MINNESOTA SOUND REVIEWS - 8/13/2025
Reviews by: Alexandra Haynes, Writer @xalexonlinex
Edited by: Andrew Perrizo, Owner/Editor @PlaylistTC
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SLDG "Skeletons"
Thank goodness SLDG (pronounced “sledge”) took their time with this track, crafting a 6+ minute journey that allows for an unhurried progression, for hills and valleys of intensity that have incredible pay off each time. Smooth in both execution and production, “Skeletons” (released in June 2025 on their latest EP, …Of My Own Design) delivers slick metalcore with the awesome surprise that, to my ear, their lead vocalist bears some tonal similarity to Brian Molko of Placebo— Placebo being one of my favorite bands of all time. There’s something about the syllabic lingering that conjure the comparison for me, though there are other stand-out differences in their sound and delivery. In SLDG, those at times pop-punky, clean vocals give way to intense, lovely fry screams which have brilliant sustain. Tough and rugged instrumentation from the band’s equally talented guitarist, bass player, and metal-trained drummer (who is also a visual artist, designing their covers and merch) bring heavyweight and insane skill to the table here. SLDG are really, really good at what they do, and “Skeletons” is a fabulous introduction to the project.
DABOFLAI, Ypg moneymac "Cold Blood"
With bouncy, bass-boosted 808s indicative of the current age of 2020s hip-hop laying down a signature instrumental, DABOFLAI and Ypgmoneymac collaborate over the Playboi Carti type beat in “Cold Blood,” released in May 2025 on the EP Tour Guide From Lucid Dreams. With bars like, “I check up on my family ‘cos my money good / But all these boys around here, they got cold blood … / Everyone around me gonna get up out the mud,” this track swings into braggadocious territory but plays with humble intentions, discussing the drive for a come up that allows them to take care of their loved ones and uplift those around them. Still cheeky and all about that bag, DABLOFLAI’s flavor is bold and fearless, with Ypg moneymac doubling down on the confidence with a fierce flow and boisterous adlibs.
The Weeping Covenant "Serotonin"
“Seratonin” was released as a single in June 2025 – its beauty is in its simplicity, where sweet songwriting and pleasant, crystal clear vocals shine in the absence of extra instrumental noise. Plenty of chucking is used to add a percussive density to the guitar playing. This is The Weeping Covenant stripped back, but interestingly, they do perform this song live with a band behind to add those extra melodies which enrich the composition in a different way. A love song which doesn’t force forward a particular kind of love, “Serotonin” holds an optimistic message as positive as the role the referenced hormone plays in our brain and body systems: “It’ll all work out some day / It’ll all work out with grace / It’ll all work out for me.”
Oceanographer “Deep Sea Diver”
“Deep Sea Diver,” the title track to Oceanographer’s debut EP, utilizes metaphor to potent effect (“They’re just bedclothes, but did you know you’re sticking to my skin?”) as the band is unafraid to be deeply personal through this poetic tool. Their storytelling style is as sentimental as the instrumentals, which blend together into a cinematic soundscape. “Deep Sea Diver” leans on vivid oceanic imagery (“Deep Sea Diver, gave up all my pearls / As you swim in, in my head of curls,”) to discuss intimacy. This aesthetic, entirely becoming of the band’s namesake (one who studies the ocean,) establishes a unique identity and focus for the project, where the depth, beauty, and wildness of the ocean can be evoked time and time again as an endless pool of inspiration. Twangy and expansive strings define the band’s sound as dreamy folk-pop, adding the classic country leaning to their otherwise modern compositional choices. Strong vocals, which build in strength throughout, are emotive and showcase luscious control as they ebb and flow, lamenting on the limerence held for their muse, “[knowing] what [they] have is just fantasy / But [wondering] if [they] have the same thoughts.”
Atomic Lights "I'm Okay"
Punk-rock rowdiness right out the gate defines Atomic Lights’ sound on “I’m Okay,” the first track on LP Sure, Why Not? (June, 2025) first released in February on Party of None. Rambunctious riffing, energetic drum work, and grungy, shouted vocals combine perfectly to get the listener’s blood pumping and body moving. The thrashing instrumentals at lively speeds leave no room for idle listening - live, let’s open up that pit! I love a good punk show pit (even if I’m a sideliner,) so I can picture exactly what should be happening to this track, which is one of the band’s most partylike. Atomic Lights deserve some full body slams and a riotous response to their nonstop clamor on this one. I have to throw in an honorary mention for their cool ass website, with its tight aesthetic and interactive scrolling graphic. Good stuff.
sugarcoat "stalemates"
There’s hardly any sugarcoating (hah!) involved in “stalemates,” a Midwest emo song from the five track EP this is all normal, released in June 2025. Woeful lyrics are delivered by solid, passionate vocals and matched to appropriately rock-focused indie melodies, marking a full-tilt into the “millennial dad emo” label that sugarcoat themselves have adopted in bios across the ‘net. “stalemates” has a tangible poignancy that we’ve come to expect from the emo subgenres — sugarcoat do it well, then spicing up their somber and reflective message about relationship complacency with sparkling keys, fabulously cranked up riffs, and generous bridges which function as the calm before the storm on grimier comebacks which I am always excited to receive.
