Calling a woman “ballsy” probably isn’t going to get you anything more than a handprint on your face, but Brit Boras is just that – the confidence with which she sings and plays in her band, Brit and the Cavalry, is astounding. Clearly unafraid to fuse styles and sounds, it appears as though her one goal is to force the listener to challenge the expected. She succeeds in this mission not by forcing messages on you the way mom shoved cough medicine down your throat, but through a mix of sincerity and self-assurance. The Cavalry, Alex Beckmann on drums and Dan Krysa on bass, provide soulful grooves on nearly every track, regardless of style. Musical arrangements and accompaniments – often strings and horns – are smart and warm, never overdone. Of special note is the modern-folk tune “Cassandra,” with its undeniable Dylan “Desire” quality right down to the violins, creepy high-pitched harmonies, and calm oceanic waxing and waning of the lead vocals – hypnotic. After a productive 2009 and with a new EP in the works, Brit took some time to answer a few questions… – Read Paul Dunn’s interview with Brit Boras here.