The story of how Hartford-based Violent Mae came to be is an interesting one. Becky Kessler asked Floyd Kellogg to act as producer for her first solo album with no intention of collaborating further. Their chemistry in the studio was instantaneous, and the two quickly joined forces to create their self-titled debut LP, released in November. At times, their music is spacy, textural and discordant. For instance, take a listen to the eerie climactic bridge of the slow-moving “Man In The Country.” The pace picks up on other songs, such as the catchy indie-pop gem “Hole In My Heart.” Kessler’s deep vocals separate her from other female indie singers, sounding like a less dramatic, more authentic Lana del Rey. Download the album on Bandcamp now and check out Violent Mae at BAR in New Haven, CT, on January 15. – Jake Reed