MINNESOTA SOUND REVIEWS - 4/30/2025
Reviews by: Alexandra Haynes, Writer @xalexonlinex
Edited by: Andrew Perrizo, Owner/Editor @PlaylistTC
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FINICK "Third Time's The Charm"
FINICK’s folksy charm doesn’t need three listens to work on you. Spinning from populist idioms like “Third Time’s The Charm” and “Fool me once…” (famously butchered by George W. Bush, I can’t help but remember,) FINICK wrestles with their emotions lyrically as they come to terms with a romantic separation. Bright strings and peppy percussion match the pop-country vibe and vocal melodies, carrying what should be tragic in an, “I’m really coming to terms with this, and I’m gonna be okay!” kind of way. This song was released on FINICK’s Weekends in Purgatory album in March 2025.
Sunken Planes "Constellation Light"
Jangle-gazers Sunken Planes take us on a journey in “Constellation Light” from their Intersections EP, released in March 2024. The vocals have a Midwestern emo bent while still being firmly planted in the rock category — as they story-tell oh so cleanly, they turn their relationship with another into starlit metaphors, describing falling down to their person and aiming for their “conjurations that cannot be denied.” Packing something romantic and poetic into a powerful indie sound palette, Sunken Planes show off a crisp mix with excellent production on this track that allows the instrumentation, twangy and bright, to truly shine.
Mayyadda "Somebody Loves You"
Mayyadda’s smooth single, “Somebody Loves You,” is a message that cuts straight through any bullshit and seeps right into your heart and soul. While the sonic atmosphere is one big party, it’s still rooted, full of spirit, and soothes you with its happenings. It’s one big vibe as they clap, sing, and dance your insecurities away: “Ain’t a thing that you have to do” to be loved. Released in February 2025, Mayyadda and Kuni, the song’s producer, have crafted a sensational chill-hop track that drips with authenticity and feels good to listen to. It will certainly be making its way onto my personal summer playlist this year — I challenge any listener to not groove along with their cool melodies and buoyant, sing-song “cha-cha-chas.” This release being a partial tribute to Mayyadda’s grandmother is especially touching, emphasized by the gorgeous cover picture of the two of them together when Mayyadda was little.
Wayside "Way Out West"
“Way Out West” first released as a single and later came out as track 9 of 12 on the album Dusk to Dawn in April 2025. It has a cinematic introduction, from which, groovy riffs spring forth to let you know you’re in for a classic rock ride. That cinematic feel never fully goes away as the composition keeps a firm hold on beautifully designed instrumentation that gives and takes in all the right places. There’s so much forward motion here and undertones which, as its title suggests, have a slightly Western, back-country feel. The vocals have a roughened character which adds to the song’s charm. Wayside have nailed a sonic aesthetic that is totally theirs while still feeling as though it draws inspiration from an older era of rock.
Better Devils "The Best"
This one is for the lovers and hopeless romantics amongst us. Singer-songwriter Tyler McAninch’s contemporary folk outfit, Better Devils, brings us a touching love story with “The Best,” released in March 2025. The song’s title is a direct reference to its lyrics and illustrates the song’s very purpose, a promise to give “The Best” of themselves to their spouse. Sweet backing vocals from Clare Doyle (who was recently interviewed by our own Andy Ellis) add extra poignancy, the duet illustrating the romantic connection at the heart of this story as she sings with McAninch to match the lovers’ intentions vow for vow - “I would give you the world / You stuck around through everything, so you deserve the best of me now.” A truly lovely dedication to McAninch’s wife, this single is a deeply personal release that we have the honor of being audience to. Sentimental instrumentals - a driven heartbeat of percussion and sing-songing steel guitar - maintain the affectionate atmosphere.
Yankee Boar ft. wait not yet "Horror Movie"
“Horror Movie” is Yankee Boar’s latest single, released in April 2025. Boar has a country-pop swing, with this track being no exception to that clean, well-produced sound that has mainstream appeal. His vocals are lovely, with an appealing range and pretty tone, supported by subtle backings from wait not yet. The “horror” that this song’s title suggests is found in its story (“I’ll be damned if my monster looks like you … I don’t wanna lay here any more / It makes me nervous / Makes me think of you,”) while the rest of its composition is tenderhearted easy-listening.
