Andy's Songs of the North Playlist Reviews - June 2024
Reviews by: Andy Ellis, Writer @andysmileyjay
Edited by: Andrew Perrizo, owner/editor @PlaylistTC
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June is here, the Timberwolves continued a Minnesota tradition, and outdoor live music is back! Hope you have been able to catch some shows. I have done my due diligence of digitally digging through the Internet for some more fantastic original music from our great state —enjoy.
As always, if you hear a song you like remember to check the artist out live and buy their merchandise. It’s the best way to keep our lovely independent music scene alive.
Check out the playlist embedded below, tell your friends, and lets show the world the music being made in Minnesota.
Underground ‘til Sundown “Tornadogenesis”
The intro brings to mind early Offspring mixed with the instrumental interludes of Metallica. When the vocals come in I can hear and feel the band in all its unfiltered glory. It’s a perfect hit that mixes unprocessed punk-rock energy with songwriting that will keep me coming back.
The Twins of Franklin “To The Moon”
This song takes off with the urgency of a freight train behind schedule. The slow burn of the guitar intro mixed with a harmonica as the train’s get-out-of-the-way call, and driving drums make way for the duo’s commanding harmonies. They are the conductors of this song about pushing forward despite life’s struggles.
Tarias and the Sound feat. WOOTZAbility, The Phozz, and J’mere “Drop Down”
The band largely becomes the supporting atmosphere on this rock-Blues-Hip-Hop mixture that I could easily see being performed on a hot summer night inside the diviest of bars. Taking center stage is WOOTZAbility, The Phozz, and J’Mere with rhymes about the way-too-often struggles of just trying to get through the day. The band sitting back allows the words the space they deserve to be heard.
Flatwound “I’ll Be Alright”
The song’s Earthy blues sound tells you to grab a seat, and open up your ears. It’s a terrific representation of Flatwound’s sound that gives the band’s identity the space it needs to fully exist. This music is here to plant roots and grow.
The Catalina “Get Over Yourself”
The sonic slam at the beginning brought memories of 2000s pop-punk rushing back to me, but with a slight lean more towards the pop. The guys have the infectious pop hook down as well as the direct, impassioned vocals. Underneath it all is a tough love message about getting out of your own way.
Ber “Room For You”
Ber’s performance on this song mixes Sara Barielles-esque vocals with the lyrical specificity of Taylor Swift into something that’s uniquely her. The piano’s deep but gentle sound provides the perfect contemplative musical bed for her verses that feel like we’re hearing her inner monologue. She’s ready to move on, but Ber also acknowledges it’s a process she always struggles with.
Christina Sophia feat. Peoplez “You Don’t Know”
I feel like I’m in the club as soon as the subwoofer led intro starts. These two are clearly into each other with and in Sophia’s vocals I can hear someone who may want something more. Complimenting her is Peoplez’s verse that is so drenched in LL Cool J confidence that some of it may even be dripping off the lyrics onto the dance floor.
Jillian Rae “Silence”
Songs like this are why independent artists are vital. They can take chances like this to create the music that’s needed to fill that void where the silence lives, and wake some more people up. Rae is certainly processing her own feelings, but she’s also using her songwriting as a call-to-action weapon.
Extraterrestrials “Strange Shadows”
I don’t know how on purpose it was, but the song’s intro sounds like an alien spaceship arriving accompanied by a booming score that was then interpreted by a post-punk band for a cult science fiction alien invasion movie. Then the song settles into a catchy, moody good time that would be perfect for the last concert at the 7th Street Entry before we’re all destroyed. Not a bad way to spend our last hours of existence.
Nina Luna “Periphery”
The tension begins with that heartbeat intro. Add that into rest of the tension-filled production, and it’s clear how she feels about this person. She’s just frustrated because her paramour isn’t being clear with how she hopes they feel.
