FAVORITE MINNESOTA EPS OF 2022
Reviews by: Andrew Perrizo, Owner @PlaylistTC
Most people have already moved on, but we are taking one last look at our favorite Minnesota music that came out in 2022. There was far too much local music released to manage to listen to it all, but we did our best. This isn't a “best of” list, and these aren't in any order, these are simply our favorite projects released by Minnesota artists in 2022.
Andrew’s Favorite EPs:
Victor Shores "S/T"
Arguably a concept album about growing up, things changing with age, and self-reflection, Victor Shores' "S/T" EP feels personal, but is easy to relate to. The relatability is not only found in the lyrical references to playing Tony Hawk Pro Skater in the basement and skating with friends, but also with nostalgia evoking song titles like Batman, NES, and T2: Terminated. The bright and jangly instrumentation feels referential to mid 2000s pop-punk/emo, which is just another nostalgic touch point for me on this incredibly enjoyable EP. The whole project is cohesive, right down to how tight Victor Shores sounds as a group. Growing up isn't always easy, and this album makes you feel like you're not alone in struggling through it.
Favorite Track: Chromies
Related Article: MINNESOTA SOUND REVIEWS - 12/14/22
Bathtub Cig "Night Blindness"
When taking notes about "Night Blindness" two words kept popping up: clever and dark. The percussion and rhythm section are pushed forward, providing excellent "beats" for the breathy and sweet vocal deliveries. The whole EP is chill but not quite laid back. The lyricism is witty and quite a few times brought a smirk to my face. The EP is cynical without being bleak, and the tone of the project is possibly best summarized by the opening lines of "i luv u", "I don't trust the good, so I'm digging for the bad, even when I'm happy, I'm always feeling sad."
Favorite Track: Trust No Man
Night Jobs "Never Happener"
It would be easy to sing along to the four tracks on "Never Happener" and completely miss the undertone of sadness and loss present on almost every track. The crunchy guitars, loud-quiet-loud format of individual songs, and the occasional gang vocal (something usually reserved for fun times with friends) are tinged with regret and looking back at friends lost, for one reason or another, along the way. The crashing drums and cymbals paired with the distorted guitars make this an EP that would fit during a late night party or soundtracking the hungover clean up the next day.
Favorite Track: Brody
Related Article: MINNESOTA SOUND REVIEWS - 11/02/22
Lutalo "Once Now, Then Again"
Lutalo layers their dreamy voice and acoustic guitar over drum machine beats to create laid back soundscapes. With wandering poetic lyrics, the singer songwriter crafts tracks perfect for rainy day daydreaming. The EP is enchanting and every song will have you enthralled by the music washing over you.
Favorite Track: Darkeve
Related Article: LUTALO // OFTENER // KATE MALANAPHY - APRIL 9
A Sunken Ship Irony "October"
Created in a single night, "October" is a sincere, stripped down EP that feels incredibly honest and vulnerable. It starts off with an grimy instrumental track consisting of a tapping beat and an unsettling synth. "Uncomfortable Tonight"‘s minimal instrumentation leaves no where for the vulnerable lyrics to hide as they discuss the things the signer has been doing to "freak out the neighbors". The final song "I'm Sorry My Disorder Steals Guitars (Song for Morgan)" continues the sincerity, discussing the feeling of being so overwhelmed that it's hard to do anything, even if it's something that you love doing. The feeling is something many of us can relate to, even if it's not the specific situations in the song.
Favorite Track: Uncomfortable Tonight
Related Article: A SUNKEN SHIP IRONY "EVERYONE IS SAD" REVIEW
NATL PARK SRVC "EP4"
"EP4" is just a lot of fun, regardless of if the lyrics are about heart break, a fight, or watching movies. It's an EP that you feel like throwing on in the car and fumbling to sing along to the dense lyrics (except for the 'La diddy da's in "BLOODY".) With the exception of the occasional solo, NATL PARK SRVC continue their wall of cohesive instrumentation, making it difficult to pick out what individual instruments you're actually hearing from the seven piece, but knowing you'd miss it if any one of them was removed. The EP turns somber and reflective with the final track "PSALM 11:02 PM", a fitting end that feels like you're looking back at the good time you've just lived through with the band.
Favorite Track: BLOODY
Related Article: NATL PARK SRVC "PSYCHIC FRIENDS FAIR" AND "THE FUTURE IS NOW" ALBUM REVIEWS
Honorable Mentions:
The Losing Hope "What Was Once New"
Pandelion "Pandelion"
Brunette "Fight Night"
Flip Rushmore "Choose Your Villains Wisely"
Twin Citizen "Kimmy's Locker"
Shrimpnose "The Things You Take Pride In"
Red Eye Ruby "The Ruby EP"
Nigel T "Left for Dead II"
K.Raydio "80s Baby"
Blue Venus "Nosebleed"
