MINNESOTA SOUND REVIEWS - 8/25/21
Review by: Jonathan Fuller, Writer @JonnyDarko3
Edited by: Andrew Perrizo, Owner/Editor @PlaylistTC
Top songs on the Minnesota Sound Playlist.
We Are the Willows, Orchid Eaton "Keep Your Head Up"
Self proclaimed orchestral indie rock band We Are The Willows team up with the duo Orchid Eaton to provide “Keep Your Head Up,” a melancholy yet encouraging track. The song features a mechanical synth pad as the centerpiece of the instrumental. The vocals are reminiscent of Beach House, a laid back delivery of lyrics like “You gotta keep your head up, everything is fucked up.” Gorgeous synthesizers swirl around the vocals, drums and bass providing the perfect amount of ear candy.
Lazenlow "Gaslight Up My Life"
“Gaslight Up My Life” is the fourth track from 90’s trip hop revivalist trio Lazenlow’s latest EP “Conditional Love: Chapter 1.” The song is full of rhythm with hip hop drums, funky guitar licks and a grooving baseline. The vocals weave effortlessly between rapping and singing, interspersed with an infectious down pitched vocal hook. The highlight of the track for me was the synth lead line that closes the track out in a euphoric wash of reverb. To hear more from Lazenlow check out “Conditional Love: Chapter 1.”
JoJo Green "Your Lies"
“Your Lies” by JoJo Green prominently features some extremely talented instrumentalists. The track includes a funk inspired guitar that sounds like it came straight from Daft Punk’s “Random Access Memories,” a bouncy bass guitar and a soulful saxophone that plays wonderfully off the suave lead vocals. The song exudes confidence and a hint of danger with the refrain “I can see right through your lies.” Be sure to check out the groups latest single “Miles Apart” as well!
North Ridge "Gone South"
“Gone South” is the latest single from acoustic trio North Ridge. The song has a clear sense of yearning to it with lyrics like “I’m hoping that they fix themselves, I’m hoping that we will find peace” and “won’t you tell me when I miss the mark and won’t you hold me when I fall apart.” The track is a lovely plea for intimacy and connection in a broken world featuring beautiful harmonies, banjo plucks and a soaring violin on the refrain. North Ridge has used the perfect amount of production to highlight and enhance the simplicity of acoustic music.
Riotgrrrldarko "DOGPILE SKIRT"
The first few seconds of “DOGPILE SKIRT” is all it takes to realize this song is about to get you absolutely hyped. Riotgrrrldarko makes music that belongs on the big stage at Lollapalooza. Frenetic trap drums and 808’s combine with a hypnotic synth stab to create the instrumental. Clever verses resolve in an undeniably catchy hook. The track ends with an intriguing monologue sample that emphasizes the punk sensibilities/aesthetic of the track and corresponding EP “Spitting In The Wind.”
Lazy Scorsese "Future Man"
A growling synth bass opens the psychedelic pop track “Future Man” by Lazy Scorsese. The track provides a well balanced blend of electronic and indie instrumental elements with a clean electric guitar and a cacophony of synthesizers. The vocals feature melodies interspersed with ominously delivered spoken lines like “You must remain human in systematic insanity.” The song is the second track off the bands new album “Resistance of the Soft Shells.” Check out the rest of the project to hear more!
