Jenny Lewis with the Watson Twins

“Rabbit Fur Coat” (Team Love Recorxds)

Compare to: Neko Case, Loretta Lynn

REVIEW: 4 / 5

In short: Rilo Kiley’s female frontwoman finally breaks out of the “rock with country undertones” mold and embraces the sounds of blue collar, lo-fi, country folk.

When indie rock darlings Rilo Kiley released their debut “The Execution of All Things” in 2000, hipster music fans and psuedo alt-country, saddle creek enthusiasts alike were introduced to Jenny Lewis as a blossoming musician.

Fast forward about six years and two albums later to the release of her debut solo release when again she was introduced to music fans, this time, however, as a guitar-wielding storyteller.

Giving in to the country and Americana influences Rilo Kiley has so painfully suppressed over its career, “Rabbit Fur Coat” finds Lewis soulfully putting her life to the country-flavored twang of a guitar and the earthy vocal harmonies of bluegrass duo the Watson Twins.

The only break from her late night confessional style comes in the form of a cover of the Travelling Wilburys’ “Handle with Care,” featuring rock’s new heart throbs Conor “Bright Eyes” Oberst and Ben “Death Cab for Cutie” Gibbard.

At times as strong and vibrant as the howl of a prairie wind, at others as humble and introspective as a late afternoon, orange-hued sky stretching across the southern landscape, Lewis leaves no doubt that every smile, tear and sting are her own.

– Dante Sacomani