Sarah Neufeld is aware her solo work might be perceived as “heavy.” But she doesn’t think the eight songs that comprise her second solo album, “The Ridge,” should fit that bill completely. “I know the music is dark and weird sometimes, but I found this musical world in my head that I wanted to enjoy and spend time with and write around.” The album premieres on Speakeasy today.

Neufeld started writing the music when she was out on tour with Arcade Fire, whom she’s played violin for since the band’s early days. During their...