Browsing Tag

Minnesota

Minnesota hard rock monoliths, Störmbreaker, kicked up adrenalised dust in their industriously tight single, To the Grave

Posted on 15 May 2023

In a similar adrenalized vein to All That Remains and other icons of the 00s hardcore scene, Störmbreaker kicked up plenty of dust while taking us ‘To the Grave’ with their latest single.

The cacophonous percussion, catchy choral hooks and vocals, which resound as a rallying cry as the track hits the eye of the breakdown storm, amalgamated into an unforgettable introduction to Minnesota’s hardest melodic rock outfit.

The loss of control expressed in the lyrics is inexplicably contrasted against the tight instrumental arrangement, which makes To the Grave the ultimate tour de force for the powerhouse, who has been on the airwaves since 2018, taking their juggernautical sound across the states and opening for Korn, Five Finger Death Punch and Breaking Benjamin. If anyone has what it takes to keep rock relevant, it is Störmbreaker.

To the Grave was officially released on April 28; hear it on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Stuck In a Place: Minnesota hard rockers Störmbreaker slice eardrums in half on Left For Dead

Posted on 30 April 2023

Taken off the brand new release called To the Grave, Störmbreaker destroys all innocent minds with a thunderous performance to dig the heartwrenching pain away on Left For Dead.

Störmbreaker is a Minneapolis, Minnesota-based indie rock hard band who are bringing back 80’s hair metal to the core and love performing with a ferociously heavy style.

”Störmbreaker’s resume includes performances at venues such as the world-famous Whisky a GoGo (Hollywood, CA), Rock Fest (Cadott, WI), 7th Street Entry (Minneapolis, MN), the Cabooze (Minneapolis, MN), and SXSW (Austin, TX). We’re honored to have provided direct support to artists including Steven Adler of Guns N Roses, Faster Pussycat, Graham Bonnet, Every Mother’s Nightmare, as well as opening spots for acts including Breaking Benjamin, Five Finger Death Punch, Bad Wolves, Korn, Danzig, Chevelle, We Came As Romans and more.” ~ Störmbreaker

Smashing guitars and shattering strings without a moment’s notice, Störmbreaker is at peak form on this one. If you like roaring music with a superb tone, this is exactly what the doctor ordered.

Left For Dead from Minneapolis, Minnesota-based indie rock band Störmbreaker is a song to stoke the flames away as the winds are changing. After feeling like everything is over, this is the elevating story millions needed in this rather lonely world. Heavy to the bone and never letting up, this is one of the best underground rock songs so far in 2023 without a doubt.

Listen up on Spotify.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Taking Air: Minneapolis alt-pop band Not Ideal has nothing discouraging to share on Thriving

Posted on 4 February 2023

Shifting away from anything which wasn’t helping the entire expedition blossom, Not Ideal glides through the rainbow of opportunity after the heavy downpours with Thriving.

Not Ideal is a Minneapolis, Minnesota-based indie alternative pop 3-piece act that has a fascinating sound which might remind some of a special time in music.

”Eller and Grage have cemented their Minnesota roots, but Oldham reigns from the fertile crescent of Manchester, England. Together, they reflect the styles, sounds, and essence of both regions.” ~ Not Ideal

With the bridge about to break and creaking open like a rumbling stomach, Not Ideal reminds us of happier times with a monumental performance to revel deep inside. This is top-notch stuff and seems to have the power of change emboldened deep within the veins of our ravenous arms.

Thriving from Minneapolis, Minnesota-based indie alt-pop band Not Ideal is a sterling track which deserves all the love possible. Rampant in class and defining quality, we find an experience which will leave many previously sad hearts feeling whole again.

View more on YouTube. See more on the IG page.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Old Man Sings: Sarah Streitz drops the moody gem to reflect with called Lonely Woman Blues

Posted on 21 January 2023

Executed with that gritty show-like sharpness which will please fans of the illuminated underground, Sarah Streitz sings with a world-class attitude which will soothe many a sad soul with her Lonely Woman Blues.

Sarah Streitz is a Santa Fe, New Mexico and Minneapolis, Minnesota-based indie singer-songwriter who makes those timeless-like tracks to play for hours.

Cruising through with her high-heeled shoes on which shall sizzle the airwaves just right, Sarah Streitz is at her supreme best and shall bring many hearts a warm gift to treasure forever.

Gliding so elegantly like a night out with genuine friends who won’t leave you behind, as our speakers sizzle and another sip is consumed.

Lonely Woman Blues from Minnesota-based indie singer-songwriter Sarah Streitz is a must-listen for anyone who likes classic sounding music. There is a real flourishing vitality on offer here, which shall shake many stale cobwebs away. Sarah seems to sing with so much class and desire, with her expert storytelling abilities brought to the fore.

If you want a trip down memory lane, this is the perfect tonic.

