insight about Stella Notch’s music, during one of their rehearsals in a secluded industrial building in downtown, he rambled words that only made my obsession for definitions shot.

Finally, vocalist/guitarist Melody del Mundo calmed me down.

“Stella’s Notch is a collection of passionate emotions manifested thru the sounds we create which are cast upon the listeners.  Then it funnels into their minds, senses, and subconscious and takes them to a higher level and leaves a mark,” she said.

Too steep a trip to negotiate?  Not really.  That is, if you are familiar with the work of Del Mundo, ex-leader of the 90s’ indie-rock group Sugar Hiccup.

Del Mundo’s fondness for beyond the usual four-note chords progression punctuated by esoteric lyricism was the fountainhead of her Manila-based band’s post-New Wave “folk-punk” (then pioneered by Milwaukee-based act Violent Femmes).  After steady immersion, however, one agrees that Melody’s innovative mix of Americana and traditional folk, interspersed with shimmering Celtic grooves, is definitely a “new” kind of pleasure that defies easy categorization.

Bottomline: the girl made that trick work. Sugar Hiccup was one of the most popular and awarded acts in Manila 15 years ago or so.  And while Stella’s Notch is not Sugar Hiccup and the girl has, of course, grown into a woman and left Manila, Stella’s Notch is still Melody del Mundo—albeit tighter, more matured, grounded and focused.  Credit this to the rest of SN—whose individual charm and competence weave solid identity to their ensemble’s impressionistic allure.  To get my drift though, listeners are advised to come watch the band play live.

Anchored on Del Mundo’s powerful pipes that could be an indie rock pixie’s or a seductive soul chanteuse’s, depending on who’s listening—the band’s debut CD “Beyond Wonderland” could be as accessible as midsummer jazz-pop at an open-air gig (“Blown Away”), a light-footed Argentinian/flamenco warble on the lido deck (“Hands,” “Loved Then Go”), heartland-weary gunslinger rock (“I Fall Prey”), or a robust set of effervescent love songs rife with exotic ethereality (“Astray,” “Wounded”).

The rhythm section of bassist Chadface and drummer Miguel Rodriguez dab a much-needed sonic bounce and heft to the entire experience.  Although the robust backbeat isn’t discernible in the CD, you can easily groove to it via “I Fall Prey” live—the copperhead snap keeps the band at peace with its rock roots.  Which is just lovely.

In most instances, Dennis Diaz’s lead guitar effortlessly navigates around Del Mundo’s lush terrain of rich melodies and ties all up on a single knot, as in “Hands.”  Meantime, Yen Lam’s violin—cutting intermittently along the transcendent trip—offers delicate nuance and seductive joie de vivre to SN’s moment’s journey in a song.  No doubt, “Loved Then Go” is Ms. Lam’s moondance.

Stella’s Notch, given enough exposure, will find its niche somewhere.  Its mesmerizing diversity and yes, beautiful paradox or enigma, works to its advantage—it effortlessly cuts through barriers and borders without really trying so hard.  Jim Jenkins, their manager, says that he looks forward to a U.S. bases tour for the band… I am not sure if he’s kidding though.  Stella’s Notch, despite the hands-down enchantment of Melody del Mundo and Yen Lam upfront, deserve more than the approving applause of muscular military venues.

Cuts like “Under the Sheets” and “Hear” could pass off as slinky bedroom ballads or sweetheart odes, but these confessional tunes exude depth and earnest that aren’t handy at a jukebox joint or AM radio.  Stella’s Notch is accessible but still elusive, familiar yet always fresh to the senses.

So how do we put that mirth and magic in one word?  Not a chance.  Stella’s Notch’s music simply “funnels into minds, senses, and subconscious and takes (us) to a higher level and leaves a mark.” 
Enough said.  

[www.stellasnotch.com and www.myspace.com/stellasnotch]