Creative and Professional Writing
MUSIC REVIEWS
Originally published by Melodic Noise Media
MINNESOTA SOUND REVIEWS - 01/10/2024
Double Grave "Country Radio"
Double Grave takes you on a contemplative journey with "Country Radio." The slow, slippery guitar sets a melancholic tone reminiscent of a familiar drive from Minneapolis to Chicago.
The explosion of hard emo instrumentation in the second half adds a moment for reflection. What stands out is the delicate aspect of the vocals maintaining their charm even as the music intensifies. The seamless synergy among band members showcases their long-term connection.
A prime example of the midwest "indie-something" vibe done exceptionally well, "Country Radio" is a captivating track from Double Grave's 2023 album, "What Else."
Slayvanna, Swofford "Radio (Play It Again)"
"Radio (Play It Again)" by Slayvanna, Swofford is a sparkly and deep pop gem. Overflowing with pop magic, this track is destined for the radio airwaves. It's a delightful journey of hooks, each more engaging than the last.
The song's dynamic quality is a testament to its intentional and tasteful production, crafting a sparkling and professionally cared-for sound.
Get ready for a contagious ride through the enchanting world of "Radio (Play It Again)," which can be found on “Club Pop-ography.”
Ben Siroka "Tide Pods"
From the EP “Don’t Go Outside,” Ben Siroka's "Tide Pods" is a relatable exploration of uncertainty. Mirroring the theme, the track blends beefy and bright drums with downbeat keyboards and a relaxed vocal performance.
The intentional craft and care shine through in this dynamically rich composition. It's a musical journey that resonates with the complexities of not always knowing how one feels.
Let the energy of the uptempo drums and soothing vocals take you on a thoughtful ride with "Tide Pods."
Aesha Minor "CTRL"
"CTRL" by Aesha Minor invites you into a captivating musical landscape. Starting with acoustic guitar and solo vocals, the addition of a deep gritty synth and dynamic drums propels the song forward.
The bouncy bass line adds motion and fun, creating a warm mix full of shifting dynamics and well-placed samples. Aesha's falsetto gracefully tops off this mesmerizing track, showcasing a skillful blend of elements in this finely crafted composition.
You can find “CTRL” on Aesha Minor’s album “Seven Summers.”
DaboFlai, Ypg moneymac "No Friends From 2010s”
The piano's pretty and deep tones set the stage for "No Friends From 2010s," allowing the vocals to shine brightly. The massive and blown-out drums provide a powerful contrast to the soft chords and arpeggios in the background.
Reflecting a decade of experiences, the song delves into themes of drinking and making music, presented with vulnerability and confidence.
It's a creative outlet that beautifully handles the nuances of an early onset midlife crisis, making "No Friends From 2010s" a compelling exploration of self-expression.
Listen to more from DaboFlai on their 2023 EP “Off Probation” and their just released album “Nightmares Through Rose Colored Glasses.”
A Sunken Ship Irony "Self-Destruction Is Sort of an Art Form"
In "Self-Destruction Is Sort of an Art Form," A Sunken Ship Irony presents a hauntingly beautiful piece. The jangly acoustic guitar serves as the lone accompaniment to the doubled vocals, creating a stark contrast to the dark lyrics.
While the song may seem like an exploration of self-destruction, the hauntingly happy delivery adds layers of complexity. Comparable to Neutral Milk Hotel but with a sadder twist, this track evokes a deep emotional response, leaving the listener with a haunting sense of melancholy.
“Self-Destruction Is Sort of an Art Form” is from A Sunken Ship Irony’s 2023 album “Flower Crown.”
MINNESOTA SOUND REVIEWS - 12/6/2023
Ava Levy "Not Ur Clown"
With a deeply contemplative guitar opening, this track introduces the world's softest voice, crafting a beautifully produced sonic experience.
Meticulously adorned with accents that delicately fill the spaces between the guitar notes, the song exhibits a keen attention to detail. The production plays with spatial dynamics, alternating between widening and distancing the mix before swiftly zooming in to captivate the listener up close.
Unfolding into a transformative journey, the track begins in the intimacy of a bedroom and gradually ventures into the streets, marked by layers and dynamic shifts.
