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Local Love with Lukeb.

Posted in Album Download, Album Premiere, Album Stream, Art, Audio, Downloads, Interviews, Life Perspectives from T.S. Niebeling, Local Love, Mind Inversion Exclusive, Music News, News, Reviews, Video on Wednesday, May 16, 2012 by dirtyterry

Here at Mindinversion we like to show love to local up and comers in the music scene.  Some artists of our areal, even artists we might know and hang out with personally.  Cause we are so cool like that and we can.  Here is a chance for us to get out of the mainstream a bit and focus on the future, on things that interest us now, and to show you what’s up where we live.

In this edition of Local Love I have decided to do a little bit of a piece on my friend and almost neighbor Lukeb.

Lukeb. is a local Minneapolis transplant from La Crosse/La Crescent area (La Crosse Music Scene), as well as this guy, so there is empathy and recognition in his art and words that I can relate to.  He has been rocking his style for some time and he goes hard on the mic all the time.  His MC skills are authoritative, aggressive, and deep.  Northern Lightz live shows are always exciting.  He does his own production (“everything, Man.”) and he rages daily.  If you are looking for something local and homemade with a twist of great lyricism and humble humility then you are looking for Lukeb.  He has been doing shows for 10 plus years in the Midwest, he is a vet. go check out a show if one is near, also check the jukeboxes at your favorite bars, hit up Northern Lightz with a Z.

This video is good for a listen.  It makes a decent day start better.  These are beats made down the street.  I can enjoy that.  The video is artsy and made by Lukeb.  Well done, representing the neighborhood.

“We do all this shit ourselves.”  -Lukeb.

If you dig the video I advise you to check out more music from Lukeb.  Lukeb. also is part of the creative force surrounding Northern Lightz, and he does collaborations with numerous artists in and throughout the Midwest, specifically La Crosse, WI:  Motz, CASTaway, Sara Mae, Mysta J, YoursTruly, Cat Robey and the Whiiild Ones, MasterNate, and others.  Also, check out the above single and other songs on his soon to be dropped album The Midnight Zone.  

Check them at:

Soundcloud Link:  Northern Lightz Sound

ReverbNation Link:  Northern Lightz ReverbNation

Other Albums:  You Can’t get there from Here, Other Side of the Table, and others.  

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Album Review: Sleigh Bells, Reign of Terror

Posted in Album Review, Reviews with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on Wednesday, March 14, 2012 by Eric Gilardi

To tell every one the honest truth I had been putting off listening to the new album by Sleigh Bells. This is because of my fear that I wouldn’t like the new album upon the first listen. With already getting a taste of the first 3 singles off of the record before listening to the entirety of the album I had mixed reviews. Upon first listen I forgot why I was scared to listen and wondered why I was so scared? Although, I recommend proceeding with caution and if at first you do not like the new album give it a second listen. The second listen is the most important because you will realize if an album is growing on you or if you just simply do not like it.

From the start with “True Shred Guitar” it feels like you are at a stadium rock show. With all of the crowd noise and Alexis Krauss screaming “What the fuck’s up?” it gets you going and ready for a live show or the album. The new album Reign of Terror plays out like a live performance and before long Derek Edward Miller is coming in with his high-powered machine. His guitar and stack of amps smack you in the face while Alexis gets you ready for the show. The album continues on with back-to-back singles that have already been released. “Born to Lose” is my least favorite of the 3 that they released but it is starting to grow on me. Especially when combined with the first song on the album.

Up next, they go to the track “Crush” and this song is my favorite single that they have released from this album. It features again a live crowd helping along with the chorus and chanting in the background of the entire song. It has a good ring to it and it is very cool how the duo from New York City used an original strategy in creating these almost melodic cult rock chant songs. They slow it up with the next to tracks on the album but this is a style that I haven’t heard too much of by Sleigh Bells. “End of the Line” is another great track that shows the softer side of the Sleigh Bells. This song may even be my favorite on the entire album and I could see it being the next single released off the album. Alexis has such a sweet voice in the song and talks so beautifully over the top of the track. I am absolutely in love.

“Comeback Kid” follows the two softer songs and comes back at you with a classic Sleigh Bells sound. Heavy bass, in your face guitar and Alexis’s sweet voice greet your ears with a glimpse into the past while showing you the band still has a bright future. Again, “Demons” is a heavy rock anthem that reminds you of the good old days. The duo follows up the two classic style songs by slowing it down with “Road to Hell”. Once again I am brought in by the slower more passionate Sleigh Bells. Although, she is saying “Road to Hell” it sounds like such a blissful place to be going.

