Tag: music
-
“Live at Ed’s” Album Review: Mike Munson Done Right
Winona blues musician Mike Munson’s new live album successfully incorporates many of the desirable qualities of live recordings and very few of the downsides. Solid audio quality, impassioned performances, new arrangements, extended versions, delightful improvisation, a cohesive choice of songs that includes previously unreleased tracks, and a masterfully tasteful dose of ambiance from the audience, not to…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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.…