MINNESOTA SOUND REVIEWS - 5/6/26
Reviews by: Alexandra Haynes, Writer @xalexonlinex
Edited by: Andrew Perrizo, Owner/Editor @melodicnoisemedia
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Exxe “Simp”
Flanger riddled accent beats add an off-kilter ooze to the digital production on “Simp.” It’s a slightly destabilizing tone which compliments Exxe’s message — the wonk introduces us to the potential anxiety of simping for someone (“I just wanna be a blessing for you / No more pain and no more stressin’ for you / Lean on me, I’ll take the pressure for you.”) This is certainly a love song of sorts, but I feel the implied concern for how long term or serious the relationship could be (“I always knew, but didn’t care what it was / Call me stupid or whatever you want / Or call me Cupid if you’re ever in touch … Somethin’ ‘bout the way you want me, I just can’t say no.”) He sells himself to the objects of his affection, serenading her with rap and song. “Simp” is the opening track on the album Hxxrts, released in October 2025.
Bunny Blood “Mannequins”
“Mannequins,” track two of three on EP Big House (April 2026), is quite the treat. A proggy blend of beauty and beast, there’s an ethereal quality to the song as crystal clear vocals frolic angelically over doom metal instrumentation which gets peppered later with brighter, beautiful guitar solos. I can’t decide if I should be letting my body get heavy and my neck loose, feet and head subject to grinding in on the beat; slowly shaking ass; or swaying my arms about in goth choreo fashion. I’m going to opt for doing a hodge-podge combination of all three, which feels perfectly appropriate for the wild gorgeousness of “Mannequins.” Bunny Blood have hit a sweet spot for me here - the atmosphere is delicious.
Hu3s “Run Back”
Hu3s produces plucky, indie pop-folk with plenty of heart. “Run Back” has an expansive feel, the echoing reverb and its layering creating a narcotic effect. The gentle harmonies are so welcome, warm and sweet while they sing of heartbreak, the desire to “Run Back” to a lost lover despite their own wrongdoings (“Cry and say I never meant to hurt you / Run my fingers through your hair / Shed our hearts of the despair / But sadly, those thoughts never lead me anywhere”). Evocative and charming, this is the project’s latest single, released in February 2026.
Obi., Jems “Hold Me Up”
Lofi beats with poolside ambience (splashing and chattering/laughter can be heard) lead the charge and define the overall sound on Obi.’s “Hold Me Up,” track three of ten on the album No Glassware in the Pool. Over the chill-hop production, we get to dive into more hip-hop goodness with Obi. and Jems. Playful autotune inclusions and ad-libbing/repeated vocals keep things active and frisky as they rap about their transparent expectations for a lover (“Don’t you hold me up, don’t you hold me back / I could hold you down, you know that’s a fact / I know you been actin’ up / That’s too many drugs / That shit got me down / I’m just tryna fuck”). This song makes for a good summer tune — it’s danceable storytelling that stays laid-back throughout.
The Tolerables “Optimism”
From The Tolerables’ new five track EP, This is Fine (February 2026), “Optimism” has the sonic energy of an action packed anime opening sequence, where the ballady rock collides with give-and-take riffs and crashing percussion, later erupting into unexpected metal vocals. The end product is youthful and boisterous pop punk. Lyrically, “Optimism” contradicts the blind faith of others that things will be okay in the face of adversity, imploring that we take action to ensure positive outcomes instead of simply promoting toxic positivity, of being optimistic without cause (“Is this what we need? / The walls are getting taller / According to you, everything is fine … Wrong is wrong, you’ll see / Even when endorsed by complacency / Get off your couch … Silence won’t change a thing”).
Agnes Uncaged “Philosophy Test”
Agnes Uncaged is a four piece band approaching bubblegum grunge who usually simmer in an alt-rock space — they were formerly Creeping Charlie, with their December 2021 release How to Kill Creeping Charlie marking the transition. “Philosophy Test” is track three of ten on the Cyanotype album, released in January 2026. It uses the metaphor of struggling with classroom examinations - multiple choice Scantrons and fill-in-the-blank short answer forms - to criticize patriarchal narratives accepted as fact (from the band’s website: “‘Philosophy Test’ elucidates an ironic multiple choice exam and explores the dangers of accepting objective truths shaped by men thousands of years ago.”) Whispery vocals over punky instrumentation defend the feminine sarcastically (“All of my thoughts have disappeared / I guess I’ll let the boys just take it from here”), and a clever sample is included from “Easy Does It.” a 1940s misogynistic Chevrolet ad masquerading as a housewife-sympathetic PSA.
