MINNESOTA SOUND REVIEWS - 3/25/26
Reviews by: Alexandra Haynes, Writer @xalexonlinex
Edited by: Andrew Perrizo, Owner/Editor @melodicnoisemedia
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VIAL “SCORPIO MOON”
From VIAL’s latest album HELLHOUND, released in March 2026, “SCORPIO MOON” is a fuzzed-out cry for independence, punchy and heavy on the bass and crashing percussion. As they sing lyrics like, “You expect so much of me/But you only see what you wanna see/I won’t ever be enough for you/Might as well do what I wanna do,” over their punk rock tune, we know that the band’s critical tongue hasn’t decreased in gumption as it still scorns those who seek to control and restrict them. With personal freedom as the goal here, “SCORPIO MOON” is a fuck you to following other people’s rules for your life.
Jane October “Rush”
Jane October’s “Rush” is the fourth track to have been released from the artist’s EP, Forevermore. “Rush” became available to stream in January 2026, with each song on Forevermore having its own social media moment seemingly until every track has been published on a drip feed release schedule. This song features gritty drive and distortion on the lead guitar, adding a thick dollop of grunge rock to the front of what would otherwise be a roomy, ethereal composition, doubled down on by October’s pretty, rolling voice that overlaps in production to make use of her ability to fearlessly soar into her higher register for backing vocals.
Rich Mattson and the Northstars “Not the Answer”
Released first as a single in June 2025 and later as track two of twelve on LP Wake up Songs in February 2026, “Not the Answer” brandishes distorted rock’n’roll tones over the band’s old school country inspirations. The end result for Rich Mattson and the Northstars is a rockabilly composite, this coming into fullest view when backing vocals croon in their acapella element alongside jingling bells. Indulgent, crackly electric guitar solos, evermore heavy on the overdrive, grab the listener by the hand and run away with them. Despite the classic sound, the song’s lyrics deal with the contemporary frustrations of battling AI-art theft and watching billionaires blow up our chances of thriving on Earth.
Erik Brandt "Cruel Spring"
Erik Brandt’s “Cruel Spring” is an expression of complex feelings on intimacy, where incredible closeness has been guaranteed: “How can I miss you/When you won’t go away?/I am reminded of you everyday.” From the album Folksinger, released in December 2025, this song has a jaunty strut to it; it features many welcome, genrefied inclusions such as a clarinet opening, auxiliary percussion, and sweet backup vocals that contrast Brandt’s folk-rock tone.
Sunflower Fox and the Chicken Leg “Wishing Well”
“Wishing Well” is a gentle rock ballad from Sunflower Fox and the Chicken Leg, vocal led and mellow. The bass, keys, drums and auxiliary percussion come together in a classy and uncrowded fashion; they are all sat behind those smooth leading vocals, but each drive their respective parts with harmonious distinction and carry an audible weight. Despite these many parts, the whole comes together as a seemingly effortless, complete picture. The lyrics ruminate on whether we know what’s best for ourselves, whether our desires are healthy for us — the conclusion is that they often aren’t: “We ask for all the wrong wishes at the wishing well.” Add in some reflection over a connection that may be increasing in mismatched needs (“…I need to see you/Just once a week/You wished for every day/And I’m always away,”) and a potential conclusion on how to begin acting in our best interests (“It always turns up empty if I don’t ask for help,”) and you have a thought-provoking piece that leaves room for your own comparisons to the metaphor. This single released in January 2026.
Dilly Dally Alley “That Secret Thing”
Released in May 2025, Dilly Dally Alley’s single “That Secret Thing” confesses its “secret thing” to the listener using a palette of colorful electronic textures and bold, snappy vocals that float in and out of smooth runs and punchy, tuneful narration. Jazzy in their distinctive way, Dilly Dally Alley stay true to themselves here while exploring a fresh, slippery tune about falling for someone you weren’t supposed to. Those bewitching feelings are well captured by the heartbeat tempos and playful instrumental inclusions.
