Carroll — “Needs” EP

Review by Christine Mlodzik

Carroll is a young indie-rock quartet from Minneapolis whose members include Brian Hurlow (keys/guitar/vocals), Max Kulicke (guitar), Charlie Rudoy (drums) and Charles McClung (bass/vocals).

“Lasko” by Votel

(info taken from Votel’s Bandcamp site)

Votel is a mostly electronic band, with live instrumentation and vocals. Its members are Mark McGee (To Kill a Petty Bourgeoisie), Maggie Morrison (Look Book, Digitata), Adam Marx (Seawhores, Vaz), Ben Clark (Cecil Otter), and Drew Christopherson (Polica, Solid Gold). Votel began playing together as part of a weekly improvisational residency in Minneapolis. Now they write songs. Play live. Record.

‘Lasko’ is the first song released from Votel’s self-titled debut.

Checkout more Votel here: http://votel.bandcamp.com/

Review – Fathom Lane – Down By Half

By Becca Martin

Awkward. That is what I feel after listening to the latest LP release by Fathom Lane. I own that emotion as I experienced the band live recently and was not wowed. However, I really like what the bare bones, vintage if you will, recording to tape technique accomplished in the studio. This old school way of recording evokes an earlier but very resonant and brooding sound.

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.

Review – Tom Selleck’s Moustache – Heartbreak 101

Review By Dan Tennyson

There are just certain albums you’re sent or you come across that elicit a pure feeling in your mind. “This was made to make me feel a certain way” In this case, we have the ridiculously peppy “Heartbreak 101” via Tom Selleck’s Moustache. Now now, before you accuse the writer here of hyperbolic hypocrisy. “How can an album possibly be peppy with the title Heartbreak 101?” And I’d retort with a quick, “I have no idea,” but Tom Selleck’s Moustache has managed quite well.

This Is Daybreak CD Release 3/13 at The Nomad World Pub

After a six year recording process This Is Daybreak is ready to release their debut LP “Influence/Coincidence!”

This Is Daybreak, Nature of Waves and Fil Roberts & Friends
Wednesday, March 13th. 9pm.
Free – 21+

Nomad World Pub – 501 Cedar Ave S., Minneapolis.

https://www.facebook.com/thisisdaybreak
http://thisisdaybreak.bandcamp.com/album/influence-coincidence
http://thisisdaybreak.com/

Review – Youth at Large – Students

Review By Rich Horton

When first hearing the name of the band Youth At Large, I immediately thought of a young raw punk band. I was totally wrong on that account and was pleasantly surprised with the musical and refreshing offering, “Students”.

Van Stee – We Are – Album Review

Van Stee’s New Release Definitely Note Worthy

Review By Kami-O Betzina

A year in the making Minneapolis’s own Van Stee has finally released its long awaited album We Are.

The Fairlead “Long Flight Home”

Review by Christine Mlodzik

“Long Flight Home” is the first full-length album by The Fairlead. Each of the 10 songs averages six to eight minutes long, yet organically ebb and flow into one another. The music is ambient, listenable and easily blends in with the listener’s background.

The first track, “Halestorm,” sets the tone, creating a dreamy, ethereal atmosphere. This album is predominantly instrumental; the first of the sparse vocals aren’t heard until the third track, “Head Heart Hands,” and then again only briefly afterwards. 

At the halfway mark, “Intermission” surprises with a short, yet tender, piano piece. “Solitude” will make your ears perk up as it’s more guitar-centric and more uptempo than the other tracks. “Reprise” ends the album, but begins where “Intermission” left off.

As we come to the end of dark and cold winter days, “Long Flight Home” is the soundtrack to usher in the light and warmth of spring.

http://thefairleadmusic.com/