“You Lost Me” is another slow, dreamy song that features Alexis’s voice and at the 3:20 mark it there is a great guitar rift by Derek. These new songs are so well put together and thought out. With more slow songs that feature her voice this album surpasses the first on quality work. I like these slow songs that inspire dream sequences that allow you to go somwhere else. “Never Say Die” is a song that seems to brainwash you with it’s sound. It is like Sleigh Bells is saying this sound is our religion and we are going to drive this message into your head. They finish up the album with the track “D.O.A.” and by this point you aren’t ready for the end.

The new album is more “dreamy” than their previous album. I think overall it is a better listen front to back. For a sophomore album I am very impressed and think that the sound of this album would translate to a live show very well. Even though, they do a great job making it seem like you are already at a live show. Reign of Terror is a must if you enjoyed the first album by Sleigh Bells. If you were scared like me to listen to the album in the entirety, all I can say is don’t be. Overcoming the fear of failure for the band is the first step in realizing how good the second album is. Now, when does their third album come out?

Album Release Date: February 21, 2012

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Album Review: Digitalism, I Love You, Dude

Posted in Album Review, Reviews with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on Monday, February 27, 2012 by Eric Gilardi

In my mind, there are electronic dance music albums that are just that and then there are music albums that are electronic dance music. I Love You, Dude by Digitalism is definitely the latter. Digitalism is an electronic house duo from the city of Hamburg, Germany consisting of members, Jens Moelle and İsmail Tüfekçi. I Love You, Dude is their follow-up album to their idealistic debut, Idealism. Sophomore albums have a tendency to make me worry. Especially, when following a successful debut album and as in succesful, I mean a great listen for me.

Probably one reason I really like this album and what Digitalism is doing is because there is more to their electronic music. They bring more of a punk element to the table and use lyrics in a lot of the tracks on I Love You, Dude. The album starts with the classic heavy drones of Digitalism in “Stratoshpere.” The song is a perfect instrumental build up into what is to come. They follow it with “2 Hearts” which showcases the duos talent to sing and well, talk together through a portion of the track.

The third song on the album is definitely gaining popularity throughout the gaming community of the world as it is featured on EA Sports’ Fifa Soccer ’12. “Circles” is the name of the song and it has a way of making you want to play it again and again. This goes for the game, the song and the album. After two songs with lyrics they come back with “Blitz” another head bobbing instrumental track that gives your mind a break from having to digest too much information. Once you listen to the next song, “Forrest Gump,” you will understand just why it is called that.

Once the sixth track hits, you are wondering what kind of album you are listening to for a second? “Reeperbahn” is an in-your-face heavy electronic metal rendition. It gears you up for the home-stretch of the album. In the back portion of the album it makes you feel more like Digitalism made the soundtrack for Tron: Legacy instead of Daft Punk. “Antibiotics” is an upbeat funky rendition that makes you feel like you are participating on “The Grid.”

On “Just Gazin’” they do a great job of making you feel as if you are gazing off into a sunrise that causes you an ultimate euphoria. After you are placed in that peaceful state of well being the talented German electronic duo come back at you with the heavy hitting “Miami Showdown.” The second to last track, “Encore”, is another fun instrumental track on the album. It picks up momentum and at a point a couple of minutes in you get a picture in your mind of a crowd somewhere getting off of their feet. They close the album with ”Harrison Fjord,” enough said.

Release Date: June 20, 2011

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Slept on Saturdays: Statik Selektah & Termanology, 1982

Posted in Music Reviews, Slept on Saturdays with tags , , , , on Saturday, February 25, 2012 by Tim Althaus

Ever since I’ve been listening to Hip-Hop, I’ve always been drawn to dj/emcee duos. In the case of albums like Train of Thought by Reflection Eternal and Moment of Truth by Gang Starr, the display of mutual respect and  pure chemistry between the two artists (respectively) is amazing; 1982 by Statik Selektah and Termanology is no different. I remember when this album came out back in 2010, and for some reason I just didn’t give it a chance. This may be partially because I had been sleeping on Statik’s beats. At the time, I had known about Term for a while because of his mixtape If Heaven Was a Mile Away that he dedicated to J Dilla. Sleeping on this album was a huge mistake; 1982 is a monster of a record, and it was no doubt one of the best albums in 2010, if not the best. Read more »