The artist's adept handling of layering and changing dynamics creates a truly immersive and captivating musical experience. "not ur clown" is Ava Levy’s first single.
Lost Island Society "Another Year"
With an intriguing blend of ska undertones and a laid-back essence, this track captivates with its unique vibe and textures, leaning towards an ethereal quality.
The opening riff pays homage to early 2000s pop punk and emo, introducing a different facet to the emo spectrum—a comedy to emo's tragedy. The infusion of a horn section adds a vibrant energy to the overall atmosphere, creating a dynamic fusion of 90s nostalgia and a surprisingly fresh sound.
This song stands as a testament to the artist's ability to seamlessly weave diverse influences into a cohesive and engaging musical experience.
“Another Year” is the latest 2023 single from Lost Island Society.
Waste, Chris Whited "Neon Gods"
This is an unstoppable force, like an 18-wheeler careening out of control, relentlessly pummeling everything in its path. It's a brawl that refuses to let up, capturing the visceral scream of a freight train hurtling down the tracks.
The intensity is dialed up with each moment, urging the listener to feed the fire and make it faster. The sheer violence of the sound guarantees you'll come out of this experience a bit bruised, but it's a thrilling ride.
The tight and meticulously mixed drum sounds add an extra layer of precision to the chaos, making this an exhilarating and bruising journey into heavy music.
“Neon Gods” is a 2023 single from Waste and Chris Whited.
student 1 "married in a war"
Opening with a skillful marriage of introspective lyricism and a laid-back lofi beat, "married in a war" crafts a sonic experience that effortlessly mirrors a chill and relaxed delivery.
Infused with clever wordplay and a daring critique of appropriation, the song elegantly explores personal turmoil and societal introspection. The resilient chorus serves as a poignant anthem for unwavering self-improvement, while the second verse maneuvers through internal struggles with poetic finesse.
This genre-defying opus stands as a beacon of individuality, with the soothing lofi beat seamlessly complementing the laid-back style. "married in a war" emerges as a timeless testament to genuine, soul-baring artistry.
"married in a war" is a 2023 single from student 1.
Dua Saleh "daylight falls"
Kicking off with a drifting guitar and somber vocals, “daylight falls” immediately establishes itself as a sonic marvel. The track seamlessly transitions into an arena-worthy chorus, where the emotional impact is palpable, and vocals burst with intensity.
Sparse yet potent drums punctuate key moments, adding depth to this reflective and emotional pop anthem. The well-utilized reverb becomes a sonic canvas, transforming a simple singer-and-guitar setup into a vast and immersive landscape.
A masterful blend of elements, this song leaves an indelible mark with its impactful and lush composition.
“daylight falls” is Dua Saleh’s latest single.
Emma Jeanne "Sleep In"
This track is a guitar lover's dream, featuring an abundance of guitars that create an awe-inspiring sonic landscape. The rhythm is led by a skillfully handled acoustic, accompanied by various electric guitars that add layers of texture, including a delightful choir of "guitarmonies."
The interplay with a textured keyboard and a lively bass line enhances the song's depth, contributing to an overall nostalgic atmosphere rooted in a timeless progression.
The artist's thoughtful musical choices, paired with stellar vocal production and harmonies, result in a truly remarkable composition that elevates this track to greatness.
“Sleep In” is Emma Jeanne’s 2023 single.
MINNESOTA SOUND REVIEWS - 11/15/2023
the grippy socks “In Ritual”
Grippy Socks' "In Ritual" is a captivating dive into bedroom pop's introspective allure. The guitar, reminiscent of liquid, blends with muted tones, allowing the vocals to shine brilliantly.
The deliberate isolation and spaciousness between the vocals and microphone convey a poignant sense of solitude.
As the voice transitions from a distant start to a proximate finish, the song becomes a poignant exploration of the loneliness inherent in strumming a guitar alone, offering a brief yet resonant glimpse into Grippy Socks' mastery of evocative soundscapes.
“In Ritual” is the first track released by the grippy socks.
Threads Electric "The Tide"
This duo delivers a colossal sonic experience in their meticulously recorded and mixed track, showcasing a remarkable blend of indie rock and pop.
