Album Reviews & Q&A’s
While working on the student-run fortnightly Wake Magazine, I had a separate column in the Reviews section dedicated to reviews of Electronic Dance Music albums, as well as show reviews. I also conducted a Q&A for one of the University of Minnesota’s rising stars: Colin Bracewell. Discover some of your newest favorite soundtracks and shows.
Crystal Skies – Stardust
“Crew…What. An. Album. On Feb. 23, Britian Holcomb and Aaron Dawson—known by their stage name of Crystal Skies—released their version of a supernova in the form of a 10-track compilation. In all honesty, I haven’t listened to an album that is at the same time extremely colorful, melodic and powerful, since Au5’s Bridges Between album (released in October last year). I have been craving a curated melodic dubstep compilation for quite some time, and I am so happy to announce Crystal Skies delivered it to us. The experience is so ethereal it feels wrong to put it into words, but here it goes.”
Colin Bracewell
“Indie singer-songwriter Colin Bracewell is a student here at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. Born and raised with music in his ears, Colin is a Marketing and Vocal Performance major. He has performed at First Avenue’s 7th Street Entry and recently released a four-piece EP titled ‘Cozy’.” His music is reminiscent of Bruno Major, Daniel Caesar, and UMI, just to name a few examples. For The Wake Magazine’s 10th issue, our Cities intern, Gabriel Matias Castilho, sat down to interview the artist himself.”
Anjunadeep – South Africa
“On Feb. 28, the downtempo/deep house music label Anjunadeep released their seven song-compilation from South African producers and singers. The songs contained within capture perfectly the essence of what is known as Mzansi House—when jazz, traditional South African music, contemporary dance and pop merge together. With ethereal and inspiring beats to vibe with, this album will surprise you.”
Eliminate – Get Off The Internet
“Nathan Merrill—known by his stage name, Eliminate (or simply Nate), is a hybrid trap and dubstep music producer whose popularity emerged from using meme samples and pop culture references in his YouTube channel. In a rather interesting way, his latest album, named “Get Off The Internet,” tells people to do the absolute opposite. After having released songs with Shaquille O’Neal, playing at Lost Lands, being signed for Insomniac Records, and initiating an entire culture of music producer influencers, I do not blame him.”
SVDDEN DEATH – Harbinger
“Stop. Take a deep breath. Open your mind…because it is going to be blown. Californian DJ and producer “Danny” Howland–known as SVDDEN DEATH–released a nuclear Riddim album called “Harbinger” on Jan. 19. The album is so dangerous it can cause whiplashes, but that was intended. What a way to start the year!”
Loki Season 2 Review
“One of Marvel’s Cinematic Universe beloved shows ended this past week as our favorite god of mischief found his new “glorious purpose” as the god of stories. In a masterpiece of storytelling that relied less on chronological continuity than on emotional plot-twists, the Season 2 finale of Loki puts an end to Tom Hiddleston’s character quest for saving the Time Variance Authority (TVA) from complete destruction—and we only know it is the end because there are no post-credits scenes.”
Gabriel Castilho 