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Concert Review: SOJA @ the Cabooze Minneapolis

Posted in Concert Reviews, Reviews with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on Monday, February 20, 2012 by Eric Gilardi

The final chapter in the Strength to Survive story is about to be written. It started with a teaser to promote the release of their new album and is ending with this review of their show at the Cabooze in Minneapolis on February 19th, 2012. Just because this book is about to be done doesn’t mean there will be no more books written about SOJA in the future. The relationship built here is as strong as their message and I want to let everyone know; I am not done yet.

When talking to Jacob Hemphill you understand that it isn’t about getting rich and famous but more about gaining popularity in order to spread their message. SOJA’s passion to spread this message really comes to life when in the presence of one of their live performances. This was apparent from the get go when the band opened up with “Mentality” the opening track on their new album. Jacob was very appreciative of the fans and genuinely thanked everyone that came together on that Sunday night numerous times throughout the show.

Read more »

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An Interview With Tiger Vs.

Posted in Concert Dates, Interviews, Mind Inversion Exclusive, Music News, Music Reviews, News with tags , , on Saturday, February 18, 2012 by dirtyterry

TIGER VS.

Minneapolis is a treasure trove for great music.  Fortunately I have been going out and experiencing some of it first hand.  At the end of 2011 and at the beginning of 2012 I was invited to a show by a friend and I experienced Tiger Vs.  I have seen a lot of local talent over the past few years, but Tiger Vs. stuck out to me.  They had something different and interesting about them.  Their sound radiated on a different level; the concept of their music was deep to my ears, it did not sound thrown together, but put together carefully piece-by-piece.  This was a multi-layered band with a multi-layered sound.  At first they reminded me of a Radiohead-esque type band (with a touch of sound from The Beatles), but then I was hit with thing I hadn’t heard before, classical sound in a present setting.  The vocals were deep and the sound was of quality and thought provoking.  Their sound was new and interesting.  They didn’t sound like a one off band, all of their songs were solid.  I completely enjoyed my experience, and at the end of the set I wanted more.

So after a bit of contemplation I searched out Tiger Vs., I wanted to know more about them.  I figured I would sit down and write to the band and collect some information.  As I see this band has something to offer musically.  Tiger Vs. intrigued and delighted at the Triple Rock.  They were the opening act, but I feel they had the ability and talent to be the headliner.  They did an excellent job and I feel they deserve a shout out on Mindinversion.  So here is my second attempt at an interview.  I hope it is as interesting and revealing as possible.  Check out Tiger Vs. they are down to earth and their sound is deep and moving.  Introducing Tiger Vs., here it is, the interview:

TS:  Members of Tiger Vs. and their roles:

Tiger Vs.:  Ranelle Johnson- singer/songwriter, keyboards

Addison Wasson- electric cello

John Accaregui- drums

 TS:  Where are you all originally from?

Tiger Vs.:  Ranelle- Spicer, MN

John & Addy- Iowa City, IA

TS:  How long have you been performing together?

Tiger Vs.:  1 year

TS:  What do you think the Minneapolis music scene brings to the table for local bands, and how has that benefited you (Tiger Vs.)?

Tiger Vs.:  Everyone in the local music scene is very welcoming and supportive. Bands help each other out with booking shows and promoting each other’s music. The Minneapolis scene is also really eclectic and provides a place for music of diverse styles.

TS:  Who is Tiger Vs. most influenced by musically and what is in your boombox right now?

Tiger Vs.:  We all grew up in very different backgrounds. We also all are influenced by and listen to a variety of genres. (Rock, pop, hip-hop, indie, jazz, electronic, punk, funk, classical).

Influences: Beach House, The Books, Portishead, Sufjan Stevens, CocoRosie, Battles, Don Caballero, The Beatles, Bjork

Boombox Right Now:  Ranelle-  Dvorak (Symphony No. 9 in E minor), The Beastie Boys (Hello Nasty)

Addy- J Dilla (Donuts), St. Vincent (Strange Mercy)

John- Beach Boys (The Smile Sessions), Dr. Dre (The Chronic 2001)

TS:  After rocking a show describe the type of after party Tiger Vs. has.

Tiger Vs.:  We go home and let out the dog.

TS:  I noticed at the show you all played musical instruments, such as the electric cello, and the piano (it seems to make the listening experience more involved) as an artist how does having a classic instrument like that on stage make your performance different?

Tiger Vs.:  We use modern spins on our classical instruments. We are able to express the classical sound in our music, but are still able to provide that rock edge in our live performances.

TS:  What is the direction of your band, is there a sound you are trying to emulate?

Tiger Vs.:  There is not a specific sound that we are trying to emulate, for we have a lot of different influences. We are about to release our first EP. After this, we are looking forward to writing new material and expanding our sound.

TS:  Where does your inspiration come from when writing songs?

 Tiger Vs.:  Thought bubbles, freedom, Addy’s fear of birds, breakfast, coffee, and vigilante justice.

 TS:  Where do you see Tiger Vs. in a year?

Tiger Vs.:  Writing new music, releasing another album, playing shows outside of Minneapolis.

 TS:  Dream venue?

 Tiger Vs.:  Aboard the Battlestar Galactica…or

 TS:  Pepsi or Coke?

 Tiger Vs.:  Coke for whiskey, Fuck Pepsi.

 TS:  If there is one thing that you would want your audience to know about, or take away from you (Tiger Vs.), what would it be?

Tiger Vs.:  We are passionate about writing music, and are grateful for the opportunity to share and perform. We just want people to have fun and enjoy themselves at our shows. If they can relate to the music or take away something more from it, that is awesome.

TS:  I asked for a CD at the concert at the Triple Rock and you all said you didn’t have one.  If I want to get a CD of yours now where would I look?

Tiger Vs.:  We have not pressed/released our first EP yet. We do have a website where you can listen to some of our tunes that will be on the upcoming EP.

www.facebook.com/tigervsmusic

www.soundcloud.com/tigervs

We are currently working on designing our own website, which should be up by March!  www.tigervs.com

TS:  Also, can I get a shirt or CD or something?  Tiger Vs. shirts would be awesome by the way.

 Tiger Vs.:  We will be releasing our first EP this Spring 2012. We will keep everyone updated on dates and more info on our websites. It is going to be real soon! We just need to master our tracks and find an artist for our album art.

 TS:  Lastly, If you could hang out anywhere in Minneapolis what side would it be on, and what bar?  a.)  Downtown, b.)NE c.) South d.) Uptown e.) North f.) Loring Park.

 Tiger Vs.:  WEST BANK!

Favorite Bar: Triple Rock

Bowling at Memory Lanes

DP! (dog park)

End of Interview.

***

I would like to give a big thanks to Tiger Vs. for taking the time to answer my questions.  I would also like to say if you have the opportunity to catch Tiger Vs. live do it.  They are a locally performing band and they are very talented.

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Album Review: Bushwood, Bushwood

Posted in Music Reviews, Reviews with tags , , , , , , , , , , on Monday, February 13, 2012 by Eric Gilardi

First off, my favorite part of Bushwood’s self-titled debut album is the cover art featured above. Now, that doesn’t mean that I did not like what I heard. Bushwood mixes their reggae together with a mellow, chilled out rock sound for the beach of your choice. Whether that be one with an oceanview, a riverview or a beach that you have to travel to when you shut your eyes(this is recommended only if you aren’t driving). For a rock reggae album Bushwood does a great job of not focusing too much on just reggae elements or just rock elements but carefully blends them together to give you that perfect balance.

Bushwood’s debut album is mellow enough for a relaxing listen but it will satisfy the likes of listeners looking for more of a jam band sound. Steven Ross Voronkov is a masterful guitarist and shows us this with how he finishes the track “Summertime” and throughout the instumental jam “Flomanja.” These songs let you know that these guys just aren’t your everyday mellow beach band. Another aspect of “Summertime” that I really enjoy is how it seemlessly rolls right into the next track “Paradise.” These two tracks blend into one another making it seem like the summertime turned into paradise. Which is something a lot of folks can relate to; their summertime is their paradise.

If you enjoy listening to a band like the Long Beach Dub All-Stars then I suggest you check out Bushwood. The rock reggae trio from Fort Lauderdale, Florida is not going to blow your mind with their sound but that is not their goal. Perfectly blending a jam band sound with reggae roots seems to be their goal and they have ultimately accomplished just that with their self-titled debut album.

