MINNESOTA SOUND REVIEWS - 3/13/24
Reviews by: Alexandra Haynes, Writer @xalexonlinex
Edited by: Andrew Perrizo, Owner/Editor @PlaylistTC
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Smithsonian “Takin’ Stock”
This track is a psychedelic adventure unlike what we typically imagine psychedelic music to be. Fans of ambient noise will appreciate the carefully constructed, Lo-Fi-esque cityscape of sound, which quickly dissolves into surreal, discordant twinkles juxtaposed by ritualistic percussion. The sounds of regular life return to us, reconstructed anew from dissociated electronic beeps and hauntingly familiar noises that would have to be singled out to be truthfully identified. As the song progresses, the bustle of urban life keeps melting in and out of our auditory consciousness. We hear rustling wind, dogs barking, neighbors speaking, water dripping, and much more in what Smithsonian describes as a sound collage. Close your eyes, and you feel as though you’ve been placed in a community’s beating heart, in some neighborhood full of life. In a cheeky fourth wall break, we get to hear Smithsonian’s judgement of the piece right at the end of the song, as we sober up from the experience together after a final crescendo of increasingly frantic sampled sounds - “All right, that’ll be good,” he says. And it is good. Although noise music may feel like a novelty to many, “Takin’ Stock” has wonderful replay value - focus in, and you’ll hear something new each listen. It feels like meditation… or magic. It was released independently as Smithsonian’s latest single in March, 2023. On X, Eric Martin, the creator of this solo project, says that the track is all about “springtime and community, friendship and presence.” This project can be followed on Spotify.
Poison Ivy and the People “All My Friends”
Poison Ivy and the People’s “All My Friends” features theatrically enunciated, dreamy layered vocals paired with a bright synth, soft-grunge guitar, and steady drum licks. The percussion softens throughout to let the vocalist’s poetic lyricism take the spotlight. This song is a poppy and progressive manifesto which invites you to consider what role your friends may have in the revolution. We get to relish the sweetness of an autobiographical analysis of the artists’ social circle, with its optimistic lyrics married to a nostalgic sound. “All my friends… they all want a revolution, but nobody wants to do the goddamn dishes.” It’s so relatable that I envision this track fading in during the sentimental end scene of a coming of age movie, right before it cuts to credits and leaves me feeling incredibly seen. Political, candid, and catchy, this song is a gentle call to action, released as a single on Robot Ghost Records last October. It is available to purchase on their Bandcamp. You can also follow Poison Ivy and the People on Instagram, where they keep an active presence and have already announced their next local gigs.
Cassandra Cole “Steps”
Cassandra Cole’s “Steps” opens with clean acoustic guitar plucking but quickly forms a sparkling swell of sound. Cole’s vocals weave in and out of focus, dancing with the complex instrumentals rather than demanding center stage. They are complimented yet contrasted by a gentle rap break from hip-hop artist Big Jess, who implores the listener to practice self-compassion. Cole’s voice sounds classically trained, emulating a soulful tone with hints of grit and pop, reminding me somehow of Nelly Furtado in the early 2000s. Well-mixed and multi-genre, this track is pensive, spiritual, and optimistic, with a folksy flavor. It’s also the title track from her album of the same name, released in 2022 on Rock the Cause Records. Cole can be kept up with on Facebook and on her website.
Crowfather “Mutants”
“Mutants’s” melodic and undeniable hip-hop beat is a real ear-worm - it’s hard not to get into Crowfather’s groove. With a rap that opens with the line, “Every morning I wake up and I think about death,” “Mutants” is straightforward and existential. Spoiler alert - Crowfather provides the listener with some emotional relief with references to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, hence the title, but each bar feels like it’s plunging us deeper into nostalgia and vulnerability as he uses them to reflect on his complicated relationship with being human. You can see what he’s up to by subscribing to his mailing list on his website and hear more on his Bandcamp and Spotify.
Our Common Collapse “Languish”
“Languish” by Our Common Collapse is one for the metalheads amongst us. With a heavy open, and unrelentingly infectious percussion throughout, the breakdown in the final minute of the track feels like we are being spoiled. The production here works wonders for balancing serious and noisy instrumentals with skillful, guttural growls. This track is the latest release from the band, having come out in October 2023. I hope we get to hear more from them soon. They mean business. You can see the music video on YouTube and listen to their discography on Bandcamp.
Phase Meridian “Psychic Canine Overlords”
“Psychic Canine Overlords” from Phase Meridian is punk-metal fusion with the spirit of an anthem. The last minute of this track features unbeatably memorable repetition that begs you to shout along. Brutal vocals and a lighter, grungy pitch have been harmonized throughout to make full-bodied, easy listening metal. This is more of what I want to hear at hardcore shows. They describe themselves on their Bandcamp as the “best man in the wedding of beauty and brutality,” and I couldn’t agree more. Their Instagram has been recently updated, teasing that this year may be one of their biggest for live shows… Phase Meridian is one to watch.
