MINNESOTA SOUND REVIEWS - 11/09/22
Review by: Jonathan Fuller, Writer @JonnyDarko3
Edited by: Andrew Perrizo, Owner/Editor @PlaylistTC
Top songs on the Minnesota Sound playlist.
Alexander Craig "When Times Are Hard"
“When Times Are Hard” is a rock and roll track with a full, fleshed out sound. The track is jam packed with a brass section, shuffling drums, and tight bass/guitar grooves. The vocals have a bit of twang to them that gives the song a nice edge. Overall, there’s a really nice sentiment of unity here with the title lyric being “I got you to lean on when times are hard.” This song is Alexander Craig’s latest single release.
Forever Us "Sucker"
“Sucker” is a grungy track, with power chords, and big, smashing drums. The song delivers catchy, anthemic choruses in a definitively pop-punk voice. There’s plenty of pep to go around in this song which sports a breakneck tempo and enthusiastic instrumental performances. ”Sucker” is the band's most recent release.
Kelley Smith "Dust"
“Dust” is singer/songwriter Kelly Smith’s first single release. The song makes a strong impression with its gentle textures and instrumentation. Soft acoustic finger-picking pairs beautifully with haunting slide guitars and a strong, prominent vocal. The track is both mesmerizing and gorgeous.
Collapsing Stars "Pay Your Last Respects"
“Pay Your Last Respects” opens as a simple folk tune with guitar and strings. The vocals are gentle and airy, delivering a simple melody with a firm grounding in the chord progression. The instrumentation here is decidedly sparse, even dropping out a few times for brief acapella stints. The song thrives in this stripped down atmosphere. Each element of the song is cast in sharp focus and each element contributes beautifully to the overall song.
OK Friend "Playlists"
“Playlists” is a strong debut for St. Paul based artist “OK Friend.” The song generally falls into the vein of indie, with a consistent four on the floor drum beat and a winding, mid-range vocal melody. The instrumental prominently features a set of glistening, retro keys, steadily pounding away at a larger than life chord progression.
Mr. Mek "Explode"
“Explode” opens with a scratchy electric guitar driven chord progression. This guitar makes up the main melodic anchor of a hip-hop track with great bars and a catchy hook. The song has deep bass and a casual drum beat, occasionally interspersed with more atmospheric elements. The song is a great listen overall and is the latest single release from Mr. Mek.
