MINNESOTA SOUND REVIEWS - 10/21/26
Reviews by: Alexandra Haynes, Writer @xalexonlinex
Edited by: Andrew Perrizo, Owner/Editor @melodicnoisemedia
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Loki's Folly “Midnight Mystery”
I’m comfortable putting the now three-piece sibling band Loki’s Folly in the outsider rock category, where their variety of punk is unafraid to present itself falling short of the “right” note while communicating boldly and otherwise in an appropriate style for its genre. With a name like Loki’s Folly, I trust that the band is aware of their trickster-like presentation (besides, they have a song named after the noun), a musical flirtation with art rock that leans into certain organic qualities rather than attempts to smooth them out. While I may prefer when the band is more outwardly riotous, like on “Into the Darkness” or “Truth or Dare” from their 2023 album Sisu, “Midnight Mystery” comes to us three years later with their categorical mix of warbling vocals, grungy instrumentals, and snarling attitude. It rips through tempo changes with no hesitation.
David Feily “Thunderground”
This is the title track of David Feily’s four song EP released in February 2026. A blast of contemporary jazz, Thunderground has a modern freshness and an upbeat, driven lilt that would make it feel right at home in with more exploratory video game soundtracks (I’m thinking of various Nintendo scores, like those composed for Donkey Kong and Mario Kart). Its production is ever-so-clean, and its cheerfulness has a purity that makes me smile. All instrumental, Thunderground toes the line between following a more classic, lounge-friendly, big band format and surging forward with snazzy, active melodies that make the song a main attraction, sure to quiet conversations in the crowd.
Small Town Sindrome “Hypothetical”
Small Town Sindrome released “Hypothetical” as a single in May 2026. “Hypothetical” has a conventional pop punk feel, carrying a sonic aesthetic befitting of 90s/2000s-era misfit, tongue-in-cheek coming of age movies — I can envision many compilations of rising action where a protagonist, a skater boy or awkward yet conventionally attractive girl, is making what is to a teen a life-changing decision, like choosing their homecoming outfit or hatching a plan to get forgiveness for a social faux pas made in Act 1. Lyrically, however, Small Town Sindrome explore intimate betrayal, calling out someone for being fake and that damaging their relationship.
Customers “Loser Friendly”
Released first as a single in August 2025 and reappearing as the penultimate track on Customers’ (A.K.A. The Customers) Living Like Gods EP in June 2026, “Loser Friendly” has a war-like drum beat driving it forward as the instrumentals swirl darkly around twangy, mature vocals that speak frankly of desire in short and spunky phrases (“Help yourself / To my desire / Occupy yourself / While I conspire”). Surrendering to the acceptance of one’s own loserdom, the building thrash of weighty bass, active guitar, and operatic piano that kick in together by the song’s end feel like release, as we realize that being “Loser Friendly” is a strategy towards self-compassion, deconstructing the idea that we should judge ourselves against certain metrics of coolness.
English Majors “Aspartame”
“Aspartame” has that sweet jangling quality that I like so much baked into English Majors’ hazy, indie rock soundscape. Vocals here are a lowly mixed lull, stylistically lethargic (with a tone perhaps reminiscent of Lou Reed) amongst the ringing fuzz of layered guitars and deliberately chosen, nostalgic tones. This song is featured on the band’s amazing eleven track album, Orange Julius, released in May 2026. This textured, grainy composite is right up my street, and its lyrics, though they were not clear enough for me to catch on my first listen, do not disappoint with their vividness - “Nobody calls when you're chewing on the walls / You found Jesus in a mammogram … God is a truce, or sometimes just child abuse / Either way you're still gonna die … It's nothing like the show Sesame Street…” This is a beautiful song, whether you listen as a standalone or get to it at the ‘right’ time as the album progresses. If this hits a certain spot for you like it did for me, I highly recommend starting Orange Julius from track one and strapping yourself in for a good listen.
The Real is Back Music “MIDNIGHT”
Hip hop duo T.R.I.B.M. (Antonio Fixx and Stylz) dropped a new single, “MIDNIGHT,” in June 2026. Altogether, the composition is quite dreamy and lightweight, making for a feel-good listen as the soft trap-hop with a silken beat lets both rappers do their thing. The bars feel freestyled, authentic, and effortless, all flow without too many tricks. The Real is Back Music have been on the scene for 11 years; their last album MEMBERS ONLY was distributed in 2021, so hopefully this single is indicative of more fresh releases to come.
