Ringside

Scott Thomas and Balthazar Getty have come up with a little surprise in this self-titled debut record. Encapsulated in the brilliant, shiny production (headed up by none other than Fred Durst) are strikingly honest lyrics and quite a bit of soul, wrapped completely in organic old-school synth sounds and drumbeats. Acoustic guitars, used sparingly in interludes, keep the sound grounded and bluesy. “Tired of Being Sorry” gives the listener a feeling of waltzing down Van Nuys Boulevard on a warm summer evening. “Strangerman,” “Talk to Me” and “Raining Nextdoor” bring out a darker side lyrically: “She says goodnight, but I heard her through the walls crying. / There’s nothing I can do for the girl / ’Cause it’s always raining next door.” One listen spun into four, and these tunes kept growing on me.