Newcomers to Ruby Fray (a.k.a. Emily Beanblossom) might hardly imagine the ruckus Beanblossom kicked up with other Olympia, Wash., bands in the past (such as the noisy Christmas and freak-folkers Turf Surgery). On her debut as Ruby Fray, Beanblossom takes on the personae of earthy blues mama (“What’s All This Talk”), a ghostly, sultry chanteuse à la Mazzy Star (“Northern Washington,” “Closed Eye”), and purveyor of desolate Americana goth (“Let’s Grow Older,” “Barren Hill”). She partners with K Records founder/Olympia scene godfather Calvin Johnson (Beat Happening, Dub Narcotic Sound System) on the charming “Mint Ice Cream.” Though when we listen to the murky “Wilt Worker” or the muted clatter of “And the Moon,” imagining Nick Cave along for the ride is more fitting. If you’re old enough to remember the thrill delivered by Cowboy Junkies’ The Trinity Session album back in 1988, we point you to it as a reference. Pith offers the same haunting and beautiful vibe, the same mesmerizing effect, and the same feeling that one's discovering something quite wonderful.