Despite its origins as a home recording, the song resonates with stadium-sized proportions, adorned with expertly executed dynamic changes and an array of captivating embellishments. The singer's impressive vocals take center stage amidst a landscape of retro tones seamlessly interwoven to create a distinctly modern masterpiece. "
This is a massive sound for a duo" aptly captures the enormity of the production, which, like the sprawling mountains absent in Minneapolis, finds its parallel in the soaring skyline this song effortlessly dominates.
“The Tide” is Threads Electrics 2023 single.
Moonlit Mushroom "Thief of Joy"
The track begins with bouncy drifting synths that evoke a cinematic video game trailer, seamlessly transitioning into a ballad-like quality with scattered, powdery drums, crafting a rich and textured electro-pop landscape.
It's akin to a car navigating Rainbow Road, each twist and turn reflecting the song's dynamic shifts. Notably, the consistent use of the same synth motif at both ends serves as a cohesive anchor.
The music becomes the metaphorical car ride, while the lyrics encapsulate the contemplative thoughts that accompany such a journey. This song is a captivating fusion of sonic exploration and introspective lyricism, skillfully melding the visual and emotional elements into a cohesive and engaging musical experience.
“Thief of Joy” is from Moonlight Mushrooms 2023 album “Dreaming Lucid”
Ozibattler "Darwin"
Pounding like battle drums on pavement, the track propels forward, navigating a storm with a captivating angular riff that adds a distinct coolness to the mix.
The engaging vocals seamlessly shift between theatrical flair and full-on pub punk energy, adding dynamic layers to the sonic narrative.
The music serves as a robust foundation, allowing the lyrics to shine with impactful commentary on those grappling with a tumultuous relationship with the future and reality itself. Science for the win, OziBattler will prevail!
“Darwin” is from OziBattlers 2023 EP “Subjects for Polite Conversation.”
Fires of Denmark "Wonder"
Hope you've stretched because you're in for a 3-minute, 48-second dance marathon. The infectious beat kicks in, and suddenly, you're on a journey to a destination unknown, but one thing's for sure – it's bound to be a good time.
The introduction of a playful saxophone adds a timeless touch, signaling the promise of a fun-filled night ahead. With a groove that boasts a heavy pulse, this track is practically demanding you to hit the dance floor.
If you find yourself resisting the urge to move to this infectious bop, you might want to check your pulse – because, frankly, the rhythm is too irresistible to ignore.
“Wonder” comes from Fires of Denmark’s 2023 EP of the same name.
Mild Manner “Lloronita”
The bass kicks off an adventurous sonic journey, offering no foreshadowing of the upcoming plethora of harmonies and the sheer shredding brilliance of a guitar solo, complete with a ska-infused upstroke and an explosive drum beat. This track refuses to let you get bored; its ever-changing nature keeps you on your toes.
The tight, layered composition delivers a riotous and passionately executed performance, seamlessly blending elements of The Police, a hint of hair metal, and a generous dose of tropical ska garage, all adorned with delightful harmonies.
It's a musical hybrid that captivates with its unpredictability, inviting listeners to revel in a dynamic and genre-defying experience.
“Lloronita” is from Mild Manners 2023 album “Over/ / Grow.”
MINNESOTA SOUND REVIEWS - 11/1/23
EVERNORTH "From Friends to Enemies"
This one goes hard from the word go with a gallop and viciousness that could make Lemmy tip his hat. The band is locked in together and all of the tones are carefully curated to be loud, brash, but decidedly clear in its tonality.
The disillusion of a friendship is never any easy thing and this track embodies the anger you can feel when betrayed by someone you considered a friend.
Rage out, head bang, and break something with “From Friends to Enemies” from EVERNORTH’s latest album, “Forever Seems So Far Away.”
Thank You, I'm Sorry "Autonomy Shop”.
Did I just catch a Scott Pilgrim sample? A lo-fi drum machine starts us off before this 90's alt-rock jam catapults into the pop-sphere. Bursting with energy, it's a short but high-powered ride, breathing new life into a sound from the past.
The vocals exude sass, and just when you think you've got it figured out, there's a moment when the music turns liquid, melting before your eyes and then revving back up into the high-energy alt-punk vibe it masters, leaving you thoroughly captivated.
