It’d be hard to live in Lansing, MI and not come across Frontier Ruckus at some point. And upon entering the dreary grip of another Midwest winter, I cannot think of a better emblem for so vapid a surrounding than The Orion Songbook. The band’s first full-length album was recently released by Michigan-based indie label Quite Scientific. It’s led by the haunting vocals and relentlessly poetic lyricism of Matthew Milia. His shaky voice retains a touching potency that forgives the pitchy spots that freckle the album. Milia’s songs are further illustrated by a wonderful cast of musicians. The instrumentation often includes a horn section, percussion, female vocal harmonies, a mean banjo, bass, harmonica, and singing-saw.
Animals Need Animals is an ambient, tranquil opening song and an appropriate prolepsis of the ensuing bitter beauty that follows. The songs flow seamlessly into one another, each telling its own tale while still contributing to a cohesive body of literary work. Each song deserves as much individual attention as the next, but it is their synergy that completes the portrait of wintry heartbreak amidst the internal travail of inescapable memories. The Orion Songbook has cavernous intellect and blossoming imagination. Look for Frontier Ruckus to be coming somewhere near you (as their new release gains acclaim) because their live interpretation is not disappointing in the least.

By Santos Ramos

• MP3: Frontier Ruckus - Animals Need Animals