Birthed from the ashes of First Nation, with "Black Habit" this NY-based female trio decided to try on a new name, as well as welcoming Abby Portner (the sister of Animal Collective's Avey Tare) into their fold. Rings is the perfect starting point in describing their circular sound, a loose, tribal sort of pop, built upon a melange of unfettered rhythms, guitar, piano and harmonies. Co-produced by Mum's Kristin Anna Valtysdottir (a/k/a Kria Brekken). Recommended!

Once known as First Nation, Rings is the trio of Nina Mehta, Abby Portner and Kate Rosko, who rightfully describe themselves as "circular patchworked tranced feminist compositions." It's a sphere of sound made of tribal drumming, jagged and cyclical guitar, sparse piano, and layers of vocals. Upon first listen to Black Habit, all the not-quite-forgotten lineage of women's voice and personality comes rushing back with some moments being reminiscent of post-punk bands like the Raincoats, the Slits, Young Marble Giants, Rip Rig & Panic, and more recently Pram, all without using a bass line. It's a slight pop, choral, avant-melange that's far from angular; more twisty and wide, it swirls. These three young women are quite original in what they do and honestly pleasing to discover in their own right. One member is a kin of Animal Collective's Avey Tare, and similarly there's a full moon vibrancy that lurks about. There's also a pureness to Rings' approach and -- to their achievement -- the trio is able to appear simple, bare and open, with a soft-handed sense of control and childlike drama; but it never feels silly. Rings' secret seems to be in their ability to create innocence where nothing seems forced or calculated, and this draws you in. They explore joy and sadness, wonderment and confrontation all with a subtle beauty that weaves through the atmosphere of the music. Overall things feel more post-punk than freak folk, and better because of it, thanks to their sense of minimalism and the sparse yet present rhythm. Recorded and co-produced by Kria Brekken (formerly of Mum), Black Habit is the most interesting new release I've heard so far this year. [DG] (January 23, 2008)