MINNESOTA SOUND REVIEWS - 4/3/2024
Reviews by: Alexandra Haynes, Writer @xalexonlinex
Edited by: Andrew Perrizo, Owner/Editor @PlaylistTC
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Elle PF "Happy"
Playful melodies intertwine around one another in Elle PF’s “Happy,” released on their 2023 album, After the Snow. Futuristic riffs get close to creating discordance as layers of sound build, but clashing never truly occurs as they excitingly loop back into their twinkling groove. Deliciously dark, this track critiques what we are all told will make us “Happy,” with thought-provoking lyrics wrapped up in sultry vocals. Elle PF’s indie style has an eccentric edge in this song, unabashedly experimental while still being extremely listenable. Jaunty tones sway in and out throughout the track; when a grungier final bridge appears, building a path to the song’s crescendo, there is a romantic tension between the increased noise and hypnotic, breathy mantra of “I am bored/See reality.” In “Happy”’s final minute, that breakdown chanting adds the finishing touch to the track’s alluringly disconcerting vibe.
Nigel T "Losing My Mind"
Grungy, contemporary hip-hop flow meets gothic inspiration and high-production effects in Nigel T’s “Losing My Mind.” Verse to verse, we hear a wide range of Nigel T’s vocal talents, with repeated cries of “I think I’m losing my mind” coming out as a light fry scream. His use of autotune on the lead vocal track is a stylistic choice. Dare I say the popularity of Soundcloud rappers over the past decade paved the way for this style of production and genre-bending? Naturally, Nigel’s music can also be found on that platform. A repetitive, catchy trap beat serves as this song’s foundation, over which Nigel T’s emo sound dances effortlessly with the heavier influence of metal. This track was released on the EP Young Dracula in 2023.
she's green "Syndulla"
she’s green is decidedly a shoegaze band, and in “Syndulla,” they have skillfully crafted a noisy dreamworld. Both the soft vocals and instrumental components are fuzzed out, blended together into a swoon-worthy symphony. Percussion and guitar still play a huge role in the song, giving it a solid backbone. “Syndulla” is arguably the most beautiful track from their 2023 EP, Wisteria - it is easy to be enchanted by the completeness of their sound here. Listening to “Syndulla” feels like entering a fairytale. Its sudden end in a tonal frequency resets the ear and transitions “Syndulla” seamlessly into the EP’s next track, “Purple.” I strongly recommend listening to the whole EP in its intended order to appreciate these deliberate finesses and travel along their sonic coastlines.
Vitulina "The Biology Building"
Vitulina’s voice, intentionally electronic, reads us poetic musings on college laboratories. They paint a vivid, haunting image of “The Biology Building” where “specimens never leave this container alive.” The reflection on life and death and participation in academia is strikingly laid atop a barebones track composed of pretty keyboard melodies. “The Biology Building” is the 8th track on Vitulina’s 2023 album, Switchbacks, which features other experimental sounds and more beautiful lyricism. I hope future releases are in the cards from this unique artist soon, as Vitulina craft incredibly special stories.
Dial Tone "Ambrosia"
High energy punk rock is always exciting to listen to; “Ambrosia” is no exception. Catchy and increasingly frenzied throughout, this song from Dial Tone’s 13 track, self-titled album is surely a crowd pleaser. Dial Tone effortlessly drops tracks across the spectrum of indie, alt-rock sounds and never fail to impress me with their musical excellence. Vocalist Daisy Forester has incredible range and showcases a raw edge here. “Ambrosia” stands out as one of the band’s more playful releases - it’s spunky, feisty, and incredibly fun. It snuck its way into one of my personal playlists this week, too. They promise “MANY things coming in 2024.” I’ll surely be watching their social media to see what moves they make next.
Orphan Andy "Guilt"
Orphan Andy’s “Guilt” was released on the impressive 35 track album HNH in 2023. It is, simply put, a bop. Orphan Andy has a really authentic rap flow, and his discography is prolific. At the time of writing, a repost on his Instagram story may be teasing that another album is on the way. The length of “Guilt” sits at a satisfying 4 minutes and 40 seconds, making it the second longest song on HNH. HNH was produced on local record label, Always Up. The mix here is solid and clean, with “Guilt” feeling like Orphan Andy has done what he came to do. The chorus ruminates on his place in the universe and how much he has had to live through thus far - “Who am I?/Just another face, I survived./I’ve been working every day of my life, still alive/You can see the pain in my eyes./Still I shine…” Thank you for fighting and telling your story, OA.