"Autonomy Shop” is from Thank You, I'm Sorry’s 2023 album “Growing in Strange Places.”
Murphy Smith “I'd be a Fool Right Now”
In his rendition of Stevie Wonder's classic, "I'd be a Fool Right Now," Murphy Smith takes a bold approach, transforming the original's light and airy feel into a tighter, weightier sonic experience.
With a lower vocal octave that perfectly suits his voice, Murphy adds a rich depth to the track. The stark contrast between the dry, unadorned drums and the ethereal, lingering chords is nothing short of captivating.
Despite the limitations of a 4-track recording, it's almost hard to believe that you're hearing just drums, vocals, keys, and guitar – there's a magical layering at play here that lends a sense of dimension and fullness to the song.
“I'd be a Fool Right Now” is Murphy Smith’s latest single.
Leslie Vincent “Psychedelics with You”
Leslie embodies the spirit of jazz with a modern lyrical twist, staying true to the timeless tradition of jazz singers.
This track is a sonic elixir that instantly enhances any gathering, especially during a psychedelic trip with friends. The band delivers a masterclass in jazz, radiating energy and life throughout the composition.
It's impossible not to surrender to the groove and find yourself dancing along. Picture a smoky room, dim lights, an old-fashioned cocktail in hand, and a beckoning dancefloor – this song provides everything you need for an unforgettable night of pure musical joy.
Hear more from Leslie Vincent on her album “About Last Night.”
Lutalo “PLPH”
Lutalo breathes fresh life into the indie scene with their distinctive blend of crunchy, delicate intricacy, creating a laid-back yet captivating sonic landscape.
This track invites you to unwind and enjoy its rich tapestry of textures, further enhanced by impeccable performance and recording quality.
The acoustic guitar's delightful crunch meshes seamlessly with retro keyboard elements, and the song's unique vocal samples and unconventional drum patterns inject an artsy, lively spirit that's truly captivating.
Lutalo's music is a mesmerizing revelation, embodying the indie spirit with flair and originality.
“PLPH” is from Lutalo’s latest album “Again.”
Durry "I'm Fine (No Really)”
How are you? What a loaded question that can be. Time for a little stomp and clap to back up this wonderful twist on some tried and true.
It’s poppy, angsty, and full of energy. A great pop song recorded very well. It’s a great diss track to small talk.
This brother and sister duo is making a real splash and it’s no question with a song like this. Super tight production and a highly relatable topic make for a sure thing.
"I'm Fine (No Really)” is from Durry’s 2023 Album “Suburban Legend”
MINNESOTA SOUND REVIEWS - 10/11/23
Daphne Jane "sleepyhead"
This song is my bed in the morning and I don’t want to get out of it. I’d prefer to stay wrapped up in the warm blanket of Daphne’s lyrics, vocals, and production. “sleepyhead” captures the bright and wistful moments of young love.
The music is just as hopeful as the sentiment being conveyed. Delicate plucks and piano really round out the feel of this one.
Hop back in bed, get comfortable and put on “sleepyhead.”
Fend "Soft Light"
The autumn morning wakes up slowly. One guitar is quickly joined by delicate vocals, then even more so the key strokes dancing to the stardust still in your eyes.
There’s a time jump as soon as the drums hit. All of a sudden you’re in the car with your friends, not really going anywhere; because you’re already there.
The band is locked together on this nostalgic track. Then it goes blue in the face before fading out with some delightful feedback.
“Soft Light” is from Fend’s 2023 EP True Sequel.
Sweet Looks "FAKE DEEP"
A quick swoosh from a synth sends you walking through the woods of this trip pop forest. The combination of crunchy digital drums and the natural percussion from an acoustic guitar blend together fantastically.
The minor chords and dark instrumentation provide a solid base for the coolness of the falsetto vocals, which some times sounds like a talk box vibrato. Halfway through, Sweet Looks switches it up and moves over to the piano.
Both lyrically and audibly the second half goes shots fired, before an ethereal couple notes drift away.
“FAKE DEEP” is the latest single from Sweet Looks.
Katy Tessman "Vines"
The temperature drops and the seasons start to change. A large bird flies over a forest of maple trees, riding the wind of a crisp October day.
