5Cent Reality and Whale in the Thames at Aster Cafe
Review by: Dan Michener, Writer/Photographer @insomniac199
Edited by: Andrew Perrizo, Owner/Editor @PlaylistTC
If you like what we are doing please consider supporting us on Patreon, PayPal, or Venmo.
First off, if you haven’t been to the Aster Cafe, you need to go! Its such a warm place. A bit coffee house, a bit bar, and a fantastic sound. I think every performer I’ve seen there sounds excellent. Plus you get the added views of Minneapolis’ oldest cobblestone street and the Minneapolis skyline
March is supposed to come in like a lion and out like a lamb. Instead, March gave us nothing but lion—-with all the teeth. WILL IT STOP SNOWING ALREADY!?!?!?!? I almost didn’t go out that night; but I am so glad I did.
5Cent Reality started out. With veteran Minneapolis rock n roll royalty, Kirk and Terry from Run Westy Run. They bring the same energy and passion to 5Cent Reality—-with some subtle differences.
5Cent Reality
5Cent Reality is a bit more laid-back. More smooth. Terry lays down some insanely cool guitar riffs and leads, and eases into the music—-a perfect match for Kirk’s easy-going vocals. I wish they’d record something! It’s the kind of music you put on as you’re cleaning the house, on a long drive or just want to relax. Every time I see this band, I think they get a little better (they’re already great, don’t get me wrong), but bands have to gel and that only comes from playing together a lot. I can’t wait to see them again (please record something!)
Whale in the Thames
Up next was Whale in the Thames. Fun, quirky, whimsical but serious musicians. Very talented and fun to watch. Songs in French, dancing and cool songs like, “Rental Car” make the band so entertaining. Some shades of the B-52’s in there as well.
And any serious fan of Minnesota Music history is blown away learning that the very talented guitarist, Emily, is daughter of Replacement’s guitarist, Slim Dunlap (check out his solo work—-a fantastic way to spend an evening). The yellow telecaster she’s wielding is her dad’s axe.
After catching these two fantastic bands, I didn’t even mind driving white-knuckle through (hopefully) the last Minnesota blizzard of 2023…but this is Minnesota after all. Thats ok, I guess. As long as we have nights like the this at the Aster Cafe in Minneapolis, it makes a little snow bearable and worthwhile catching the best of Minnesota music.
