By: Liz Levine
Rating: 8/11 

Brooklyn’s Brit & the Cavalry take the classic formula of singer/songwriter + backing band and add in a whole lot of quirk and flair, distinguishing themselves easily with these refreshing bits of originality. Brit Boras’ strong musical background is apparent as she brings jazz guitar and violin training to pop tunes, along with her willful, fiery singing. Backed by drummer Alex Beckmann (of Mem) and bassist Dan Krysa, Boras takes the lead with her seductive and empowered voice in a mix that might be called mildly psychedelic folk rock. “Melt Into Flames” introduces pretty guitar strums and squeaky computer zips before breaking into a swirling forest dance, accordion notes driving a hint of a Renn fest feel. “Hey There” brings it in full with fluttering panpipe, though the tribal chanting and spastic trumpet do much to establish their own mood. It’s a surprise, then, when the song reaches its chorus that delivers layered girl-group vocals that seem to warn “don’t mess with me.” Brooklyn’s Brit & the Cavalry have a lot of ideas going on in their heads, and they succeed at folding them into engaging and sometimes eccentric pop.