MINNESOTA SOUND REVIEWS - 12/6/2023
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.
Ava Levy "Not Ur Clown"
With a deeply contemplative guitar opening, this track introduces the world's softest voice, crafting a beautifully produced sonic experience. Meticulously adorned with accents that delicately fill the spaces between the guitar notes, the song exhibits a keen attention to detail. The production plays with spatial dynamics, alternating between widening and distancing the mix before swiftly zooming in to captivate the listener up close. Unfolding into a transformative journey, the track begins in the intimacy of a bedroom and gradually ventures into the streets, marked by layers and dynamic shifts. The artist's adept handling of layering and changing dynamics creates a truly immersive and captivating musical experience. "not ur clown" is Ava Levy’s first single.
Lost Island Society "Another Year"
With an intriguing blend of ska undertones and a laid-back essence, this track captivates with its unique vibe and textures, leaning towards an ethereal quality. The opening riff pays homage to early 2000s pop punk and emo, introducing a different facet to the emo spectrum—a comedy to emo's tragedy. The infusion of a horn section adds a vibrant energy to the overall atmosphere, creating a dynamic fusion of 90s nostalgia and a surprisingly fresh sound. This song stands as a testament to the artist's ability to seamlessly weave diverse influences into a cohesive and engaging musical experience. “Another Year” is the latest 2023 single from Lost Island Society.
Waste, Chris Whited "Neon Gods"
This is an unstoppable force, like an 18-wheeler careening out of control, relentlessly pummeling everything in its path. It's a brawl that refuses to let up, capturing the visceral scream of a freight train hurtling down the tracks. The intensity is dialed up with each moment, urging the listener to feed the fire and make it faster. The sheer violence of the sound guarantees you'll come out of this experience a bit bruised, but it's a thrilling ride. The tight and meticulously mixed drum sounds add an extra layer of precision to the chaos, making this an exhilarating and bruising journey into heavy music. “Neon Gods” is a 2023 single from Waste and Chris Whited.
student 1 "married in a war"
Opening with a skillful marriage of introspective lyricism and a laid-back lofi beat, "married in a war" crafts a sonic experience that effortlessly mirrors a chill and relaxed delivery. Infused with clever wordplay and a daring critique of appropriation, the song elegantly explores personal turmoil and societal introspection. The resilient chorus serves as a poignant anthem for unwavering self-improvement, while the second verse maneuvers through internal struggles with poetic finesse. This genre-defying opus stands as a beacon of individuality, with the soothing lofi beat seamlessly complementing the laid-back style. "married in a war" emerges as a timeless testament to genuine, soul-baring artistry. "married in a war" is a 2023 single from student 1.
Dua Saleh "daylight falls"
Kicking off with a drifting guitar and somber vocals, “daylight falls” immediately establishes itself as a sonic marvel. The track seamlessly transitions into an arena-worthy chorus, where the emotional impact is palpable, and vocals burst with intensity. Sparse yet potent drums punctuate key moments, adding depth to this reflective and emotional pop anthem. The well-utilized reverb becomes a sonic canvas, transforming a simple singer-and-guitar setup into a vast and immersive landscape. A masterful blend of elements, this song leaves an indelible mark with its impactful and lush composition. “daylight falls” is Dua Saleh’s latest single.
Emma Jeanne "Sleep In"
This track is a guitar lover's dream, featuring an abundance of guitars that create an awe-inspiring sonic landscape. The rhythm is led by a skillfully handled acoustic, accompanied by various electric guitars that add layers of texture, including a delightful choir of "guitarmonies." The interplay with a textured keyboard and a lively bass line enhances the song's depth, contributing to an overall nostalgic atmosphere rooted in a timeless progression. The artist's thoughtful musical choices, paired with stellar vocal production and harmonies, result in a truly remarkable composition that elevates this track to greatness. “Sleep In” is Emma Jeanne’s 2023 single.
