Plume Varia “Prize | Enable”

Review by Christine Mlodzik

WOW.

One simple word encapsulates what I’m thinking and feeling after listening to Plume Varia, but I’m guessing that’s too simple a review.

Crimes (MN) – “Thin Sunlight”

Review by Christine Mlodzik

On Crimes (MN)’s new album “Thin Sunlight,” the band has married a combination of sounds, that on paper, none of which seems like it should belong together, yet it all works in simpatico.

Gospel Gossip – Self-Titled

Review by Christine Mlodzik

After a three year lag, Gospel Gossip has returned with a new self-titled album. It’s a woozy dreamworld which threatens to swallow up the listener, but it’s unlikely anyone will resist being pulled in.

The Silver Heart Club – “Rookie Card”

Review by Christine Mlodzik

The Silver Heart Club is the brainchild of Wisconsinites Bo Weber and Steven Price; they formed the band in 2006 with no musical background, just a love of music.

In the next two years, the duo taught themselves how to play guitar, piano and other supporting instruments. After that, they tackled the basics of audio engineering, and self-engineered and self-produced their first full-length album, “Rookie Card.”

The songs reminded me of late 90s alt rock and many have a Blink 182 vibe about them. The album is a very solid first effort, but I won’t give them an A for that effort because the vocals in “Four Minute Mile” have been electronicified and I personally don’t like affected vocals – it’s a cop-out. From what I heard, Bo and Steven have good singing voices and don’t need to resort to using it.

The Silver Heart Club has potential, but it’s not quiet tapped. All the songs are listenable, but no one song stood out. The music may not be groundbreaking, but it could be a very good summer album.

http://www.thesilverheartclub.com/

Dan Hylton “The Secret of Him”

Review by Christine Mlodzik

The latest album by singer/songwriter Dan Hylton is simply a gem. “The Secret of Him” is acoustic-driven with fresh, smart, yet deeply personal and emotional words capturing life’s significant moments and its lessons taught.

Chicane Theory “Things Look Up Again”

Review by Christine Mlodzik

Chicane Theory describes themselves as a guitar-driven Midwest indie rock outfit. I don’t know why exactly, but that description seems too simple.

Review – They Dead – Lizards All

Review by Nigel Carleton

They Dead is a four-piece rock outfit from Minneapolis. Their new album, Lizards All is a refreshing combination of alternative with elements of punk and metal. From a technical standpoint, the band operates at a mechanical capacity, (one only needs to listen to the drums on “Actress” to confirm this).  The guitar work, vocals, and overall presentation are all reminiscent of 90s rock, and similarities to bands like Smashing Pumpkins and Unwritten Law are called to mind throughout the 30 minute listen. Interesting effects and sounds appear on the album too, but for the most part, these guys play on the down-to-business side of rock.

Hart Lake Mystery EP

Review By Christine Mlodzik

Hart Lake Mystery’s Web site says their EP was recorded in two days in August 2012. The one thing it doesn’t say is how long these guys have either known each other or played together because just one song in and you can hear this is a tight, solid band.

At its core, this five-song EP is melodic with catchy pop hooks. When “Sunny All The Time” starts, it’s clear Hart Lake Mystery knows know to write smart and listenable songs. And while each is good, two stand out for different reasons.

First, “Wrote You Off” throws in a hint of country twang with extra attitude. It doesn’t turn the song into pop country, but it does make it even more fun.

Second, “Solace Seeker” sounds a whole lot like the ‘Mats. That’s not a comparison I’ve made before or will make lightly, and I’d be surprised if they don’t hear that hear it more often.

“Ice Cream Heaven” circles around for another country-tinged track as the EP finishes with “Key On A Chain.”

If this EP is Hart Lake Mystery’s way of sticking their toe into the local music scene’s waters, next time, just dive right in because we need to hear more.

http://hartlakemystery.bandcamp.com