Andy's Songs of the North Playlist Reviews - May 2023
Reviews by: Andy Ellis, Writer @andysmileyjay
Edited by: Andrew Perrizo, owner/editor @PlaylistTC
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May is here! So is warmer weather (to stay, we hope) and more great music from the Land of 10,000 Lakes. Some are from old favorite artists of mine and others I discovered through the magic that is social media and thought, “Yes! Need!”
As always, if you see someone you like remember to check the artist out live and buy their merchandise. It’s the best way to keep our lovely independent music scene alive.
Check out the playlist embedded below, tell your friends, and lets show the world the music being made in Minnesota.
Doc Rhombus “I’m Afraid”
It’s bold going over a minute without the vocals coming in on a song, but luckily Doc Rhombus knows how to keep an intro exciting. It also helps create “I’m Afraid”’s ‘80s-in-the-cities nighttime vibe that is sure to make you turn the volume up. You just don’t need the big shoulder pads — unless that’s your thing.
Twin Citizen “Splinter”
Clocking in at over seven minutes, Twin Citizen’s “Splinter” dares you to grow your attention span. And if you’re into OAR-like pop-tinged vocals with a band that knows how to keep it interesting, you’ll want to check this song out. They get better with each release, and I look forward to what they’ll do next.
Tufawon “So In Love”
I love smooth R&B. Tufowon’s vocal performance showcase his smooth delivery through a simple, passionate love song. The mix of his voice and the production help make it dance floor ready or perfect for an intimate date night at home.
A.K.A. Kobi “Family Van”
“Family Van” is a passionate statement of being grateful. The simple, clean, and dreamy production provided A.K.A. Kobi with the perfect backdrop for the MC to express how eternally happy he is to be with his partner in life, and the life they have built. He knows he couldn’t have built it with anyone else.
Jillian Rae “Barely Breathing”
On “Barely Breathing,” a vulnerable Jillian Rae looks at the bright side of life while simultaneously acknowledging the bruises that continually test our resilience. Her vocals have this exhausted-but-alive tone letting us into her state of mind. Additionally, the way the music changes between the hardship addressed in the verses, and the still-here-but-I-could-use-a-break tone of the chorus threw me off at first, but it helps drive the song’s message home.
Porcupine “Comatose”
If you need a dose of no-frills rock, then Porcupine has you covered with “Comatose.” The guitar riff hooked me from the start and I was instantly transported to a packed dive bar on Friday night with a vocalist who reminds me of the alt-rockers from the ‘90s, and a great chorus with smooth harmonies. If this kind of music were to become more popular, I would not be mad.
Sarah Morris “You Are (Champagne On A Wednesday)
It’s impossible to not smile when I hear Sarah Morris sing. “You Are (Champagne On A Wednesday)” showcases her signature bright vocals and specific phrasing that effortlessly turns multi-syllable words into an ear candy chorus. It’s like she has all this joy inside of her, and wants to share it with as many people as possible.
Jon Theis “Happy Days”
Jon Theis shines the most when he’s in storyteller mode, and “Happy Days” is a stellar example. He comes off as just a guy at the bar telling us about the days of Prohibition, and is able to bring it all the way to the present. The simple production lets the words do the heavy lifting, and his rhymes go down as smooth and easy as your favorite drink.
Maiden Dixie “Have You”
The name may sound familiar, but Maiden Dixie’s new single “Have You” assures everyone it’s a new era. Front woman Kaytee Amaro’s clear, flawless performance leads the band through a sound has a definite pop-influence, but their country roots are so impossible to hide I can easily picture this being performed in an open field on a sunny summer day. They may look a little different, but Maiden Dixie’s commitment to top tier head-turning powerful music lives on.
Lazenlow “Hunter Hunted”
Sometimes a song can allow us to live out fantasies without ending up on the wrong side of the law. Lazenlow’s “Hunter Hunted” does just that for those who have ever wanted to exact revenge o someone that caused them harm The revenge scene is created in the lyrics so you can relive it over and over again without guilt. Lead singer Gillian Needham’s vocal performance transforms her into a John Wick-esque huntress, and the production creates a dark but satisfying horror atmosphere that assures you this hunter-turned-hunted won’t make it out alive.
