Alexander Natalie
This Saint Paul, MN based alt-folk outfit has cracked open their chest and are letting it all spill out. Alexander Natalie has impressed the delicacy of balancing a light, playful spirit with anguishing honesty to their listeners. Their sophomore release, Susu, is the bright side of Alexander Natalie. It is littered with love songs that extend themselves to friendships, old apartments and lovers. The album moves like a stream that flows into a river, which bends and stretches to eventually reach the mouth of the ocean. Alexander Natalie brings us on this journey, which ends with Like Flowers. that swells like a monsoon with catharsis. There are moments of recognition, familiarity, and comfort in a handful of re-released tracks (Nosh., 651. and Tennessee.), but they have been born into a new form and surrounded with brand new beauty.
Greentop
For the better part of four years, the 400 miles between Rochester, Minnesota and Columbia, Missouri symbolized balance and reflection for Greentop’s Isaac Jahns. The two cities (Jahns’s hometown and college town, respectively) are the two largest cities along the path of U.S. Highway 63, snaking through farmland and small towns along the way. Greentop, Missouri is one such town, linking this Minnesotan to northern Missouri forever and giving him routine seven-hour meditation sessions to create his own sound.
Eldest Daughter
Eldest Daughter blends Americana songwriting with pop progressions and indie-rock influence. With songs about home, family ties, growth, loss, and love, lead singer (and eldest daughter) Monica Merila takes the listener on a journey through a dynamic relationship with self. Backed by lead guitarist Austin Reid, bass player Sonja Quartz Leaf, and drummer Isaac Feia, this fearless foursome is on a mission to share their music with Minnesota and beyond.
