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Local Radar: Observer Drift, Food Pyramid and more

by Jon Schober

February 07, 2012

A new weekly feature on the blog will be a highlight of five bands that the local team at The Current is spinning heavily at their desks. You'll be able to preview a track from each as well as hear them on The Local Show and Local Current.



Phantom Vibration
Upon first listen of a song like “Summer Blood” from this dream-pop trio, the production rivals that of similar sounding bands like Smith Westerns and Surfer Blood. Funny then when you find out that their songs are recorded mostly in basements and dorm rooms. While this track comes from an older EP out in late 2011, it’s worth revisiting as they recently secured an opening slot for Sub Pop band Memoryhouse at the Turf on March 3. Additionally, we’re starting to hear a lot more of this glimmering pop sound from Minnesota bands and Phantom Vibration just may be the ones doing it the best.


Typsy Panthre
We need more Typsy Panthre. Their songs are reminiscent of a vibrant time in Minnesota music when shoegaze and dream-pop was our primary output. The project of Allison LaBonne and John Crozier, their discography right now stops at a beautiful split EP with The Starfolk a few years back. LaBonne is known for work in the Owls and The Starfolk as well (which also sees her husband Brian Tighe of the Hang Ups as a member). John Crozier (of Ninotchka and many other bands – confused yet?) and LaBonne are back at the helm of Typsy Panthre though, and this is the first single off their forthcoming album due during the summer.



Food Pyramid
You know a morning is going to start off right when Food Pyramid lets loose another seven minute synth jam into the world. Today marks the release of first single "Oh Mercy" from the upcoming Mango Sunrise out on Moon Glyph March 6, further confirming that the label is leading the charge of some of our region's most experimental and celebrated musicians. If you missed the three-part cassette series that these guys put out the past two years, you might be out of luck as most reports show them as being totally sold out. But at least you don't have to wait long for another addition to their already extensive catalogue.

Clean Water Land & Legacy Amendment
This activity is made possible in part by the Minnesota Legacy Amendment’s Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund.