Riftmagazine.com

Local Music and Art

Minneapolis

Review/Article – Taj Raj – Night Speech

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by Kelsey Simpkins

“Hey there,” Ben Burwell and company gladly hail the unknown ear, “…How long has your entire been cold and tired? Give me your hand, we’re gonna find you fire.” This warm welcome greets the listener on “Your Thief,” the first track off of Taj Raj’s latest, Night Speech, and continues for a strong seven minutes. It’s the first of many compositions on this release that pass the five minute mark, leaving the ear well sated. So like the dedication of time lent to the creation of this release, required in return is an investment on part of the listener: to take an hour of the day to press play and let be. [Read more…] about Review/Article – Taj Raj – Night Speech

Review – Scaphe – Long Way Down

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By J.J. Anselmi

Scaphe’s third LP, Long Way Down, bursts with shape-shifting energy. The band has been churning out grating math rock since 2009, and it shows: Long Way Down exhibits masterful musicianship as well as song and album arrangement. If King Crimson had a powerviolence bastard child, it might sound something like Scaphe. [Read more…] about Review – Scaphe – Long Way Down

Review – Treading North – Canopy EP

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By Kelsey Simpkins

For seven people, there’s now one sound. Led by the fearless Gabriel Rodreick on vocals, Treading North is an amalgamation of experiences, genres, and sounds, with contributors including Nick Meza (drums and percussion), Miles Jamison (guitar), Doug Loll (guitar), Jack Stanek (bass and backing vocals), Elena Hansen (keys and backing vocals), and Tyler Croat (saxophone). Each member has made possible their recent EP, Canopy, and a freshly realized cohesion that can only lead to better things. [Read more…] about Review – Treading North – Canopy EP

Review – Maria Isa – Valley of the Dolls

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By: Kaleb Bronson

She has become a local icon and is continuing to build momentum with each lyric, beat and influential album. Maria Isa is a powerhouse who is making waves and with her newest album, Valley of the Dolls, and she is showing her skills through a variety of genres including Latin, hip hop, R&B and pop, to only mention a few. [Read more…] about Review – Maria Isa – Valley of the Dolls