FAVORITE MINNESOTA ALBUMS OF 2024
Reviews by: Alexandra Haynes, Writer @xalexonlinex,
Andrew Perrizo, Owner @melodicnoisemedia
It’s 2025, and maybe it’s old school of us at this point, but no AI was used to write these reviews. All of these reviews are sincere and straight from our hearts. Maybe they’re not the most eloquent reviews you’ll find, but it’s real people caring about real local artists. And with that out of the way, on to our favorite Albums of 2024! There are some new artists as well as familiar favorites from previous years. Support these artists!
Alexandra’s Favorite Albums:
Rx Cowboy “COWBOY KILLER”
“COWBOY KILLER” is a little bit hardcore and a lotta bit noise, dripped out with post-Soundcloud hip hop energy. Rx Cowboy shows off here with high production and sonic fearlessness, each track a gritty, industrial-inspired tangle of frenetic sampling, drum machines, and clanging loops of sound. Rx Cowboy releases hip hop in a similar fashion to the likes of Death Grips or JPEGMAFIA, but in his own bag with a unique blend of audio samples, effects, and distinguishedly punk flow. This album is the perfect showcase of what Rx Cowboy brings to the table; it speaks up for itself boldly and is experimental and edgy in all the right ways for my tastes.
Favorite Tracks: Carjack//Flower, Deathdrop
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MAGICK FLAVOUR STATION “TOMORROW IS MY BIRTHDAY”
The dreaminess of this album makes for easy listening, but its lo-fi, winding melodies and moody lyricism send pangs of angst through me in that makes my relationship to this project one of a sort of whimsical schadenfreude. Highly emotive, somehow nostalgic, and altogether delightful, “TOMORROW IS MY BIRTHDAY” just makes me feel - I relate, I yearn, and I find myself in a different headspace when the album is through. It’s beautiful and thoughtfully arranged, with darkly twinkling instrumentals and hazy, low vocals which creep through the pensive fog of each song. When reviewing one of my favorite tracks from this album previously, I missed that it was a Fugazi cover - my fumble, but extra iconic points to MAGICK for executing “I’M SO TIRED” with excellence - it was carefully arranged in true spirit to the original, but didn’t skimp on MAGICK FLAVOUR STATION’S spark.
Favorite Tracks: WHOM IS STALKER, I’M SO TIRED
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Gramma “EAT”
Gramma’s brand of punk rock is infectious. Groovy riffs and heavy hitting percussion are big features of this album which birth fun, catchy melodies. I appreciate that EAT isn’t afraid to wrap the listener up in rhythm, inviting us to dance and move as they expertly wrangle their grungy tones and crash out spunky tunes one after another. They also delve into more experimental elements (like muddied, FX vocals and screams) in tracks like “FINNEGANS BAKE” and “SNEAKERS PETE,” which diversifies the album’s sound.
Favorite Tracks: NANANA, SNEAKERS PETE
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Andrew’s Favorite EP’s:
Amateur Hour "do better"
Listen, I'm a sucker for twinkly guitars and shouted vocals and Amateur Hour's do better has them in spades. Throw in some over dramatic lyrics, the occasional bass groove solo, and crashing percussion and it's hard to do much better than do better. This whole album is catchy and the choruses are exceptionally fun to sing along with, especially the songs that lean more into debauchery.
Favorite Track: i thought they were mice at first but then i looked closely and they had long tails so i look it up and it turns out they were rats
Ka Lia Universe "End of an Era"
The End of an Era. features Ka Lia's trademark Hmonglish hip-hop/pop style, yet it seems more intentional and mature in both lyrics and production than previous projects. Impressively, this is her second full length album this year, and while "sad luv" is an amazing album in its own right, The End of an Era. is the album I keep returning to. The song "Walk Through Fire" specifically grabs my attention, as it's a more mellow, powerful piano driven track about staying true to yourself, even if your past self wouldn't recognize you now. While The End of an Era. seems to truly be an end of an era for Ka Lia, I look forward to seeing what she does next.
Favorite Track: Walk Through Fire
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Odd Prospect "When I Fall Asleep"
Oscillating between punk tracks ("KNIFE FIGHT," "VULTURES") and emo tracks ("when I fall asleep," "/butterfly hearts"), It's incredibly difficult to choose a favorite song off WHEN I FALL ASLEEP. Each track is fun and catchy but in a unique and sometimes surprising way; like "PUSH ME TO THE FLOOR" which starts off with a slow jam R&B intro, before bursting into full blown shouting vocals backed by distorted guitars and furious drumming. Odd Prospect stands out as a band to watch for in 2025.
Favorite Track: when i fall asleep
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OKnice “Talking To My Dogs"
Talking To My Dogs is for all the pessimists trying their best to be optimists. OKnice drops his self-deprecating flow over superb alternative-rock influenced beats. He's rapping about daily life and covering topics ranging from comic books to mental health. This album's lyrics are two parts doom and gloom, one part Lord of the Rings and video games.
Favorite Track: Atlas On a Smoke Break
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VIAL "burnout"
Taken at face value, burnout is VIAL's silliest album yet, including songs about broth/soup, dating dads, and dyed hair. But dig deeper and you'll find poignant songs about insecurities, betrayal, and chronic illness disguised by pop-punk hooks and sarcasm. VIAL has consistently been among my favorites every year and this album proves you don't have to be angsty and brooding to have something to say.
Favorite Track: friendship bracelet
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