MINNESOTA SOUND REVIEWS - 2/23/22
Review by: Jonathan Fuller, Writer @JonnyDarko3
Edited by: Andrew Perrizo, Owner/Editor @PlaylistTC
Top songs on the Minnesota Sound playlist.
Getting By "Happy When"
“Happy When” is an upbeat, pop-sensible rock song with punk influence. The instrumental has a decidedly uplifting feel to it, with major chord progressions and a tight drum groove. Crunchy guitars run beneath perky vocal melodies to create an invigorating sonic experience. “Happy When” was recently released as a double single alongside the track “Anybody.”
ATR the Sage, Orphan Andy, Formerly “CAM” "Deathwish"
“Deathwish” is an atmospheric hip-hop track with glittering synth pads and hard knocking drums. ATR the Sage keeps the beat tastefully simple, reminiscent of the early 2000’s hip-hop style. A prominent kick/snare pattern and repetitive hi-hats hold the atmospheric synthesizers and gliding bass together. The song features verses from Orphan Andy and Formerly “CAM” and comes from Sage’s new album “Au.”
Emptybrother7, MJC "In Search of Silence"
“In Seach Of Silence” is an instrumental collaboration between experimental producers Emptybrother7 and MJC. The track is challenging, confronting the predictability of rhythm by skipping beats and seemingly losing its way amongst the glitches. It’s a compelling piece of art that demands attention and rewards the listener with an array of fascinating and soothing textures. The song comes from the duo’s joint album “Thumb & Kid 1.”
Foe "Say"
“Say” is the second song released by self described “psychedelic wave-rock” band Foe. The band takes inspiration from video games, as evidenced by the fantastic, pixelated single artwork. The production here is top notch and clear. Elements come in and out of the track that feel like something you would hear coming from an old arcade game. Overall the track has a cinematic quality to it as well that adds to the overall aesthetic perfectly.
The Losing Hope "New Ghosts"
“New Ghosts” starts with a deep growl and dissonant guitar squelches followed by a heavy breakdown. A shift in tone happens when the song turns almost purely pop punk for a while. Effortlessly switching between the heavier and lighter genres gives the band a unique niche. Both energies are delivered with finesse and gives the song an overall more fun sound. To hear more from The Losing Hope check out their 2021 album “The Town Without Me.”
Too Champagne "When All This Is Over"
Singer/songwriter Calvin Keyes is the brain behind Too Champagne, a colorful indie-pop project with organic tones. The song “When All This Is Over” features acoustic guitar and disembodied drums. The mix gives plenty of space to each instrument, it sounds like a mix of Mac Demarco, Fleet Foxes and Vampire Weekend. The song is textured and fun sounding, but not quite happy feeling. To hear more from Too Champagne check out their EP “The Age of Realism.”
