RUTH

Nana Grizol's second album, "Ruth" is a potent mix of revved up melodic folk punk, laced with intricate horn arrangements and sleazy, ripping guitars. It alternates between contemplative, beautiful folk arrangements and blasting rock and roll, often within the same song. "Cynicism" kicks things off with a haunting finger picked guitar melody, mixed with a lush horn arrangement. "Galaxies" then kicks things into high gear with it's infectious swagger. "Black Box" is an album highlight, with it's urgent, tense backing of a lyrical rumination on mortality. "From Here" opens with a jubilant, group vocal, then channels Neil Young's Crazy Horse for a blazing, energetic guitar workout. "Sands" ends the album with an ominous, horn backed swell that builds into an expertly crafted pop song, leaving off on a dark but hopeful note.