MINNESOTA SOUND REVIEWS - 8/7/2024
Reviews by: Alexandra Haynes, Writer @xalexonlinex
Edited by: Andrew Perrizo, Owner/Editor @PlaylistTC
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Critterthing "Go To Sleep"
Critterthing’s “Go To Sleep” is a lullaby bent ever-so-slightly out of shape to birth a more psychedelic and active sound out of what would otherwise be a smooth, cozy listen. Its lyrics evoke a more unnerving picture, best suited to the subtle wonkiness Critterthing employ, as they talk of using sleep to escape reality. With satisfying vocal harmonies, dominant auxiliary percussion, hefty bass and funky electric guitar work, this track is well composed without any piece of it overwhelming the others. “Go To Sleep” was released as a B-side to the single “Colors” in February 2024. For the 21+ music lovers among us, you have a chance to be enchanted by the band live tomorrow at Cloudland Theater, doors at 6:30pm, $12 cover.
Riley Skinner "Solstice"
“Solstice,” from Riley Skinner’s EP of the same name, released in June 2024, has a tantalizingly haunting melody with soft, breathy vocals to match. When Skinner’s voice hits higher, clear notes, it pirouettes through the track atop the repetitive, subtly eccentric synth. Hypnotic but still sweet, “Solstice” captures so much emotion in its simplicity. Skinner describes the song in a particularly revealing Instagram post as “a song for the flowers …a song for the pollinators,” “written when [she] was 22 during the summer solstice [her] first year living in Seattle.” This background only deepens my sense that this song features a generous touch of magic wrapped up in its artistic, indie package.
DANGER PINS "Messenger"
The instrumentals in “Messenger” (released in June 2024) have a distinctly Latin feel, with multilayered, galloping percussive elements adding a ton of tactility to the track. The electric guitar has a fuzzed out, grungy delay; this paired with the vocal tone of their lead singer gives the song a more timeless rock’n’roll edge. DANGER PINS is a project spearheaded by two front-musicians, Shannon & Joseph Pattini, but it expands frequently into a full band of four (adding Joe Baumgart on bass and Steve Brantseg on guitar) to make for a gorgeous live experience.
Conor Lee "Sweat"
Lee’s jazzy and expansive guitar playing stands out right away in “Sweat.” “Sweat” is a cinematic, full-bodied track with plenty of forward movement. There are, notably, other instruments expertly filling all the spaces left intentionally behind by the lead guitar; the musical craftsmanship here is smooth and sexy. The melodies are playfully passionate, almost tongue-in-cheek while still being amazing executed, and make for a truly action-packed sound. This song conjures images of movie heroes (or too-cool-to-be-bad gangsters) in their best form at the climax of their stories.
Bryn Battani "Ya Don't Think?"
Anyone that has ever felt like the black sheep of their partner’s world will relate to Battani’s vulnerable story in “Ya Don’t Think.” Soulful, classic country instruments (violin, cello, slide guitar) punctuate vocal melodies as Battani bears her soul on this indie-folk track, lamenting on whether she’s “any good” for her lover. It’s emotional to bear witness to the picture she paints: “I don’t think your coworkers dig my style / I’m acting casual browsing the aisle … / … Drove an hour to your childhood house / And now you tell me we’re turning around / ‘Cause everyone’s screaming, you shouldn’t be there.” This song is the 1st track on Battani’s Guest Room EP, which released in full in June 2024. Battani has strong vision (and clearly plenty of skill to match!) as a singer-songwriter; she is currently scouting for bandmates for a chamber pop project, which is something I eagerly await to come to fruition.
Maria and the Coins "Something Good"
“Something Good” feels like an ending credits song to a heartfelt coming of age movie from the early 2000s; that’s a great era to bring to mind. It features mischievous pop-punk riffs on each verse and lively, attention-grabbing choruses which spring into action after sneakily building. Power-pop vocals declare their impatience with mediocracy - “We could go for a ride / We could wait our whole damn lives / But I want something, / I want something / Something good.” “Something Good” is Maria and the Coins’ latest release and dropped in February 2024. If you’re free this evening and looking for your “Something Good,” they will be playing at Maynard’s with Jacoby & Jerry of Papa Roach.
