The latest from this quartet further solidifies their bluesy niche in L.A.’s indie circuit. SRF took the distinctly southern Americana formula of baritone vocals like Leonard Cohen, coupled them with female vocals, and added solid post-punk/blues guitar riffs. “Down in the Hole” and “Missing” veer toward a lighter, stripped-down sound more like Iron & Wine or The National. Meanwhile, “In the Blood” showcases their southern gothic roots, reminding me more of NickCave with a foreboding creep of guitars while the title is chanted repeatedly. They neglected to include a murder ballad, which would have sweetened the pot. If you dig the aforementioned, pick this up right quick.
–Kristen K (Silenced, myspace.com/silencedrecords)