MINNESOTA SOUND REVIEWS - 6/29/22
Review by: Jonathan Fuller, Writer @JonnyDarko3
Edited by: Andrew Perrizo, Owner/Editor @PlaylistTC
Top songs on the Minnesota Sound playlist.
Keep for Cheap "Checkout"
“Checkout,” from Keep for Cheap’s new album “Bundle” opens with a dry acoustic guitar strumming a simple chord progression. The song introduces the rest of the band while maintaining a clean, dry, production style. The song includes lots of interesting elements like tempo manipulation, psychedelic guitar lines and trippy vocal effects. To hear more from the band check out “Bundle.”
Sir Lucius, Matt Fischer "Summer 06"
“Summer 06” is a drowsy rap song with a dusty beat and a casual delivery. The song has a distinctly chill vibe with a wobbly organ and gently smacking drum beat. Despite the scratchy vinyl aesthetic the track has a colorful and summery vibe. To hear more from Sir Lucius check out the 2021 album “Public Access Memories.”
Prairie Clamor "Song for the K-Mart Parking Lot"
"Song for the K-Mart Parking Lot" is a definitively Midwest indie track. Full of fascinating textures, the song features a dry drum kit, ukulele, and an over-the-top synth lead. The lead line is infectious and catchy. This song comes from the band's new album “True Songs.”
Starving poet "Trans Pluralism"
“Trans Pluralism” opens with a full 30 seconds of outdoor foley. Slowly a mysterious sounding synth line is introduced, sounding like a scene from a sci-fi film. The song is an instrumental soundscape with hypnotic synthesizers, foley, and strange electronics. It’s easy to lose yourself in the immersive audio experience. Trans Dualism is a fascinating art piece with vibes and texture. This song comes from Starving poet’s latest album “Trans Dimensional Beings.”
Briefcase "Alive in Time"
“Alive in Time” is a spacey piece of garage rock. With jangling, crunchy guitars, bass and drums. The chords are sweet and washed in an organic reverb. The star of the show here is the vocals. The melodies fully entrance and pull you in. They play perfectly off the lead guitar lines and are delivered with an understated energy that's just perfect. To hear more from Briefcase check out “lllp.”
Jonatha Brooke, The Cello Project "New Dress"
“New Dress” is a collaboration between singer Jonatha Brooke and The Cello Project. The song features a powerful melody atop a classical instrumental of piano, cello and guitar. The song has a theatrical feel to it which is fitting as Brooke has written a play and performed songs for Disney films. To hear more from Jonatha Brooke check out “The Sweetwater Sessions” or hear her singing in the film “Return to Neverland.”
