Disclosing the new music currently clogging up WJ’s browser toolbar.

Who? Today, WJ Bookmarks… Ruby & The Rib Cage

What? A voice. And a really haunting, world-weary one at that. Of course, it’s rare to hear such an authoritative, throat-y vocal over brooding, crestfallen folk – but rarer still, for it to be so utterly gripping and intense. Since their inception in July 2011, Ruby and her Rib Cage have been slowly expanding in stature – thanks, in part, to majestic sets at Wilderness and Secret Garden Party, as well as backing from BBC Introducing. But it’s really a knack for shiver-inducing string segments, spellbinding songs and her tricky-to-pigeonhole communication of them that sets this apart.

On hypnotic highlight ‘Horror’, the sentiment is most certainly that of an autoharp-wielding PJ Harvey, with her cooing moments aimed for Joanna Newsom at her most whimsical; however in reality the mature execution is that of a uke-toting Stevie Nicks or, closer still, a gruffer, unplugged Alison Moyet. ‘I Am A Child’, on the other hand, is Johnny Cash’s stirring cover of ‘Personal Jesus’, but given a mass-appealing makeover – the sort that will be eventually, and duly, treated to a wide-armed welcome by a flustered Jools on a muso-marred Monday night. We’ll be tuned in and you should too.

Where? When? The brand-new Ruby & The Rib Cage line-up are playing a string of London dates this winter, so take your pick: The World’s End Finsbury Park (Nov 4), The Rattlesnake Islington (Nov 8), The Hackney Attic (Nov 15), The Hoxton Underbelly (Nov 18), The World’s End Chelsea (Nov 20) and Notting Hill Arts Club (Dec 20). Although, if you’d prefer to be on the stage – and can play a passable bass guitar – you can apply via their Facebook page.

Why? Because if we’re honest, the wider public has a terrible habit of getting hot under the collar over derivative acoustic ensembles. This, on the other hand, is quite exceptional.

LISTEN: Horror – Live Demo by RubyandtheRibCage

Previously: ‘WJ Bookmarks… Amusement’