MINNESOTA SOUND REVIEWS - 10/09/2024
Reviews by: Alexandra Haynes, Writer @xalexonlinex
Edited by: Andrew Perrizo, Owner/Editor @PlaylistTC
If you like what we are doing please consider supporting us on Patreon, PayPal, or Venmo.
Joe Bartel "Warpigs"
“Warpigs” feels like a sea shanty gone punk rock. It has an infectious, sing-along chorus, with the cries of “It’s kill or be killed!” getting stuck in my head every listen. Bartel expertly navigates the intersections of multiple genres to give us something theatrical while still being gritty, providing true punk social commentary in a new package. “Warpigs” seems to be a perfect part of the sonic bridge Bartel is building towards new material and a newer sound. The artist is currently touring across the US for the release of his “final punk album,” American Poison (September 2024) which features this track.
Katy Tessman "Treasure Trove (Remix Version)"
Tessman’s vocals smoothly serenade us in “Treasure Trove,” a song which honors and celebrates the most important treasures we have in this life - our relationships with those we love. According to Tessman, “Treasure Trove” was born from the idea of reframing opulence as the luxury we experience when we are “rich in love.” This version is gentle, warm, and a testament to the power of gratitude. The band plays inspirational, gently sloping melodies behind Tessman’s heartfelt singing. She is soon to be celebrating both her birthday and her 15 year anniversary of being cancer free (a fantastic occasion - congratulations, Tessman!) with a special show at Icehouse on October 18th - $15 advance tickets, 5:30pm door.
Dua Saleh "want"
We are served RnB-gone-electronica with “want.” Saleh’s flow in the rap breaks is edgy, sexy, and controlled. This track has a winding, ear-catching melody that is easy to fall into as Saleh admits their temptations and toys with the idea of surrendering to desire. The mix here is crisp, an absolute treat, allowing the listener to enter Saleh’s world of rumination with no hesitations. “want” has a cinematic quality to it - it feels as though it would be best featured in a TV soundtrack, where its fullness can transform the mood of a scene as much as it does mine.
Rx Cowboy, Normal Writing "I CANNOT QUIT"
“I CANNOT QUIT” is Rx Cowboy’s newest single, featuring the artist and producer Normal Writing, who co-produced Cowboy’s 2024 EP COWBOY KILLER. “I CANNOT QUIT” features a ton of the duo’s signature, high-production tricks. Rapid beats that mimic a racing heart are layered over the sound of snapping fingers on a loop; these sounds explode suddenly into multilayered percussive elements and trap snares, over which distorted vocals rap fiercely. Transitions throughout this song are abrupt - wherever tension is applied, there is immediate release. “I CANNOT QUIT” ricochets between its two modes, equally occupying an upward crawl of impatient, repetitive, growing sounds and the clearing of frenetic, alarm blaring, neck-rolling grooves.
Lutalo "Ganon"
Opening with groovy guitar riffs and a tambourine clapping out accent beats, “Ganon” (from Lutalo’s debut album, THE ACADEMY, September 2024) sets its timeless vibe immediately. Dripping in indie folk that has a rockstar edge, the instrumentation is well selected here, each piece of the composition never overshadowing the others while establishing their own perimeters and influence on the song. The bass line, for one, is incredibly funky; it upholds the hypnotic, danceable rhythms that are the backbone of this track. Lutalo’s vocals are particularly rich, echoing slightly through a filter which emphasizes “Ganon’s” ethereal quality. The transcendent composition here truly lifts off for me when electronic tones sharpen and come forward in the mix - they reverberate spacious frequencies into any melodic gaps. “Ganon” is definitely one for the shoegaze fans amongst us, as its many layers fuzz-out and cross genres as they melt together.
Heavy Knee "Bangishin"
“Bangishin” (from the WR3 (OWHH) album, released in February 2023) pairs hip-hop flow with lofi beats (to chill and contemplate to.) Heavy Knee is incredibly vulnerable on this track, bearing his soul and crying out for others to take care of themselves and their loved ones before its too late. He implores the listener to teach respect to their kids as he touches on a little bit of everything that he sees as contributing to our variety of social crises. His rap is raw, voice increasingly and refreshingly emotional, as pays tribute to friends and family who find themselves in better, and worse, places. The song ends with a manifestation from earlier in the track, an ultimate mantra for self growth in face of grief and uncertainty: “No we are not falling.”