Album Release Date: April 20, 2011

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Album Review: Made of Wood, The Chill/Funk Trip

Posted in Music Reviews, Reviews with tags , , , , , , , on Friday, February 10, 2012 by Eric Gilardi

The more I explore the more I realize I will never be able to discover all of the music the world has to offer let alone our own nation. Made of Wood makes me realize that this is why I am trying to discover as much of that music that I can. On the new album, The Chill/Funk Trip, you will get an instrumental barrage that can be described as Downtempo with 70′s Funk and modern Jazz elements.

In an email I received from I AM PR Agency it suggests that you listen to this album at a lounge, in your car or in your bed. 2 weeks ago on a Saturday morning I did just that. Well, excluding at a lounge or in a car. As I laid in bed and drifted through an hour of life reflection where I may have been under the influence of some really damn good instrumental music. Yes, that morning I decided Made of Wood was worthy of a listen if you are in the mood to relax, think or ready to go on that voyage(whatever “that” voyage may be for you).

Dan Waldman is the man behind the curtain in his musical land of Oz and Made of Wood is the solo project from this composer, producer and multi-instrumentalist. The first track “Are We There Yet?” would be a perfect fit for any snowboarding video worthy of such a smooth and buttery theme. As the album plays on you realize you are along for a ride for the entirety of the album.

If you like orchestra, if you like funk, if you like the piano, if you like drums or if you like strings you are going to like Made of Wood. This album does a perfect job of blending everything together to make an original work of musical art. The most important part when listening to Made of Wood is to make sure you really listen to every sound being created and appreciating all the different elements that he blends together.

Lay down, relax look for Made of Wood The Chill/Funk Trip and start making your dreams a reality or your realities a dream.

Album Release Date: February 1, 2012

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Album Review: Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad, Country

Posted in Music Reviews, Reviews with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , on Wednesday, February 8, 2012 by Eric Gilardi

Wow, from the start of the new album Country by Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad I am amazed and I am astonished. I first heard of this band while attending a G-Love and the Special Sauce show at First Avenue in Minneapolis. Their live show was an unreal jam session filled with plenty of energy that got the crowd dancing. Country may get your foot tapping a bit while you are sipping a whiskey down at your local saloon.

Country is an album with an acoustic, slowed down blue grass sound with folk and reggae roots. They describe their music as folk and that the fans should know that there is just good music and there is just bad music. The band said they hear so many people when asked, “what kind of music they like?” reply with the answer, “everything but country.” GPGDS wanted to break the mold that all country music is not typical country and that folk is in all forms of music. It is funny because I am one who has said, “I am into everything but country.” I am also on the record saying that, “I like Johnny Cash but do not consider him to be country but more of a folk artist.” This means I understand fully what Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad is talking about.

Now, saying all that I can appreciate this album even though at times I am not sure that I am listening to GPGDS. At other times I am reminded of the elements that made me fall in love with this band. In the track “Kids in the Square” they pick up the tempo a bit and make for a blue grass jam that could get you dancing. Next, the song “Healing” which has a reggae feel in a blue grass song reminds you of GPGDS of past. ”New Speedway Boogie” has the softest sound with the loudest vocals on the album and again reminds you of classic Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad. This little section of their new album is my favorite especially after the slow start with the first four songs.

I suggest you head over to the website and give the new album a listen before forming an opinion. It will help you decide if you want to support this new project for the group from Rochester, NY or if you want to take a break so the music is more refreshing when the next album comes out. I know I am going to support GPGDS and can appreciate the new sound off of Country.

Album Release Date: January 31, 2012

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Slept on Saturdays: Lil’ Wayne, Tha Carter

Posted in Music Reviews, Slept on Saturdays with tags , , , on Sunday, February 5, 2012 by Tim Althaus

Let me paint you a picture: the year is 2004; I’m a junior in high school, and it’s spring time. The weather is beautiful outside, and the country roads welcome my friends and I with open arms; more impressively, Lil’ Wayne could rap… and well. More often than not, Tha Carter was the soundtrack to those beautiful afternoons. On “This is the Carter”, Lil’ Wayne boastfully says “I’m finally perfect”; that statement couldn’t be more true about Wayne’s fourth solo outing. Mannie Fresh’s production on Tha Carter is near legendary, and Lil’ Wayne’s vivid imagery and raw lyricism were the best they’ve ever been. Read more »

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