MINNESOTA SOUND REVIEWS - 1/8/25
Reviews by: Alexandra Haynes, Writer @xalexonlinex
Edited by: Andrew Perrizo, Owner/Editor @PlaylistTC
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WHY NOT “It’s Fun”
WHY NOT make pop-punk injected with fuzzy, multigenre influences. This song is self-defining, living up to its name totally with grungy riffs, catchy choruses, and groovy melodies. It is unafraid to take the listener somewhere but never falls prey to too much prog-rock temptation; “It’s Fun” consistently returns to energetic form without disappearing into the mystical sounds that the band suggest they’re all too capable of making with each weaving, winding prechorus. Expertly, WHY NOT have made the perfect track to show off their uniqueness without being overly indulgent - things stay spunky and danceable while gorgeous compositional choices jump out on each listen. This song released in October, 2024. Let’s be sure to keep our eyes and ears on this band in 2025.
wolfbabycup "The Last First Time"
I have and always will be a total sucker for a synth pop duo. wolfbabycup is certainly no exception to this rule, capturing my attention on “The Last First Time” (single, October 2024) with their repetitive synth leads and whispery vocals laid atop a hypnotic drum machine and complimentary bassline. The effect is appropriately haunting, creating that darkwave whimsy we all know and love. It invites the listener to be caught in a fluid sway as soft words promise positive change in the protagonist’s life - “Movement, for myself this time / Close to something different / Chance to try for the first time…”
Unstable Shapes "Feral Joy"
Released in November 2024, this latest single from Unstable Shapes is a perfect follow-up to the band’s last release, “Glass Ladder.” “Feral Joy” kicks things up a notch from there, leading with drums and bass before bursting forward with more aggressive vocals on equally poetic verses. Lifting chord progressions bring a satisfaction and meatiness to the track, while post-hardcore spoken word ruminates over this concept of “Feral Joy,” “I need a cage / I need chain / I’ll be a tug on your leash.” Punchy rhymes, sociopolitical references, and carefully spat out syllables create immediate impact throughout, while talented punk-rock instrumentals supersede the limitations of their genre and surge grungily forward. I cannot wait to keep hearing more from this band.
K.Raydio “Coldblooded”
Jazzy and oozing with soul, K.Raydio’s “Coldblooded” from the The Magician album (September, 2024) leans into her signature, experimental layering - everything is perfectly chopped up without ever feeling disjointed. Listening with headphones is a must, as all of these parts weave in and out of each other deliciously while the vocals sit close and warm. “Coldblooded” tells a story of love and numbness occurring in equal measure; the lyrics refer to a lover’s many mistakes, while the call-and-response “I love you baby / I know you do” and “I love you baby / I love you,” demonstrate the heightened leftover emotions still at play. You feel their unresolved tensions as the sultry bassline and silky vocals partner with quizzically bending samples and lilting tones.
Emmy Woods and the Red Pine Ramblers "takes one to know"
“takes one to know” (from volume 1, an EP which dropped in August, 2024) has lyrics that will hit the right listener like a truck. With brutally honest and emotive retellings of disordered eating behaviors, substance use, and falling prey to your own mental spirals, Emmy Woods challenges the listener on their relation to the story with the title of the piece itself, as it truly does take one to know one, as the saying goes. The rawness of the songwriting is complimented completely by the vocal style, which is sweet but passionate, skillful but gritty. Accompanying instrumental melodies from those Red Pine Ramblers are bluesy, notably featuring steel guitar twangs and swinging percussion.
The Union Suits "Everything is never gonna be alright"
For anyone that has ever hit rock bottom and kept going despite, “Everything is never gonna be alright” (released in October, 2024) is going to be as relatable as it is tongue-in-cheek and catchy. The song’s folksy verses feature the lead vocalist’s full and characteristic voice, with the band utilizing rock’n’roll riffing and spirited drum fills to warm the listener’s ear between. The Union Suits have brought us a playful Americana track here, and its cheerful sounding melodies are not misplaced - by the end of the song, its title has been turned on its head and hope is on the horizon as the listener is given advice: “Open up to love and find someone to hold you tight / You might find that just enough is gonna be alright.”
