I often heard about Dispensing from friends and seen an endless amount of locals sporting DOFH shirts, but was never introduced to their music. That is until earlier this year I had the fine privilege of seeing them lay down one of the most amazing sets I've ever witnessed. DOFH are from Des Moines, Iowa and have been often compared to Orchid, older Cave In (pre-Jupiter), and Pg. 99. Their sound is a little difficult to pigeonhole, but from start to finish they are one chaotic, dark, gut-wrenching machine. They often play on dynamics and occasionally find time for some progressive breakdowns that are arranged well and dont fuck with the general feeling of the songs. They describe their sound as bridging the gap between punk, hardcore, screamo, and metalcore, and I can hear each element equally in their style. They have a well produced 9 song album on INIT Records and are rumored to be putting out a split with Circle Takes the Square (Robotic Empire), who is also an amazing band. www.dispensingoffalsehalos.com
*June Panic
I was surprised to find out that most people I've talked to since moving here, have never heard of or had listened to June Panic. After all he is single handedly putting North Dakota (Fargo native) on the map for singer/songwriters. With 11 albums under his belt since 1990, 5 of them on Secretly Canadian Records, June is set to release his latest album Hope You Fail Better on November 4th. June's acoustic guitar driven (often backed by a studio band), Dylan-inspired folk/alt country music is interlaced with his practice of philosophy. Though Panic's high-brow lyrical concepts may provide some insight into his, I assume, vast book collection, and his sincere search of the transcendental and existential, some people might be distracted by an unusual, nasally voice. When I first heard him his music felt awkward, but eventually grew on me quite a bit. What is most appealing is that you get a good sense of his modesty and sincerity, and the lyrics never come off as preachy or pompous. He's a hit or miss for most, but should settle in well with the average collector of singer/songwriter artists. I'm sold. Catch him at Ralph's on the 18th with Low. www.junepanic.com
*The Monarques
"They're young, they're hot, and they dress well". That isn't all these four lads from the Twin Cities have going for them. Voted best upcoming band in this years "Picked to Click" poll in the City Pages, The Monarques are on the verge of breakthrough success. Comprised of former bands the Selby Tigers (RIP), Sean Na Na, Cadillac Blindside, and Grotto, The Monarques blend guitars, breathy vox, and synthesizers to form a unique sound that escapes adequate comparisons. After hearing them, I followed up with a little research and found that every reviewer compared them to different bands. I've counted 20 different comparisons so far, so to make any myself would be absurd. In fact, I don't know if I could without sounding ignorant. They mix a lot of different elements in the music and they pride themselves on forging their own path and doing something new. The quartet made their debut this April opening for the Postal Service at the 7th st. Entry, and have gathered a major buzz around the region. They have a 4 song ep out for release on a new local label called Schedule Two Records. Check them out. www.monarques.com
*A Whisper in the Noise
West Thordson and company have developed a dark and haunting orchestral sound, bringing piano, strings, lo-fi drums, and electronic manipulation together with vocals that go hand in glove. Legendary producer Steve Albini sat at the recording helm of Though the Ides of March, an ambitious, but beautifully somber debut album (self released). Due to budget reasons, the album was recorded and mastered in only 3 days. What you're left with are 10 epic songs that ride a rollercoaster of emotions and dynamics, but with a lo-fi touch to it. The drums especially bring out a more raw, abrasive feel to some of the material. Songs like "In the Dark� carry a bite, and sound like a mix between G!YBE and Rasputina. But then an ethereal song like "An Autumn Song� can bring slight comparisons to Sigur Ros. Despite the comparisons, A Whisper come across as more direct and ambitious, which might give them an edge over their predecessors and peers. I haven't had the opportunity to see them live, but I can imagine that it really intense. This being their only release, the future looks extremely bright for them. RIYL: Godspeed! You Black Emporer, Halifax Pier, Air, Mogwai. www.awhisperinthenoise.com (Minneapolis, MN)
*Volante
Volante are a post-punk band that seems to have no interest in being true to that genre. Minneapolis' Volante formed in 1997 without any previous experience in other bands. After making some ground in the local scene and dropping their first ep (recorded at the infamous Smart Studios in Madison, WI, in 98), the group ventured to Washington, D.C. to record with one of the finest in the biz, J. Robbins (Jawbox, Burning Airlines). The result is 45 Degrees North, a well produced, promising debut album could catapult them to the top of the class. The best thing Volante have going for them is the surprise factor. Just when they settle into something nice and accommodating, they throw a curve at you to keep you guessing. Some of there songs have an obvious Fugazi influence, but other songs, like "Hum" for instance, draws more from mid 90's rock; which includes a quiet, spoken story verse that bursts into a guitar driven chorus. They don't seem content with following the leader. Volante extends past their influences and reaches a level all their own. www2.bitstream.net/~volante