The string arrangement from fellow local musician Jillian Rae brings both weight and a delicate air to the contemplative chords. A perfect fit for getting away for a while and reflecting on what’s important to you.
Sitting by a lake thinking of loves lost and found. The harp and harmonies added by Nikki Lemire bring a beautiful texture and create the perfect backdrop for Katy Tessman’s voice and words to shine.
“Vines” is the debut single from Katy Tessman’s upcoming 2023 album Fly.
EbE404 "Cough Drops And Coffee"
“Cough Drops and Coffee” reminds us that this season isn’t just pumpkin spice and apple orchards.
It’s spooky season and this is a fantastically dark track delivers the chill down our spine that some of us look forward to every year. It’s dark, it’s slippery and it’s sharp.
The pipes in the factory are dripping and the killer is stalking you. You can’t see it but you can hear the knife. The beat stops, they got you and everything drifts away. Eerie sounds for the dark souls haunting your hallows.
“Cough Drops and Coffee” is from EbE404’s 2023 Album Dark Ice Days.
Bugsy “Recluse”
The "recluse" lyrics describe navigating a connection (i.e. romantic relationship) with someone seemingly destructive towards both their self and those around them.
“He must like blood, he must like bad luck, cuz he stepped right into it.”, lead vocalist Emily Schoonover melodically croons before the second iteration of the chorus.
“No forgiveness, no resentment, nothing but the sense that we’re still tied. Swore I’d settle up with you, it still hurts, it just hurts less over time.” This iteration suggests a lack of closure, while simultaneously having reached acceptance regarding the experience.
I have always held immense admiration and respect for Schoonover’s ability to recount their own perspectives, feelings, and stories so overtly. All this honesty is happening while the rest of the band members shred beyond belief.
Look for the self-described “indie-rock adjacent” group's new album to be released in early November.
MINNESOTA SOUND REVIEWS - 09/13/23
Setsun “Comet”
Just like Haley, songs like this only visit the earth so often and it arrives on the trail of a bubbly synth.
The drums are ticking away like the machinery on a space ship. A liquid guitar slides in and out of the echoes. Toss this on when it’s time to space out and relax. Send your mind out to the “edges of the universe”.
While the song may say that “this life is so hollow,” the track itself is anything but.
“Comet” is from Setsun’s 2023 Album “Vapours.”
Adam Azra'el "Little Smile"
An acoustic guitar takes off for the mountains, its tone as crisp as an autumn morning. Grab a coffee to go and follow along. In a world full of chaos and division, “Little Smile” is a cold glass of water when you really needed one.
A song about the purest love sung in earnest. A wonderful pop arrangement and masterfully layered vocals makes listening to this one easy.
“Little Smile” is from Adam Azra'el’s 2023 EP “To Whatever End.”
MMYYKK "Bliss"
Ignorance is bliss, and so is this track. MMYYKK (pronounced “Mike”) is a lyrical and musical acrobat.
The track itself, while not actually being low-fidelity bears a lo-fi feel which is the perfect setting for their clever lyrics to shine.
The lyrics are a topical blade poking holes in the plot of modern society and the music industry in the era of social media. A guest verse from Ricki Monique expands the scope of this relaxed banger.
“Bliss” is from MMYYKK’s 2023 album “The Midst of Things.”
Shush "Waterbed"
A lonely guitar floating along a river of emotions gets joined up with the rest of the band.
The song is delicate and sleepy overall but it keeps amping up, building tension before slipping back into the covers.
Put your headphones in, hop in the passenger seat and roll down the window, then listen to this as you watch everything go by. When you arrive at your destination you might think it was all a dream but rest assured, it’s real.
“Waterbed” is the closing track of Shush’s 2023 EP “Whirlpool.”
Lt. Sunnie “Spooky Girls”
For some of us, once summer ends, it’s spooky time. Well, we got a new track for our favorite season. The bass line is reminiscent of Cake and the Gorillaz.
The guitar is so tastefully used and the lyrical hook comes in hot and smooth. Lt. Sunnie is bringing back the classic spoken word bridge and I’ve been waiting for it. “Spooky Girls” casts a love spell on you and it should be haunting your playlists this fall.
