Andy's Songs of the North Playlist Reviews - March 2024
Reviews by: Andy Ellis, Writer @andysmileyjay
Edited by: Andrew Perrizo, owner/editor @PlaylistTC
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It’s March and I am still not positive we won’t get hit with a snowstorm. However, I am positive that there’s a ton of original music in Minnesota just waiting to be discovered, and I found some more for you. There’s some country from further North, some dirty rock, urgent Rap, and so much more.
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.
Setsun "10 AM"
This song brings me back to when I first got into pop-punk. I can hear the intensity and urgency in the dark-tinged simple guitar riff intro that’s drenched in youth angst. The vocals only add another layer and I can see the lead singer roaming the halls of his school or lying in bed contemplating his whole life. The feeling is nostalgic, but very present as well.
Samuel John Band "Set Me Free"
Songs about being an artist can induce eye rolls if done wrong, but I believe every single word lead singer Samuel John sings. The instrumentation does its heavy lifting by creating this haunting atmosphere that brings his words of living in the North to life. It’s an immersive experience.
Why Khaliq feat. Knucky "Speed Bumps"
The tone set by a guitar loop beat signifies the urgency Why Khaliq and Knucky are putting forth here. It has a very clear sound that represents the artists’ vision of determination, and the rapid-fire flow styles of both MCs is really effective against the production. They don’t waste time here, because there’s no time to waste.
The Seated Heats "Something Honest"
Are you experiencing loud music withdrawals? I’m talking distortion, loud guitars, drums you can feel, and vocals that match it all. Sonically this song feels like it was made in an abandoned, and it just might give you the loud music fix you've been craving.
Cinematic Saints "Berlin"
The harmonies between the two lead vocalists Hayley Lewis and Joe Norton is the centerpiece for the song. Part of the production provides that large cinematic feeling that’s reminiscent of slower U2 songs, and could easily be the background to a relationship montage in an indie film. The drums and the laughter in the background bring it back down to Earth, and it all comes together into a very chill, satisfying song.
Juniper Fly "THIS IS NOT FOR YOU"
It’s almost as if this message is put in the form of a song so the men this is aimed at will, you know, actually listen. The production is surprisingly subdued for the beyond-irritated emotion the song conveys, but this does allow lead singer June’s voice and words to be crystal clear. Her phrasing is often times unconventional, but that only amplifies how clear she is trying to be: stay the fuck away.
Clare Doyle "You and My Guitar"
This chill yet reflective song is straight up honest. She acknowledges that her original intentions were when she first met this person, and she wasn’t in the best of shape. But he accepted her as she was and this song is her message gratitude, and her relief of what happened after that night.
RRA "Outlast"
This is a song about trying to center and calm yourself in the midst of chaos. RRA's vocals perfectly capture that desperate attempt to keep some kind of sanity. The electronic production helps by providing that world-out-of-control that many of us feel internally when events appear to be pushing our society towards an unstoppable incoming apocalypse.
Partial Traces "Stay Dreaming"
This whole song has a hazy, dream-like vibe that’s calming, but with a hint of warning. The intro sounds like waves coming in from the ocean, and the wall of sound is very thick that reminds me of a mix 80s synths with a dash of the seriousness of grunge. Then Macosko’s vocals are this warning from the real world with a hint of weariness telling a loved one to stay dreaming as long as possible, and it feels like a last ditch protection attempt from the real world.
Champagne Confetti "Beach Hawk"
Some may see a 12-piece band as daunting, but for Champagne Confetti it’s an opportunity for more. This song is a celebration of what can happen when strings, harmonies, energetic vocalists, and a triple shot of positive energy are mixed together just right. It perfectly reflects the group’s name.
