The Ragbirds

The DIY marketing strategy of The Ragbirds—a band that encourages taping at its live shows and offers guest-list spots to anyone who volunteers for its street team—goes nicely with its freely wandering mentality. Much is owed to Eastern European musical styles on 2009’s Finally Almost Ready, particularly on songs like “Books Of Matches,” but the group’s experimentation with world music also extends to other inspirations, like reggae on “Get In.” Clear, confident vocals from Erin Zindle—who released her solo debut, Scenes From The Fragile, Agile Avian World in 2011—and the band’s adept playing anchor the noodling jam band spirit throughout, making all those incorporated elements of Middle Eastern and Latin music, Americana, and straight-up rock stick together. “Six Wheels” from 2012’s Travelin’ Machine, nicely adds a tropical flavor to the multi-culti stew the band already has cooking.

Updated 06/29/2012