Who? The Battle of Land and Sea began as a collection of four-track home recordings by singer/songwriter Sarah O'Shura during an inspired weekend in early 2006. After enlisting the help of longtime collaborator Joshua Canny -- the two began playing together seven years ago when O'Shura met the former metal axeman at her second gig -- the duo recorded a handful of songs for a self-released EP that landed them a featured artist slot on MySpace and a deal with Austin-based label, Notenuf; their self-titled studio full-length arrives Jan. 15.

What's the Deal? O'Shura's lonesome melodies combine the dreamy melancholy of Mazzy Star with the smoky sway of Cat Power and the wintry folk of Maria Taylor while Canny's sparse, atmospheric guitar leads -- which sound like they're being played underwater -- shimmer behind mournful tales of separation and loss, often centered around, appropriately, the sea. Backed by little more than guitar and the occasional tambourine and banjo, haunting tracks like "Six Days," the reverb heavy "You Are a Sailor," and the album's catchiest offering "The Beautiful Ones" induce a reflective nostalgia that make you want to call your ex.

Fun Fact: O'Shura has a little secret about the recording of The Battle of Land and Sea. "I like to imagine people listening to the record and them not having a clue that I recorded part of it nude," O'Shura tells SPIN.com "I'm not telling which songs though."

Now Hear This:
The Battle of Land and Sea - "Saltwater Queen" DOWNLOAD MP3

On the Web:
The Battle of Land and Sea at MySpace

Talk: Will you set sail with the Battle of Land and Sea?