MINNESOTA SOUND REVIEWS - 5/1/2024
Reviews by: Alexandra Haynes, Writer @xalexonlinex
Edited by: Andrew Perrizo, Owner/Editor @PlaylistTC
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Grim Lot "Devil Music"
Jaunty melodies swirl around the listener’s ear from this track’s bright open. Punchy pop-punk guitars go toe-to-toe with upbeat saxophone playing and whip behind pleasant, theatrical lead vocals. “Devil Music” would be right at home as part of a musical soundtrack - lyrics are sung with clean enunciation and it has big sound (especially thanks to its six musicians.) An intriguing sonic shift goes down at 2 minutes, 40 seconds after a gorgeous sax solo, where electronic tones unexpectedly kick in to swiftly create a sense of unease. The synthesizer melodies brighten up as they swell, while some dissonant frequencies remain running in the background, providing an ominous, temporary bassline as mournful memories are sung sweetly, “I recall feeling abandoned/I recall feeling alone.” “Devil Music” is Grim Lot’s latest single and a well-layered listen.
Frogleg "First Thunder, First Rain"
“First Thunder, First Rain,” released on the Uncroaked album in 2023, is a live recording of the track. It has been expertly recorded and mixed in real time - in fact, I had no idea it was live produced until the song concluded with an eruption of organic audience feedback. Frogleg get into some awesomely jammy grooves throughout the song, utilizing multiple percussion instruments and artful string finger-plucking to create their twangy, Americana sound that has a Latin twist. This version of “First Thunder, First Rain” is delightfully more acoustic than the original on their earlier album, Busy Checking In, making it stand out anew.
Taylor James Donskey "Don't Wanna Lose"
A simply gorgeous track, Taylor James Donskey’s latest single “Don’t Wanna Lose” is dripping with romantic longing. It opens with skillful lead acoustic guitar, which is later joined by soft tamborines and secondary guitar work, notably including a bright but sentimental pedal steel guitar. This folksy instrumentation cements the rustic sound of “Don’t Wanna Lose.” Taylor’s vocals croon gently about falling for the object of his affection too soon as he reflects on everything about her. His soft tone is perfect for this vulnerable narrative; even softer, breathy backing vocals harmonize delicately with him in this classically country lullaby.
Mary Jam "Guns"
Heavyweight percussion crashes in after a groovy punk-rock intro guides the listener into this playful tune. As the listener’s guard is down from the lively instrumentation and spirited vocals, Mary Jam actually hit us with a truly punk one-two punch: “Guns” is a protest song about gun violence which tells the story of a boy who lost his brother (“A gun bought yesterday took Billy’s brother away.”) Although cleverly constructed to be an earworm, “Guns” doesn’t hide its strong message, secondary vocals kicking in at 1 minute, 52 seconds in to, in a speaking voice, recite some shameful statistics on the subject. Impactful and amazingly catchy, “Guns” is my favorite track from Mary Jam’s Hello, My Name is Not Mary album, released in 2023. They have new releases on the way, with a release show planned at Palmer’s Bar on May 31st.
KARAOKE FLAVOUR STATION "FULL COURT HEAVE"
An ambient intro flows into a beautifully bizarre, hypnotic stoner beat. “FULL COURT HEAVE,” from KARAOKE FLAVOUR STATION’s self-titled EP is a fantastic introduction to thor cb and MAGICK FLAVOUR ’s side-project. It has many layers that make up its unique sound: reverbed chanting, chiming synths, distorted tones, and Joji-esque drone rapping. Trap snares keep a steady, head-bop worthy tempo in place as everything else weaves together fuzzily. I hope that thor cb and MAGICK FLAVOUR’S collaboration here continues.
Thank You, I'm Sorry "When I Come East"
“When I Come East” from Thank You, I’m Sorry is nostalgic and bouncy, featuring amped up electric guitars which snarl forward and compliment the vibrant energy of brilliant drumming. With an endearing opening line that sets the tone for the rest of the track (“If I mail my heart through the Midwest, would you read it?”), “When I Come East” is extremely sweet, although it has a realistically dark twist with its chorus lyrics, “You’ve got me tear-tear-tearing at the seams/And you know all the right ways to lie to me.” Thank You, I’m Sorry have a knack for making relatable and extremely listenable Midwestern emo tracks; this one from their latest EP Repeating Threes is no exception. They will be touring this Summer, starting with a hometown show on July 26th at 7th Street Entry.
