After a highly successful 2011 The Ragbirds are kicking off a new year with the release of their 4th studio effort, Travelin’ Machine on January 1st, 2012. In this exciting new album the band has seamlessly blended a wide palette of musical genres into a fresh and cohesive 10-track package that is full of life and energy.It’s rare to stumble upon a band that brings as much joy and creative flare to their music as the Ragbirds. Led by the energetic front woman, Erin Zindle, the band tastefully unites multi-cultural rhythms with a roots rock flavor that is as captivating and flirty, as it is smart.The five-piece project is clearly built around the multi-talented Zindle, who is not only the singer and songwriter for the project, but also is proficient in a range of stringed instruments. This classically trained violinist can aptly pluck the eight-stringed mandolin, wield a wild accordion and rock the banjo while maintaining lead vocals. Surrounding Zindle's earthy-sweet voice is the whirlwind of a guitarist T.J. Zindle, dynamic bassist Brian Crist, drummer Loren Kranz and standout percussionist Randall Moore.Chock-full of radio-friendly material, Travelin’ Machine showcases the band’s skills with adventurous lyrics and a unique blend of styles. The album kicks off with the contagious opening track “Six Wheels” - an energetic song with Afro-Cuban rhythms and a frisky pop melody that manages to linger in your head all day long. The second track, “Following You” has obvious bluegrass influences with just a charming wink of country twang.Sweeping throughout the album is a breezy quality that makes you feel like celebrating. Tracks like “Silence is Everywhere” and “Moribayassa (I’ll Fly Away)” highlight the percussive prowess of the group with layers of thick drums and sounds reminiscent of an African village. In “Learn to Shine” Zindle’s beautiful voice leads a soaring reprise you will want to hear while you’re driving towards a mountain sunset, while the lively Cajun-Zydeco-inspired “The Bully” seems straight out of the bayou. The bands diversity shines in the unique “Acrobats” – a Circus-waltz with haunting accordion undertones, while “Mercy of the Sea” is a rock Sea-Chanty with a classic swagger. All and all the album takes the listener on a great musical journey that is as inspiring as the world landscape from which it is drawn.Beginning January 1st Travelin’ Machine will hit on-line stores and boutique music shops around the country. A bright and diverse addition to any music collection, the album provides charming, danceable songs that will be embraced by listeners of all ages.For more information about the band or their forthcoming release, Travelin’ Machine, check-out their official website at www.theragbirds.com