CD Review: Ruut's 'Glimpse'

Ruut
Glimpse
Self-Release

Born in Finland and based in Baltimore, Ruut brings infectious folk music grooves to the forefront with vocals akin to Dala Girls, Tori Amos, and the Beu Sisters. The folk repertoire is steeped in swirling guitar melodies, bass, keys, piano, accordion, and percussion. Each track is catchy and worth repeated listens. "Hourglass" is a more introspective tune, because it is rather slow and sparse on instrumentation. However, Ruut's voice is still a gem throughout. Additionally, "Church Bells," "Heartbreak," and "No One Will Ever Love You" are slower tunes. In contrast, "Glimpse," "Make It Good," and "Last One" are more up-tempo and pop-focused. Overall, Ruut's tender vocals are meaningful and pop-centric. Fans of folk music with a pop edge will love Ruut. For a 'glimpse' into a musical world that is filled with redeeming values, Ruut will satisfy all those seeking really, really good music. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Lauren Edman's 'It's Always The Quiet One'

Lauren Edman
It's Always The Quiet One
Self-Release

The alternative pop and trip-hop ramblings of an innovative performer, Lauren Edman, bring us an excellent mix of quirky, electronic-driven songs that resemble some of the music in the trip-hop or alternative genres--with the likes of Tori Amos, The Cardigans, and Imogen Heap. However, Lauren makes the music her own by throwing in a mix of other instruments, including flutes, banjo, piano, percussion, and keyboard accompaniment for a more diverse sound. Lauren sings more than most alt-trip-hop musicians, which is not a negative. In fact, Lauren's vocals are pretty good throughout. The poetic, but upbeat "Sweet Girl" is a perfect caricature of a Cardigans repertoire. "Charge" is a more spacious trip-hop song with lush vocals and an electronic ambiance. "This Is It" is more alt-folk than trip-hop. "Wasting" contains a trip-hop beat that shimmers with electronic sounds from a range of sources. Lauren's style is reminiscent of Lolo, Endless Blue, and Portishead. As a former quiet one myself, I have no problem applauding this new release and sharing it with everyone I do and don't know. ~ Matthew Forss