In line with her previous records (Solar Bipolar and Shout Like a Lady), Randi Russo’s third studio LP embraces the raw and the refined, some punk angst with some of the polished allure of the sensual and melancholic. Already known for "a whole lot of balls and artistry” (Venus Zine), Russo created an album which is even more adventurous. With daring production by Paul Megna (Oxygen Ponies) and Russo, the sound is technically incomparable to Russo’s other records, yet still pays respect to a singer-songwriter and painter who values outsider art and music (speaking of which, she also painted the cover art, created the surreal composite photo on the inside of the packaging, plus did all the drawings found in the liner notes).

Russo and Megna spent months on end recording and crafting this record at Ponyland, part of the Saltmines Collective (former and current home to The Walkmen, Animal Collective, French Kicks, Poison Tree, and more) in Dumbo, Brooklyn. The vision was clear: take Russo’s well-written, literate songs and layer up the sounds to create the sort of psychological landscape that exists in the songwriter’s mind. The result is FRAGILE ANIMAL, which incorporates layers upon layers of guitars, backwards tracks, lush keyboard beds and thick harmonium drones. Raucous, angular lead guitar riffs mingle with some sweet slide guitar, as East meets what is mostly West, at times recalling Berlin Era Bowie.

Russo still flexes those lyrical muscles with her knack for “great outsider anthems” (Lucid Culture). Whether it’s a political song about immigration (“Head High”) or a song about one’s personal war with the world (“Invisible” and “Alienation”), a feeling of empowerment is given to those who live on the fringe. Listen closely to her “honest, provocative lyrics” (The Big Takeover), and you’ll get a sense of what Russo’s sound and vision is all about.