Psylo "Transit"
Review by: Cameron Christopherson, Writer @Cameron_Christopherson
Edited by: Andrew Perrizo, Owner/Editor @PlaylistTC
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Psylo’s new EP Transit, released on December 8th, 2023, encapsulates the best of Minnesota indie rock music. The trio is composed of guitarist and vocalist Mark Idstrom, bassist Nicky Steidel, and drummer Dan Crist, each of whom display the full range of their talent on this record. The band's explosive live performances, coupled with the refreshing and appealing songwriting displayed on their debut EP, Painting With The Sun, granted Psylo a sizable cult following and regular audience at local performances. With the release of Transit, the band has shown no signs of slowing down.
“Shelterbelt,” the lead single and first track on the EP was the first Psylo song I ever heard. It reminded me instantly of bands like Heart to Gold and Harper’s Jar, with more of an ear for harmonic and rhythmic diversity. The explosive and fast-paced guitar riff, coupled with the infectious and energetic drum grooves throughout the chorus hooks listeners immediately. The mixing work, done by Henry Breen of Why Not, shines on this song in particular. Despite a dense and heavy guitar track, bass licks and melodies litter the song without crowding the mix. Before the listener can get too comfortable, the latter half of the song transitions into a gorgeous instrumental section. Featuring a unique song structure and one of the best hooks in recent memory, the first track leaves a strong impression.
The next two tracks continue the trend of dynamic songwriting. “Mac,” featuring an interplay between guitar and bass riffs at the start, builds tension for almost an entire minute before an incredibly exciting chorus. Vocally, Idstrom is at his best here, displaying an infectious use of light vocal distortion which makes the already urgent lyrics appear life-or-death. The final instrumental breakdown on this track is what sends this home as the top song of the EP for me. The pull-off laden melodies coupled with a galloping drum beat make for an incredible conclusion to the track. “Realtree” starts off in a somewhat atypical way for Psylo, with a driving bass and drum groove. While Steidel's bass work leaves quite the impression on the entire EP, it especially shines on Realtree. The opening lick has been stuck in my head since my first listen in December. The wall-of-sound instrumental breaks only during the first section of the chorus, as Idstrom sings “You wanna have it all,” bringing out the complex and ambivalent feelings within the lyrics even more. Melodically, this song is a treat, the closing lyrics (backed up by Nicky Steidel’s powerful screams) “I’ll be there regardless, if you need me just call me, you know where my heart is,” are complimented by a smooth melody that is begging to be sung back to the band at live shows. In the final minute of the song, another instrumental section plays us out. The drums build energy over a looping guitar riff, but as soon as the listener craves a resolve, it all cuts out.
After delivering three fast-paced bangers, Psylo strips the sound down for “Junction,” which begins with a beautiful acoustic guitar progression. Idstrom’s forlorn vocals are absolutely haunting. It sounds like he is straining his voice on this song, which makes lines like “the masochist, killing my fate” allow the song to build energy slowly, adding in drums and bass during the second verse. The band builds this tension until it is nearly unbearable. Finally, Idstrom’s voice rises to a scream and a screaming electric guitar riff punctures the sonic landscape. The conclusion of the song is packed with emotion, as the screaming vocals finally give way to a brief reprise of the soft melodies which played us in.
The final track on the album, “Trainwreck” features a lopsided guitar riff which alternates emphasizing the first and second beat of the measure. The result is yet another tense verse, which begs for release in a hook. Psylo delivers once again, with infectious melodies belted over a steady downbeat ride cymbal groove. The final breakdown of the EP features a chorus-effect laden guitar part over a frantic and all over the place drum groove.
Transit is an EP set firmly within the traditions of Minneapolis indie rock, but which plays with song structure, harmony, rhythm, and melody in ways that allow it to stand as its own. If you are a fan of indie rock, midwest emo, grunge, emo, or indie, this project is right up your alley. Transit navigates the immense talent of Psylo’s three musicians perfectly, not compromising either songwriting, or individual flair, but stitching both together into a beautiful and full sound which leaves nothing on the table. This second EP has left me beyond excited for a full length debut from the band. Catch Psylo at a show if you are able, as their live performances are earth shattering.
