EMOT, EMOT

A four-man indie band taking cues from slowcore and Americana, EMOT now present their third self-titled LP, loaded with breezy, heartfelt melody and subtle folk twang. The follow-up to their 2011 sophomore release Make You Electric, which earned praise from City Pages and landed on CMJ’s top 200 for the year, EMOT sees the band in an aesthetic sphere that is masterfully layered, quietly energetic, and emotive. Adding to the album’s success are its impressive crew of producers, who include Brian Moen of Peter Wolf Crier, Laarks, and the Shouting Matches. EMOT is the product of a band growing into their highly sophisticated sound—just refined enough for an easy listen, just big enough for a compelling one—and before you know it, this band just might creep their way into bigger and bigger spotlights. EMOT will release EMOT with a March 6 show at the Cedar Cultural Center, featuring performances by the Cairo Gang and We are the Willows.

The Chinwaggers, Wayward Son

Fronted and formed by veteran singer-songwriter Joe Carey, the Chinwaggers specialize in back-to-basics blues rock, influenced by old-school country and folk and sprinkled with classic bar song melodies. The Chinwaggers’ latest, Wayward Son, rings with the energy and swagger of a band of sailors in a crowded Irish pub. The group’s seaworthy rock and folk instrumentals collide with Carey’s raspy, bombastic vocals and heartfelt lyrics, all to an intriguing and subtly debaucherous effect. Wayward Son is stylistically diverse, but big and bold from start to finish. The Chinwaggers will release Wayward Son alongside Joe’s brother James Carey (see below) at a double release show at Aster Café on March 8.

James Patrick Carey, Scoundrels and Saints

A native of Minnesota, now based in Los Angeles, James Patrick Carey—the other half of the Carey brothers—has spent time in London (ultimately getting deported from England) and in Nashville working on his craft. On Scoundrels and Saints, his first release in 11 years, following 2003’s Juliet Avenue, Carey returned to Minneapolis and worked with close friends and family members—including the Chinwaggers’ Joe Carey and the guys’ sister Jessica—at the Twin Cities’ own Brewhouse Studios. Lyrically the album is emotive, dealing with relationships and the human experience. Sonically, it’s a contemporary no-nonsense rock record. His dual CD release show with the Chinwaggers is already booked up to standing-room-only status, report the Chinwaggers on Facebook. "No biggie. We'll make room. Hell, join us on stage if you want."

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.