MINNESOTA SOUND REVIEWS - 10/11/23
Reviews by: Mike Larson, Writer @holdingcaufield and Drey Kereakos, Writer @drey.d.k.
Edited by: Andrew Perrizo, Owner/Editor @PlaylistTC
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Top songs on the Minnesota Sound playlist.
Daphne Jane "sleepyhead"
This song is my bed in the morning and I don’t want to get out of it. I’d prefer to stay wrapped up in the warm blanket of Daphne’s lyrics, vocals, and production. “sleepyhead” captures the bright and wistful moments of young love. The music is just as hopeful as the sentiment being conveyed. Delicate plucks and piano really round out the feel of this one. Hop back in bed, get comfortable and put on “sleepyhead.”
Fend "Soft Light"
The autumn morning wakes up slowly. One guitar is quickly joined by delicate vocals, then even more so the key strokes dancing to the stardust still in your eyes. There’s a time jump as soon as the drums hit. All of a sudden you’re in the car with your friends, not really going anywhere; because you’re already there. The band is locked together on this nostalgic track. Then it goes blue in the face before fading out with some delightful feedback. “Soft Light” is from Fend’s 2023 EP True Sequel.
Sweet Looks "FAKE DEEP"
A quick swoosh from a synth sends you walking through the woods of this trip pop forest. The combination of crunchy digital drums and the natural percussion from an acoustic guitar blend together fantastically. The minor chords and dark instrumentation provide a solid base for the coolness of the falsetto vocals, which some times sounds like a talk box vibrato. Halfway through, Sweet Looks switches it up and moves over to the piano. Both lyrically and audibly the second half goes shots fired, before an ethereal couple notes drift away. “FAKE DEEP” is the latest single from Sweet Looks.
Katy Tessman "Vines"
The temperature drops and the seasons start to change. A large bird flies over a forest of maple trees, riding the wind of a crisp October day. The string arrangement from fellow local musician Jillian Rae brings both weight and a delicate air to the contemplative chords. A perfect fit for getting away for a while and reflecting on what’s important to you. Sitting by a lake thinking of loves lost and found. The harp and harmonies added by Nikki Lemire bring a beautiful texture and create the perfect backdrop for Katy Tessman’s voice and words to shine. “Vines” is the debut single from Katy Tessman’s upcoming 2023 album Fly.
EbE404 "Cough Drops And Coffee"
“Cough Drops and Coffee” reminds us that this season isn’t just pumpkin spice and apple orchards. It’s spooky season and this is a fantastically dark track delivers the chill down our spine that some of us look forward to every year. It’s dark, it’s slippery and it’s sharp. The pipes in the factory are dripping and the killer is stalking you. You can’t see it but you can hear the knife. The beat stops, they got you and everything drifts away. Eerie sounds for the dark souls haunting your hallows. “Cough Drops and Coffee” is from EbE404’s 2023 Album Dark Ice Days.
Bugsy “Recluse”
The "recluse" lyrics describe navigating a connection (i.e. romantic relationship) with someone seemingly destructive towards both their self and those around them. “He must like blood, he must like bad luck, cuz he stepped right into it.”, lead vocalist Emily Schoonover melodically croons before the second iteration of the chorus. “No forgiveness, no resentment, nothing but the sense that we’re still tied. Swore I’d settle up with you, it still hurts, it just hurts less over time.” This iteration suggests a lack of closure, while simultaneously having reached acceptance regarding the experience. I have always held immense admiration and respect for Schoonover’s ability to recount their own perspectives, feelings, and stories so overtly. All this honesty is happening while the rest of the band members shred beyond belief. Look for the self-described “indie-rock adjacent” group's new album to be released in early November.