Hear this fine song on Spotify. View more on IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

McCullyCullen Interview: Dropping heat with Slippery Situations lurking

Posted on 9 December 2022

We had the chance to speak to McCullyCullen, and this was a special chat. Showing us the progression in the production department and demonstrating love for Minnesota, we find out what makes this vibrant artist tick.

Thanks so much for your time today, McCullyCullen. Where in the world do we find you?

McCullyCullen: Thank you for taking the time to do this, I really appreciate it. I am based out of Minneapolis, Minnesota!

Slippery Situations is your new 10-track release. Please slide us into the vision behind the release and what the project means to you?

McCullyCullen: I was making all kinds of songs from 2015 to 2018 and a lot of the songs came naturally. In late 2020, when I started to really focus on this, I had all these great ideas for this album about the ups and downs of a relationship, but it was hard to actually make the songs this time around. It took a while, but I am glad with how the album turned out and hopefully some people can find happiness in hearing some of these songs when they are going through something similar.

When you close your eyes and imagine being back in middle school with your band, what does it feel like?

McCullyCullen: Ha, we weren’t very productive at all! We had written a handful of songs in about a year, but I think if we could have continued to work together, we could have made it bigger (at least in the area). Maybe one day we can get together to re-record our old songs.

Do you feel you’ve progressed as a creative since 2018’s Culinary Arts?

McCullyCullen: I definitely do. More so in the production department. A perfect example is my song “top hat”. That is available on both Culinary Arts and Slippery Situations. The song structure is the same but the vocal production is much better so the song is easier to listen to. Other than that, I have a lot of ideas all the time, so I think my next project will be more all over the place, similar to Culinary Arts.

Who or what inspires you most in the world?

McCullyCullen: I don’t have anything in particular that inspires me but sometimes just hearing other music or talking with people inspires me.

What are your personal goals for 2023 and beyond?

McCullyCullen: I am always working on something music wise and I have plans for another project to be released next summer. Going to be experimenting with more genres as well.

To end off, how would you change the music industry for the better if given the opportunity?

McCullyCullen: I want to say that the past decade has made it so easy to get your music on platforms to listen to, so that is a big, positive change already. I think that it’s time to let new artists shine though. The big acts touring and that you hear on the radio have been music’s biggest artists for 10+ years. Some of them, even 40+ years. There’s nothing wrong with that, but at some point, there is going to be a need for new artists to take their spots.

–

Listen up to this emerging artist on Spotify.

Interview by Llewelyn Screen

Anticipating: Sarah Streitz looks for the right time to make that move on Waiting

Posted on 26 October 2022

In the shadows for too long and taking us into a mysterious ride through the desert, Sarah Streitz rolls through and stares right through the tinted glass on her latest groovy wonder, Waiting.

Sarah Streitz is a Santa Fe, New Mexico and Minneapolis, Minnesota-based indie singer-songwriter who makes that nostalgic blend of music made with pure heart.

Pouncing through our speakers with a brave intent and taking us through a complication love affair, Sarah Streitz has dropped a fascinatingly moody single to play loud when you are in a mood to think deeper than ever.

Gritty in nature and packed with a vocally striking performance, this is a striking single to plug in when you need to hear something real to the core.

Waiting from Santa Fe, New Mexico and Minneapolis, Minnesota-based indie singer-songwriter Sarah Streitz is a hugely memorable release that shall rattle the core of so many who feel this monumentally riveting experience. Released from the upcoming 4th album Different Space, this is a simply stunning single which shall sharper those eardrums and get you in a dreamy state of affairs.

Hear this fine single on Spotify and see more news on IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Minnesota-based synthpop act Beaut shows us that sweet romance is still alive on, ‘Hopeless Hearts’

Posted on 24 May 2022

Following on from their previous single ‘Foreword‘ and with their debut EP on the way shortly, Beaut is so pure and charming with the holding hand’s anthem of 2022 on their romance-filled new single to truly treasure forever, ‘Hopeless Hearts‘.

Beaut is a Minneapolis, Minnesota-based indie synthpop 3-piece band that makes that sing-with-me music that will be stuck in your head for days.

Sending our tired minds into a happy glow that feels so right, Beaut is rather fantastic with a smooth single that might have you beaming with joy. The vocals are rather calming like the shooting stars above and remind you that it can really be so simple if you turn the speed down to take in every moment presented.

‘Hopeless Hearts‘ from Minneapolis, Minnesota-based indie synthpop act Beaut is the call to slow things down from going way too fast, as the moonlight shines above and your spirit feels alive again like you are in love for the first time. This is a welcome message that shall help you shine the light brightly, into a whole new world of possibilities.

When you find that special soul who you connect with so naturally, it’s best to try your hardest to make it work.

