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In Demand

Randi Russo: SOLAR BIPOLAR
Randi Russo: SOLAR BIPOLAR, out on Olive Juice records.

Randi Russo
SOLAR BIPOLAR
Olive Juice records.

New Yorkers have always been the leaders of the pack in telling dark tales, but none do so with more sincerity and poignancy than the Patti Smith mixed with PJ Harvey and a hint of VV Kills on vocals of Randi Russo, in her NY garage punk and antifolk style. She cynically and succinctly tells the life story of too many people in ‘League Of The Brigands’:

'I took all of the pain from youth and I passed it onto you. You'll probably find a brand new love and do to her what I did to you, and we'll keep that cycle of hurt going on.'

Oh, why are the pretty ones always so cynical? The album features a fascinating narrative song about rebellion from society’s norms ‘Lucy’s Plan’, which is a snazzy The Clash type tune, which sharp and bouncy guitars Russo’s raw and crisp vocals tell a compelling story. The popular theme of lost love gets the Randi treatment in ‘Matchless’, a PJ Harvey style number in both the darkness and sincerity of the track. ‘So It Must Be True’ dissects the nature of optimism sharper than Voltaire in ‘Candide’. In her own inimitable way the nifty New Yorker, with the aid of creeping guitars and clattering percussion shows there is a darker side to reaching for the stars:

Music - Randi Russo: SOLAR BIPOLAR, out on Olive Juice records.
Music - Randi Russo: SOLAR BIPOLAR, out on Olive Juice records.

‘You keep on seeking something from outside, you draw yourself back into your life’.

Having previously contributed to an antifolk compilation ‘Call It What You Want This Is Antifolk’ with revered artists such as Adam Green, Jeffrey Lewis and Major Matt Mason USA, Russo is gaining the respect of fellow artist and music lovers at a growing rate. It is good to see honesty and frankness being rewarded, if there is any justice this cactus will continue to grow in a world of rose tinted spectacles.

David Adair