Author: Adam Wiltgen
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Breakaway Builds Emphatic Electronic Sound with “Postcarious”
From start to finish, Postcarious feels like an album Breakaway created with both feet firmly planted in an electronic sound. With only minimal and atmospheric use of guitar, Breakaway puts his trademark operatic vocal experimentation, impressive falsetto, and infectious intensity to use over a digital landscape rife with detail and sonic stimulation. Layered vocals and aggressive beats…
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The Ultrasounds Champion Pixie-Goth Sludge Rock on “Lost My Mind” EP
The Ultrasounds’ Lost My Mind EP is a solid debut recording that leans heavy on deft distorted guitar work — just like their raucous live performances. The EP is a polished snapshot of this co-ed quartet’s ’90s rock-influenced sound. And while the guitars are indeed prominent, the mix shifts from song to song, and Megan Hanson’s bittersweet vocals…
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Polish Pays Off Big on Debut EP from Jake Ilika & The Heavy Set
The new self-titled EP from Jake Ilika & The Heavy Set is a sophisticated and impressive debut. It boasts both high production value and well crafted songs, and for good reason. The songs and their arrangements benefited from the luxury of developing organically at Jake’s weekly residency at the friendly Ed’s (no name) Bar in Winona.…
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Downtown Businesses Get Boost from Earth Day Event at Levee Park, Renews Enthusiasm for Revitalization
Sunny skies graced throngs of both tourists and locals taking in the activities at the Winona Park & Rec Dept.’s lively Earth Day Celebration at Levee Park this past Saturday. With an estimated 1,200 in attendance over the course of the afternoon, the sunshine and action also extended to nearby businesses. Mister Groovys, Dibs Cafe,…
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Gripping The Book of Love: Q&A with Jacob Grippen on Music Politics Love
Acoustic singer-songwriter (and southeastern Minnesota native) Jacob Grippen returned to the area Saturday, July 6th for a performance at Some Sum Studio in downtown Winona with Savannah Smith and Austin Weatherhead. Grippen recently released an original studio recording of The Book of Love from The Magnetic Fields’ epic 1999 three-volume concept album 69 Love Songs. Listen…