OMAHA SOUND REVIEWS - 4/1/2025
Reviews by: Alexandra Haynes, Writer @xalexonlinex
Edited by: Andrew Perrizo, Owner/Editor @PlaylistTC
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Specter Poetics “BALANCING ACT”
Released as a single in July 2024, “BALANCING ACT” by Jack McLaughlin’s darkwave project, Specter Poetics, is a certified banger. With undulating synths and danceable electronic layers aplenty, this song brings the party (and the threat of its consequences) straight to you. It isn’t afraid to lean into all the fun ways that oscillating frequencies can attack and decay, treating the ear to constant wavering noises over which, percussive accents drive a pumped up tempo. “BALANCING ACT” itself balances many elements, weaving together a deliciously ominous flirtation with a thrill-seeking lifestyle - “Stepping closer to the edge / Looking down to see how far the fall is / Don’t get shaky, don’t lose your balance / ‘Cos life is a balancing act,” is his plea each chorus.
Jeff in Leather “FREAK YOU OUT (YOU’RE SAFE)”
Jeff in Leather’s debut EP, JIL, released in June 2024. It’s full of high tempo, heart-pumping dark dance tracks. “FREAK YOU OUT (YOU’RE SAFE)” is no exception, although it approaches something more tender than the rest of the record, diving headfirst into vulnerability. This song serves as a sensitive appeal to a lover while in the throes of self-doubt and tension, when insecurity rules the roost despite intense attraction. This song is deeply human, sweet but dipped in darkness, while holding onto the industrial-inspired, sultry and riotous sonic themes that Jeff weaponizes to make a dance floor go crazy.
Ex Lover “ANGEL”
Ex Lover’s December 2024 single, “ANGEL” leans heavily on the sexy synth vibes that this project produces. It signals a slight shift in sound direction evermore towards EBM, while still holding onto the trademarks of what Ex Lover’s post-punk electronica brings to the table - distorted riffs, reverberating vocals, and a temptress, party girl aesthetic that they call bratty. The lyrics are a seductive and urgent call for continued contact with a new, prospective lover - “I know we only just met, but I think I’m obsessed / Please don’t leave me, my angel, I need to see you again.”
Pagan Athletes - “Sailor”
“Sailor,” from Pagan Athletes’ 2023 LP Landlocked, is a demonstration of what this duo absolutely nails - jazzy, eccentric punk rock with so few elements which, played masterfully, still make big sound. Teasing melodic breaks work up a ton of tension in this track as avante-garde narration draws the listener ever closer to satisfying conclusions - each step down the musical staircase is punctuated by surreal synth tones, resolved by being reintroduced to waves of crashing percussion. With a drum kit, synth keys, and vocals alone, the two brothers weave an incredible story that pulls you in. Intriguing, poignant, and noisy in the best way, “Sailor” is easily one of my favorite tracks of theirs, perhaps second only to “Seigward” from their self-titled album in 2021.
Vempire “Electricity”
A raw tale that’s relatable, “Electricity,” like many songs on this project, anthropomorphizes the internet age and wrestles it like an enemies-to-lovers and back again romance. Sweet vocals from Lindsey Yoneda (of Ghostlike and Dream Ghoul) spill their soul over bright and spunky synth riffing from Mike Elfers (of Thirst Things First and Pure Brown) and are later joined by his backup vocals that complete a picture of the twisted relationships continuing to play their course. This song is high voltage fun and totally danceable while being an intimate diary entry - it’s my favorite from their 2024 LP, Your Steps.
Dream Ghoul “The Being Always Was”
Gloomily ethereal, Dream Ghoul brings us a shoegaze soundscape that loops into itself beautifully and dabbles in post-punk distortions. As a high concept project, each track on their debut LP A Forgotten Future (released in December 2024,) brings the listener in on their eerie lore. “The Being Always Was” is such an earworm, its hazy melodies hypnotic - it captures all of my attention every listen and puts me in a mellow, trancelike headspace while still allowing my body to get down to the consistent grooves. The harmonies by frontman Max Holmquist and Vempire’s own Lindsey Yoneda are heavenly.
Notice something different about this MINNESOTA SOUND REVIEWS article? It’s an Oops, All Nebraska! edition. Happy April Fool’s Day from your writer in Nebraska.