Listen up to this new single on Spotify and see the story unfold on IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Alien Of Nature sees us all moving in frantic symmetry on, ‘What Are We Trying To Be’

Posted on 24 May 2022

With another single off his well-received 12-track release ‘Motion In Time‘, Alien Of Nature asks that deep question that so many of us totally avoid or sweep under the carpet with the profound track, ‘What Are We Trying To Be‘.

Alien Of Nature aka Mike Baran is a courageous Minneapolis, Minnesota-based indie alternative rock/Americana artist and Cannabis Consultant/Farmer who made the move from the smoggy climates of California to follow his creative dreams.

After roaming free with his single from May 2021 that has us gazing outside the dusty window on ‘Canyonlands‘, Alien Of Nature exhibits that calming presence which decided that music was his calling and shows his majestic storytelling yet again with his fearless attitude and soothing vocals.

‘What Are We Trying To Be‘ from Minneapolis, Minnesota-based indie alternative rock artist Alien Of Nature is that striking track that urges us to make that right decision when we find that fork in the road, that will secure our destiny forever. Which way we turn is so vital – as if you make the wrong call – you will be headed down into an underground cave that could claw your soul away from your kind spirit forever, as the wild jackals look deep inside your worried eyes.

Working out which road to take, is the most important decision we can ever make after all.

Listen up to this new single on Soundcloud and see his travels via IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Minnesota-based pop artist Tim Mahoney unites the world on the inspirational new single, ‘We Should Be Shooting Stars’

Posted on 20 February 2022

With a sincerely impassioned call for peace and humanity in a brutal world increasingly tolerant of gun-fueled bloodshed that tears so many people apart, Tim Mahoney sings with such love and care on a single all about asking us all to find a solution to this madness with, ‘We Should Be Shooting Stars‘.

Tim Mahoney is a Minneapolis, Minnesota-based indie-pop singer-songwriter who writes from the soul as his only motivation is to help the world unite as one team.

“This song is a first for me,” says Mahoney. “I believe in every word I’m saying. I’m really hoping it just helps unite and bring people together. This can sound cliché, but I think it really needs to start with one person – you and me with this song.” ~ Tim Mahoney

Soaring high with a real message that should give you shivers all over your exposed spines, Tim Mahoney flies high like an example for us to aspire to. He sings with loving energy that appears only genuine and real, that has you shaking with inspired juices flowing in your veins as the door to unity creaks open slowly.

‘We Should Be Shooting Stars‘ from Minneapolis, Minnesota-based indie-pop singer-songwriter Tim Mahoney, a stunning message that needs to be played loud and proud all over the world as we count on each other to be better together. With superb lyrics that keep it importantly honest – and featuring ear-shaking vocals – that might cause the hairs on your body to shoot up, as we close our eyes and wonder why this carnage continues. This is that vital picture that we all need to paint together, in a calm way that has the guns down and the conversation up.

Finding a peaceful solution will certainly define this generation.

Listen up to this new single on Soundcloud and see more via the FB music page.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

I’m A Fish Stuck In A Well: Beth Ann McDowell swims headfirst into the ‘Killers Of The Early Morning’

Posted on 22 January 2022
Killers Of The Early Morning by Beth Ann McDowell (Littlefoot)

Showing us into a place that has her heart in a twist while she was stuck somewhere she didn’t feel at home, Beth Ann McDowell returns with a thrilling new single that will have you thinking deeply about whether you are in the right place or not with ‘Killers Of The Early Morning‘.

Beth Ann McDowell is a Minneapolis, Minnesota-based, Seoul, South Korea-born, indie singer-songwriter and classically trained pianist who makes that truly nostalgic creation you simply marvel at.

”Produced, recorded, and mixed by Walt Vincent who has worked with some of indie rock’s darlings such as Liz Phair, Pete Yorn, Scarlett Johansson and Joseph Gordon Levitt, it was done in the way McDowell was accustomed to recording music: with musicians playing live and the organic result used for the album instead of overdubbing and piecing recordings together.” ~ Beth Ann McDowell

Performed with such class by an elegant creative who leads us into this cinematic story so many have felt before – we are intertwined into her soul for a few minutes – as we find a young woman who feels like her nights were ruined for too long by someone who only cared for themselves.

”I was tapping into the feeling of not being able to give even though you’ve given everything to someone or something.” ~ Beth Ann McDowell

‘Killers Of The Early Morning‘ from Minneapolis, Minnesota-based indie singer-songwriter and world traveller Beth Ann McDowell, is a reflective single that has you feeling rather sad at times. This is the picture of giving so much to someone for so long and then feeling empty, as you go through the motions and wish you were somewhere else.

Finding your true purpose in life has never been more important in this overly-busy world, as we brush away anything that is holding us back from being truly happy.

Listen to her lovely new creation on Bandcamp and find out more about this wonderful talent on her IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen