MINNESOTA SOUND REVIEWS - 3/27/2024
Reviews by: Alexandra Haynes, Writer @xalexonlinex
Edited by: Andrew Perrizo, Owner/Editor @PlaylistTC
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Full Catholic "take care now"
A luscious intro showcasing velvety, folksy vocals carries us into a world of metaphor and introspection where Full Catholic show off their musical strengths. “take care now” deserves several listens to catch the lyrical prowess folded gently into this contemporary psych-rock groove. Full Catholic have succeeded in making “take care now” an evocative, earthy, delicious listen. This track is from their second LP, “all is well,” which is full of elegant songwriting, melancholy, and indie flair. Full Catholic’s scheduled shows are conveniently embedded in their Linktree; I am certain that seeing them live would be an absolute treat.
J-Mo On The Beat "Teardrops Everyday"
“Teardrops Everyday” is stripped back, a single guitar and vocal track making up its composition. This simplicity compliments the vulnerable and emotional story J-Mo is sharing with us, giving the lyrics equal importance to the gentle lullaby he’s strumming. From the EP Love Letters, this track is an admission of the grief experienced by lost love. J-Mo’s voice is delightfully soft and recorded in such a way that feels like the listener is right beside him. As a singer-songwriter in total control of his sound, he clearly uses his music to bear part of his soul. He describes himself as a “hopeless romantic who does 50s rock,” and that sensitive, creative spirit peeks through on this track. He can be frequently found booking gigs with his full band, J-Mo and the J-Lighters. Their next show is April 11th at Midway Saloon, 8pm, no cover.
Hush Victoria "Bury my heart"
Hush Victoria’s “Bury my heart” is undeniably a punk rock tune that has an early 2000s feel. Breathy verses lead us towards their anthem-like chorus as tension builds throughout the track. The snappy beat crafted by the band is a real foot-tapper, with oft repeated lyrics easy to sing along with - “Bury my heart, bury my heart/Deep beneath the Minnesota snow.” If you think their tale is straightforward, though, the music video for this song is a testament to their ability to project multiple stories at once. Released in 2023 with Crossing Guard Camp Records, “Bury my heart” is the sixth track on their eponymous first album, Hush Victoria. They have some upcoming shows, too - according to their website, the soonest is April 20th at Club Underground.
Linus "Orbit"
A clamorous intro informs the listener that Linus can deliver some awesomely noisy production. Heavy-hitting percussion full of cymbal crashing serves as a loud, skillful grounding point to well-distorted instrumentals. Still distinctly audible, snarling riffs weave around that hefty drumming and playfully underline subdued vocals. Linus’ sound is delightfully on the grungier, garage rock side, while still befitting the overarching label of punk - exactly the combination that I fall for, every time. “Orbit” is the second track on their 2023 EP, cheekily titled after a M. Night Shyamalan movie, Signs 2002.
Good Trouble "Sweet Tooth"
Self-described “party-punk,” Good Trouble stay true to their musical brand with “Sweet Tooth.” Released as a 2023 single, then later on their EP EP-3P0, “Sweet Tooth” is an extremely fun listen that you just want to jump along to. Their quick and quirky tempo is an instant hit of dopamine; you can’t help but buy into their enthusiasm and smile as they have a breakdown full of sound effects in the last third of the song. The chorus is, of course, super catchy - “You say you don’t like sweet/But I’ve got a sweet tooth for you.” I have a sweet tooth for you too, Good Trouble.
Stay at Home Astronaut "Different Waveforms"
Stay at Home Astronaut have a slick track here, combining clean electric guitar riffs with captivatingly strong vocals and high tempo drumming. Energetic with just the right amount of grit, “Different Waveforms” never loses its vibrant zest. Rapid pauses are used to punctuate deeply satisfying shouts throughout and return the listener to overarching melody. This is one of those songs that I can happily keep on repeat, as its abrupt ending leaves me wanting more of their infectious rhythm. Stay at Home Astronaut can next be seen at 7th St. Entry on April 7th.
