MINNESOTA SOUND REVIEWS - 7/17/2024
Reviews by: Alexandra Haynes, Writer @xalexonlinex
Edited by: Andrew Perrizo, Owner/Editor @PlaylistTC
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Burning Peasant “Out of Time”
Synth, drums, and bass stagger in and layer atop one another to kick off Burning Peasant’s “Out of Time,” released on their eponymous album. I love the quick-to-appear chorus, where the lead vocalist repeats the lines “Feels like we’re running out of time / feels like there’s something. something that’s not right.” The phrase is an ear worm; I find myself singing along. “Out of Time” is a wavy, contemporary indie track which doesn’t shy away from those bold synth melodies (which are a personal soft spot of mine.) While Burning Peasant speak clearly of anticipatory anxiety, they cradle the potentially dark mental spiral in an extremely pleasant and psychedelic soundscape. This song is a soft, contemplative groove perfect for an evening listen.
The Makeouts “Beware the Flowers”
“Beware the Flowers” is The Makeouts’ newest release on all platforms, which dropped as a single in June 2024. The band has crafted an alternative rock’n’roll track here featuring jazzy keys and multi-genre influences. The vocals have a classic rock quality, complimented by exciting electric guitar riffs and spunky drum work. “Beware the Flowers” is fun to listen to, with lyrics contrasting the phrase we all know, “stop and smell the flowers.” The Makeouts warn the listener instead that the states of being we occupy are absolutely impermanent, for better, or for worse. You can catch The Makeouts celebrating the release of this song (and debuting a newer single which is currently only available on Bandcamp) on July 19th at the eclectic entertainment venue Can Can Wonderland. The show starts at 8pm with a $14 venue entry fee.
Dilly Dally Alley “That I’m Pretty”
Rolling, smoky melodies mingle with sweet, clean vocals on Dilly Dally Alley’s soulful new single, “That I’m Pretty.” A smooth horn section accentuates their warm, jazzy sound. This is a multi-layered listen with lovely, indulgent production. “That I’m Pretty” is full-bodied, crafted to express the joy of receiving authentic compliments and the way our heart swells after accepting genuine flattery, balanced by lyrics which ruminate on self-consciousness. Dilly Dally Alley have a release show for their upcoming album, Find Out, on July 19th at Icehouse for $25 at door.
Hawthorne Oachs “Runaway Bunny”
With impressively strong songwriting, Hawthorne Oachs is a great storyteller with theatrically clean pronunciation and lovely vocal control. Oachs plays with her range, hitting crisp high notes and vocal runs. “Runaway Bunny,” released as a single in June 2024, is full of metaphor - it’s a pretty, twisted fairytale which describes a damsel-in-distress protagonist characterized as prey escaping her life of turmoil. This story is told atop of magically mixed instruments, which punctuate the vocal melodies and subtly uphold the mystical and cinematic quality of the song. No part of this track overshadows the other, instead creating a rich world for the characters to live in. It will be extremely exciting to see where Oachs’ talents take her.
Orchid Club “Life Takes Time”
Awesome percussion tempos, snarling guitar riffs and heady bass crash together with lowkey, indie-punk vocals underlining the totality of Orchid Club’s sound in a complimentary way. With gut-punching lyrics such as, “I’ll pay with my soul / I’ll rest when I’m dead,” and “even the name of my hometown has left my mind / but no one thought to warn me that life takes time,” Orchid Club express the frustrations of surrendering to your own inexperience. The band partners coming-of-age tales with high-speed instrumentation, taking the listener on a short trip through the punishing but exhilarating nature of growing up and learning what it means to forge your own path. According to their Instagram bio, a release show is scheduled at Mortimer’s bar for an upcoming EP, so watch this space.
Emily Haavik “Drive”
“Drive,” released in June 2024, is a soft folk track with a powerful feminist message. This song zooms in on a misogynistic dynamic in which men assume, or are assumed to be, the primary driver of their household. Emily Haavik uses this as a metaphor for larger, abusive relationship dynamics in which women are robbed of their independence. A particularly moving part of “Drive” is when Haavik sings about meeting a waitress “with a longing [that] kinda looked like mine / She said "What’s it feel like in that drivers seat?" It features choral secondary vocals which add a poignant weight to Haavik’s metaphor, creating the sound of generational understanding. Instrumentally playful bridges allow Haavik’s vocals to shine when melodies strip back and leave room for the meaning of her words to become transparent to the listener. “Drive” is celebration of breaking free and experiencing the “weightless[ness]” of being in control of your own life. The cover being a close-up of Haavik’s driver’s license is a beautifully raw finishing touch to this release. Haavik will be performing live at Brainstorm Bakery on August 6th at 5pm, with a suggested donation of $5.
