Smack, slap, hammer and strum are a few of the words commonly used to describe the sounds of Kaki King on her Adamas guitar. The soloist/composer recently released her sixth album, “Glow.” Living up to her lauded reputation as a God-gifted guitarist, King impresses right off the bat with opening track, “Great Round Burn,” one of several pieces heightened in drama by string quartet ETHEL. Stripped, raw and devoid of vocals, King’s melodies embarrass acoustic elevator ditties to a cave of shame, with a complex construction that’s all ear candy. “Fences,” in particular, layers notes and chords in airy, happy-making music. The dance-inducing sounds are calming and make the perfect soundtrack for waking up or chilling out. King’s “Glow” reigns over all instrumental albums.

Grade: A