Straddling the not-so-fine line between contemplative Fiona Apple and a folky Leslie Feist is Portland’s Laura Gibson. Another singer/songwriter with a knack for channeling America’s musical roots, Gibson wields a nylon string guitar and sings pretty, poignant, and (most importantly) stripped-down ditties about love and loss and life and death. But all cliches aside, Gibson’s Beasts of Seasons is genuine, heartfelt, and delightful in its minimalist compositions and slow-paced warblings. The slow build on “Sweet Deception” is enough to prove the album’s worth, but we encourage you not to stop there; Beasts is chockfull of lullabies that warrant a long, close listen. Beasts of Seasons is scheduled to hit shelves Tuesday, February 24. And if you’re looking for a quick fix, Gibson will open up for Juana Molina next Sunday, February 15, at SOhO.