Ramona Falls

Brent Knopf sounds very lonely on his first album as Ramona Falls. He could be homesick for Menomena, his day-job Portland, Oregon trio, but more likely he’s bummed about the former flame that quits wanting him in “Clover,” ignores his worldly travels in “Russia,” or tries to drown him in “Salt Sack.” (And you thought your ex-girlfriend sucked.) Thankfully, Knopf’s unpredictable melodies and funky orchestral arrangements (played by 35 indie- rock acquaintances!) keep tracks like “I Say Fever” and “Always Right” lively, resulting in an album that leans more toward epic than emo.

By Sarah Dupuis