Released as a single back in 2022, you can find “Spooky Girls” on Lt. Sunnie’s 2023 album “BIG FEELINGS.”
Tony Burton “Not Your Fool”
Try not to get hooked on this one the second those drums kick off. A beat pattern traditionally reserved for rap and hip hop, it finds a good home here bringing bedroom pop to the stadium.
Tony Burton gives us a peak behind the curtain on this vulnerable track while also standing up for themselves. He’s not your fool but you might be if you skip it.
“Not Your Fool” is off his 2023 album “In Conclusion, Because I Love You.”
MINNESOTA SOUND REVIEWS - 09/06/23
Anita Velveeta "Agoraphobia"
If "Agoraphobia" is an anxiety disorder, this song is the moment you get home and collapse into bed alone. You can feel or hear the anxiety from what is either a bass or baritone guitar playing a major 7.
Each member of this band is doing their own thing and it all comes together in a very textured rhythm section. It's musical spaghetti you can eat in bed.
The octave dual vocals are both sonically pleasing but also provide a sense of communication and duality that really ties the song together. And then, it erupts like a supervolcano. "Agoraphobia" is from Anita Velveeta's 2023 album "Western Amphibians."
Montclair "Curse in My Ways"
"Curse in My Ways" is dripping with vibes. It’s the ice in your lemonade on a hot summer day and the melted butter on your pancakes.
While the lyrics paint a portrait of someone struggling alone, the performances on this song are thriving on the skills of the group.
It’s a little Minneapolis and a whole lot of Motown. This song is a great example of a group of virtuosos holding back for the sake of the song.
Every note is tasteful and needs to be there. What transpires when Montclair gets together is nothing short of the Minnesota sound at its nicest.
"Curse in my Ways" is the title track from Montclair 2021 album.
BUIO OMEGA "INSULT TO INJURY"
*This review was updated after discussing the subject of the song with the singer.
"INSULT TO INJURY" is a reverb soaked racket that, like life, is over before you want it to be. The feedback that opens the track is a flatline before the zombie rises and wreaks havoc on the hospital.
What could be more Minneapolis than punk song about a 90’s wrestling cage fight? Both share a storied local history. It’s brutal in the best way.
Minnesota nice has never sounded so happy to be so angry. An emotional catharsis through bent guitar strings, hard hitting drums, and reverbed guttural screams. Take this one with your morning scream into the void.
We all do that right? It’s a short one so feel free to add it to the queue a few times.
Listen to "Insult to Injury" on Buio Omega's album "Take A Look."
RZ Shahid "Warrior"
"Warrior" by RZ Shahid is a triumph over the bad vibes that try to get in the way from time to time. After a long winter, this track is oceanside drive with the top down at sunset.
It stays consistently cool as the energy shifts from relaxed to hyped. The song breathes deep in the verses and exhales a sigh of relief in beautifully layered choruses.
RZ showcases both crisp delivery and silky smooth singing over a great jazz progression and a tight backing group. While the song is about overcoming various trials, my personal favorite line was “This game not a demo don’t test me.”
I won't test him but I will be listening to "Warrior" when I need a summer day this winter.
Annie and the Bang Bang "Let Me Down"
"Let Me Down" is an instant classic which evokes memories of listening to Blondie and Jefferson Airplane. A fantastic guitar tone gets a lazy upstroke that puts the listener squarely in the rock and roll zone.
The contrast of the crunchy guitars and the smooth sailing of the lead vocals is a complimentary balance. The choruses really open up into a wider space with a memorable vocal line to sing along with. Rockers rejoice!
In a world of A.I. mashups and tik tok dances, there are still artists making great rock music and this is a song we all need to see live.
See you at the show!
Calgary Winters "i sent you the rain"
“i sent you the rain” begins with a soft piano playing a contemplative motif that will carry us into and through the storm of that old familiar beast, the break up. It’s raining and even peaceful.
Then the song explodes into an emo art rock letter to a former lover. A new release from Calgary Winters, it pays homage to music that someones cool older brother showed you in 1999 or maybe 2002.
If emo was a phase (which it isn’t), this track is a great example of why we could get back into that phase. Great guitars working together and a ton of energy coming from the bass lines and drummers playing.
If rock music took a nap, I think it's waking up.