Ahead of her upcoming album with her band Torrey on Slumberland Records, Ryann Gonsalves is here to drop Ouch! for us this Valentine's Day. Recorded with Rick Altieri of Blue Ocean, this Dandy Boy Records offering is better than a box of chocolates, and full of just as much sweetness.
Gonsavles' winning voice leads numbers like "Bitter Host" and "Burrowing" to a place that's special. These numbers suggest an unlikely combination of Frente! and Lois to these ears, but the sound is still fresh on its own terms. The surging title cut is especially good. It's rough in just the right ways, and a hint of The Softies seems to creep into the hook. The cooing "Kid Chores" is a highlight here. Fans of Torrey should find this one just as wonderful, though a bit short.
All of Ouch! delights. The songs are simple and direct, and delivered with enough flavor as to make them far from slight. I can't wait to hear more from Gonsalves on her own, as well as with Torrey.
Ouch! by Ryann Gonsalves is out on Valentine's Day via Dandy Boy Records.
[Photo: Dandy Boy Records]