California country/rocker Gina Villalobos plays a no-frills, unvarnished version of seasoned Americana that belies any thought of So-Cal "mellow". Her best songs instead recall that particular rough and ready, roadhouse flavor that has permeated everything from Lucinda Williams to early Tom Petty to the "Wild Horses" side of the Rolling Stones: ragged guitar fuzz, an acoustic rasp stripped bare and enough rhythmic punch to drown out any remnants of bar chatter. Now well into her 30's, Villalobos has honed her particular craft to a razor sharp edge, her weary, sometimes strained, whiskey-and-smoke voice epitomizing years on the road and countless nights staring into a lone spotlight and spinning her poetic tales with a quiet, visceral intensity.

Her third album Days On Their Sides, arriving July 7, makes us remember exactly what we've come to appreciate in Villalobos since her acclaimed 2005 solo debut Rock n' Roll Pony and '07 follow up Miles Away. Playing with a band for six years before heading out on her own has given her exceptionally solid footing on stage and in the studio and her songs crackle with an assertive kick that certainly drives home the point that the best alt-country is as much about rugged rock majesty as it is about steel guitar shadings. New songs such as the slow building, full-throttle title track and jangling, harmonied "Pictures of Pictures" easily recall other names and influences, but if you take the time to peel back the layers, dig into the lyrics and revel in the handiwork of a supreme song artisan you'll find a distinctive voice at the top of her game.

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