The rock-cello trio's second recording is co-produced by frontwoman Melora Creager and Nine Inch Nails' Chris Vrenna. Vrenna brings a heavier rock feel to Rasputina's "neo-chamber grunge," especially on "LeechWife" and "TrenchMouth." Creager's victrola soprano adds whimsy to the dynamic string arrangements. Their rendition of "You Don't Own Me" is simply wicked; their portrait of Rose Kennedy ("Rose K.") deranged and empathetic. These songs weave fables and tabloids with dry humor; never precious, always unique.

-- Beth Winegarner

This article was originally published in the San Francisco Chronicle.