When I arrive at Jenny Wood’s Riverside home, she’s just finishing up with one of her young vocal students. While Wood talks with the student’s mother briefly at the door, I pet her little dog, Winnie. She’s very old, Wood tells me, and she has lots of health issues because of severe inbreeding. Later in our interview, a girl from next door comes over to say hello, Wood finds out it’s her birthday, and she gives her a long hug, saying she’ll drop by when she’s finished with the interview.

Her interactions with her neighbors and students paint a perfect picture of who Wood is — an artist who cares deeply about the people (and pets) around her — particularly those who are the most vulnerable. This is a theme throughout her work, and it comes to the forefront on her new EP, “Truth Has Legs,” set for release this Friday.

Wood said her writing on “Truth has Legs” is informed by political turmoil, “false identities,” and other cultural ills at both the local and national level that she laments. Yet, while the songs do feel heavy, they are hopeful as well. She said she has come to a point of deciding not to hold back anymore lyrically. On “Truth has Legs,” there is no sign of holding back musically either.

There is both musical variety and a consistent tonality to the record. Wood’s band has their own unmistakable brand of alt rock, but the styles of the songs on the new EP vary — exploring beyond the 90’s-influenced pop rock sound of previous releases.

The EP’s second track, “I Can Relate,” features quick, punchy vocals reminiscent of early Paramore. Wood’s passionate vocal performance is dramatic — it’s not surprising to learn that she studied music theatre at Wichita State. Her aesthetic is far from Broadway, however. She prefers a darker scene — finding influence in grunge and favoring a “dark pop mentality” inspired by the likes of Nine Inch Nails and St. Vincent. Helping flesh out the record’s sound are longtime collaborators and close friends Thayne Coleman (guitar), Will Erickson (drums), and Caleb Drummond (bass).

The opening song of “Truth has Legs,” “Beg,” sets a high bar for the record. The track evolves from sparkling, picked electric guitar into the heavy post-rock that has become somewhat of a signature sound for Jenny Wood.

She seems to follow every melodic notion that crosses her mind — something few vocalists can pull off well — but executes it with the stunning accuracy of Alanis Morisette, The Cranberries, and Kate Bush.

Wood’s musical and lyrical attack is both magnificent and cutting in true punk fashion, but particularly impressive is the depth of empathy accompanying her performances. On political tracks like “Good Human,” Wood calls out oppression while acknowledging the way people’s fear is preyed upon.

The song centers on the bullying that often accompanies concentration of power — something Wood has shown zero tolerance for in both her life and her work. For several years now, Wood has given anti-bullying presentations at schools where she performs songs like “Don’t Let Them Get in Your Head” and talks with students about bullying.

The EP’s final track, “You’re on Your Own Now,” caps the record with a claim to resilience. Wood sounds like a woman trampled on but not defeated as she sings, “Yeah I still got my fist up,” in a breathy vibrato over wavering ambient guitars.

The vocals feel close in the mix. They’re notably more intimate than the EP’s other tracks. The song builds to a crashing, finale-worthy crescendo in the last two minutes, and Wood sings hoarsely, “Now it scares you to death . . .” before unleashing a wordless vocal anthem that truly showcases the mournful power of her voice. It feels appropriate that the melodic climax of the EP should be void of language. It’s a moment when the listener is overwhelmed with no words left with which to protest.

Wood says her songs often come to her in the aftermath of an event she can’t make sense of. “Truth Has Legs” as a whole serves as Wood’s personal response to the overwhelming chaos we all experience and make little sense of. I asked if she believes her songwriting comes from a source outside of herself, and she quickly responded that it does.

“If I know it’s really true and really good, I will cry cry cry,” Wood said. “I will say ‘Oh my god, that’s it, that’s it — that’s what I meant to come out there.’”

She said when a song truly hits the mark, there is something cosmic and sacred in that moment.

“Truth Has Legs” is the sort of impactful, inspiring record that naturally builds towards Wood’s vision for the local music scene. She said her hope is that “as we grow, we don’t step on each other — everyone has something to contribute, and sometimes trying to be the only or the best steals light from other locally undiscovered artists whose exposure help enrich this city.”

Wood reflected on her younger years when she thought the point of making music was to be as “obscure as possible” — to be a mystery no one could put their finger on. Now her perspective is the complete opposite. Wood said humility and vulnerability are what she looks for in a live performance.

“That’s the point of music,” Wood said. “Connecting.”

“Truth Has Legs” will be available Friday, and Wood will perform with 40 Watt Dreams at the Crown Uptown. Tickets are $10. Doors open at 7 and the show starts at 8.