Eric Mayson: Detail

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Eric Mayson (Crunchy Kids) has played with a variety of artists all over the Twin Cities scene, most notably Caroline Smith, Big Cats, Lizzo, Toki Wright, and P.O.S. He's now going solo with his Detail release. Mayson’s bright wavering voice will be familiar to some, though it’s a whole new musical world from which it’s ringing out. He’s moved to the realm of modern R&B, but keeps it lively on “Skyline” with bubbling electronic production that has some pop qualities. You can think of Mayson's solo endeavor as a musical collage. Detail drops Friday, and Mayson will take to 7th Street Entry on September 4 for the release show.

Peter Wolf Crier: Plump Slump

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The indie duo Peter Wolf Crier are back for their third album Plump Slump, and it has Andrea Swensson excited: “Plump Slump marks the welcome return of Peter Wolf Crier, and it’s one of my favorite albums of the year.” Andrea says the new music plays to the band's strengths; you can make that judgment call yourself today as Plump Slump hits shelves. Peter Pisano and Brian Moen will be at the Cedar Cultural Center on September 12 to celebrate the release.

Bruise Violet: Survival of the Prettiest

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After listening to Bruise Violet, it’s hard to fathom that the oldest member of the trio is just one year out of high school. Nonetheless, the young grunge-punk trio are coming out swinging on their debut EP Survival of the Prettiest. Their harmonies are sweet—but per their motto (“Sugar, spice, and a kick in the teeth”), they don't spare the volume. They're releasing their debut on August 29 at th7th Street Entry. You can also hear the band perform a set in The Current's studios on the September 13 back-to-school episode of The Local Show.

Tall, Tall Mountain: EP

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If you had to sum up Tall, Tall Mountain, then you might like to know their hobbies include “mushroom foraging” and “fantasy sports,” and they sound like what you might get if the Raconteurs and local garage band What Tyrants decided to collaborate. The band are releasing their debut EP at the Turf Club on Thursday, and out of the six-song EP, “PWC” would be the track to listen for. Not only does it seem like a good mellow jangly jam to listen to on a weeknight, but it builds nicely to a spaced-out finish.

Kick: Start Again EP

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sja5lazPCfU

Kick are releasing their second EP Start Again this Friday, and their straightforward rock-and-roll approach should sound great on the 7th Street Entry stage. Kick thrives on catchy riffs, pounding drums with splashy fills, and a front man who rocks out like Jack Black. Just because you're punk doesn’t mean you can’t see a modern band your parents would have loved when they were your age.

Luck Machine Compilation

https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=58&v=Le_ARqjkSuE

The boys from the Luck Machine collective have decided to throw an 11-track compilation tape together to accompany the second annual Luck Machine Fest in Montgomery, Minnesota. (Full disclosure: I've had a hand in organizing and facilitating this event.) Danger Ron and the Spins, Ghostmouth, Tso Big, and Moving Parts are just a few of the bands you can catch on the tape and the festival's 20-band lineup. Psyched-out or punked-out: the choice is yours with this tape in your hands. Each track was recorded specifically for the compilation at Luck Machine headquarters, and there is a limited run available. Tapes will be available to pick up at Luck Machine Fest on a first-come first-serve basis, and can be reserved with presale tickets. There will be free camping along with $10 entry.

Aaron Bolton is a senior at the University of Minnesota. Currently he is a co-host on Radio K’s Off The Record and is the music reporter at Radio K. He hopes to continue a career in music journalism.