VAYNS, VAYNS EP

Collaborators Corey Lawson (Munqs) and Botzy (Culture Cry Wolf), the minds behind VAYNS, have put their talents together to create a smooth new sound. Fusing sultry R&B, hip-hop, and shoegaze-y synth effects with futuristic flair, VAYNS’ self-titled EP, available today, has already garnered attention thanks to the must-see video for “Say Why.” On VAYNS, Lawson and Botzy’s vocal duties mingle to stunning effect; rap segues into charged, high-energy harmony and then back again. The record also features quality vocal and lyrical contributions from Ashley DuBose and Sophia Eris. VAYNS is out today via polkadot mayhem.

3flection, Adapt and Evolve

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Paragraphs, You’re Ridiculous (I Love You)

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A two-man instrumental project, Paragraphs (Chris Polley and Dan Vogel) cite a slew of daring and dreamy influences from the post-rock canon, including M83 and Explosions in the Sky. Ambient and enticing, You're Ridiculous (I Love You) features reverb-laden guitar riffs that lie at the intersection of twinkling and clashing, all layered over intergalactic percussion. The six-song record is available now on Bandcamp, and the duo will perform a record release show Friday, January 17 at the 331 Club.

Fair Oaks, This is the River

At first listen, Fair Oaks’ latest effort This is the River sounds like a love letter to the Earth, like the work of a sunny band with pioneer spirit. The concept for the album mirrors the group itself: five musicians with old-world sensibilities in a modern metropolis, writing about nature in the city. Single “See What the Sun Gave” equates a growing heart to a tree, as the song climbs to the bouncing chorus. Set for release on January 18, This is the River sustains a summery Americana spirit, even on the most frigid winter days. That night, Fair Oaks will play a CD release show at Icehouse with Louis and the Hunt.

KT Lindemann is a senior at the University of Minnesota, Morris, pursuing studio art and Spanish. She is a native of the Twin Cities and is a wannabe musician, artist, and music writer.