Kristen Ford -- Pinto

Kristen Ford shines on Pinto, an arena-ready diary of Ford's life coloring outside the lines in LA's rock scene. The album is full of big drums, soaring guitars, and crunchy grooves – but none of them match the power of Ford's self-assured rasp. In a just world, Pinto would cement Ford's destiny as a rock star.

"Whiplash" and "Birds of Steel" exemplify Pinto's uncanny knack or tasty grooves and angular arrangements, foregrounding her undeniable charisma even as she muses on life's frustrations. That frustration is centered in the album's standout, "White Man's Dream," in which Pinto explicitly names the impacts of racism, sexism, and queerphobia that inform the waters she's swimming against. Similarly, "Wild Heart" disarms these men with humor – calling for a tampon as a weapon while asserting her individuality.

Ford's got an ear for country as well. "Grrrl in the Mirror" is a charming ballad with a shuffling beat that details Ford's travels and travails with coming out and following toxic adolescent relationships until she truly came into her own. "White Lighter" follows in the same vein, though coming from a more distinct emotional space, with Ford begging for familial approval.

But there's as many ups as downs in this life, and Ford takes plenty of time to appreciate them on "The Fall," a sensual and urgent declaration of – well, need, shall we say. "Richest in the World" slows things down, a contemplative appreciation of all the the things worth having.

Pinto will stay with you for a long time – not just because of Ford's indelible energy, but because these songs are designed to ring in your ears long after the last note.

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