Loki's Folly Album Release Show (with Special Guest Ryan Smith of Soul Asylum), Porcupine and Tragic Hands
Review by: Dan Michener, Writer/Photographer @insomniac199
Edited by: Andrew Perrizo, Owner/Editor @PlaylistTC
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Loki’s Folly
February 26th at the 7th Street Entry was the album release show of Loki’s Folly's debut album, “Sisu.” A trio-powerhouse of siblings: Annie on guitar and vocals channeling Joan Jett of the Runaways, with Kat Bjelland of Babes in Toyland, giving the band a straight one, two knock out punch. Nissa on drums, who can give any Alex Van Halen a run for their money, and Oskar on bass, keeping the band in line and on task.
My first 7th Street Entry show was in the fall of 1989. My buddy and I saw the Libido Boyz out of Mankato. It’s still a show etched in my memory. Watching Loki’s Folly just knock it out of the park reminded of that night back in ‘89 when I was 14 and I had my first real taste of local music, and the power of a room like 7th Street Entry. Lets just say First Avenue better start making room for a Loki’s Folly star on their building.
Adding to the coolness of the night was Ryan Smith, guitarist in Soul Asylum, jumping on stage to help the band cover Husker DU’s, “Books About UFOS,” Soul Asylum’s, “Just Like Anyone,” and Loki’s Folly original, “Peaches and Beaches.” Ryan is also the bands mentor, helping them record. Dave Pirner of Soul Asylum also lends some guitar work to the Loki’s Folly song, “Appease the Girl.”
Tragic Hands
Opening the night was Tragic Hands. I’ve seen them a couple times now. Another three-piece band bringing some amazing energy and tunes to the stage. They have this very cool dichotomy with the bright guitar work of Darren Harff meshing so well with the grungy bass of Rich Horton, and his subdued almost Joy Division like voice…meanwhile the animated drumming of Laura Bennett keeps the band focused on their objective. Plus she’s a really cool artist and designer having designed Loki Folly’s album cover. They have a song called, “Lost Nineties” which I thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend checking out.
Porcupine
Wedged in the middle was Porcupine. I’ve seen Porcupine only once before: pre-Covid when they opened for Bob Mould (of the great, great Minnesota band, Husker Du) at the Palace Theater. I really like Porcupine. They have such a bright sound. When I listen to them I am reminded of how lucky we are they are from Minnesota and not a Manchester England band.
Casey Virock has such a cool vocal style (I am not sure what device he uses, but on stage he has this “orb” on a mic that makes it sound like he’s singing through a bull horn) it gives the music a sweet sound, like a mid-2000’s alternative groove. After seeing them at the Palace a few years ago, I vowed I’d go see them again, but then a global pandemic interfered with my plans; I am thankful they were on the bill with Loki’s Folly and Tragic Hands so I could finally fulfill my promise.
