by Nathan Dean

Blitzen
EP 1
(Self-Released)

Blitzen are some cryptic fellows. I know, for example, that the group features former members of such other esteemed local outfits as Skye Klad and the Minx and that this CD is the first in a series of three 3-song EPs that the band will be releasing.

The Pines
Self-Titled
(Trailer Records)

The Pines are the fresh-faced local duo of Benson Ramsey and David Huckfelt with the aid of a slew of friends. Anyone currently still crying into their beer over the demise of local alt. Country giants Bellwether would do well to check out their debut. Benson is the son of well-established Iowan roots rock guitarist Bo Ramsey (best known for his work with Grammy nominated folkie Greg Brown) and talent clearly runs in the family. Although occasionally treading a little too close to trad. retread territory for comfort, The Pines are at their best when eschewing straightforward bumpkin rock and opting for something more obtuse (a prime example being the moody instrumental "Pale White Horse," which showcases a bit of studio know-how in addition to folksy musical chops). These guys are plenty young and will undoubtedly find more of their own voice on future efforts—an auspicious and carefully crafted debut.
Prime track: "Black Train"

GST
Bug Town
(Break Even Records)

GST are the Greg Schaefer Trio (although they generally boast more than three people on stage at any given time). Post-punking the jazz scene in the Twin Cities since 1999, the group was formed when pop-punk veteran Schaefer (guitar, trumpet) found himself wanting to explore more jazz leaning textures. Jazz purists and rockists alike will be flummoxed when it comes to pinning down precisely the nature of sound GST stir up—but that's largely the point. An interesting cooled out instrumental experience sure to appeal to fans of the Chicago post-rock scene and its ilk (Tortoise, the Sea and Cake in their more ambient chilled out instrumental moments), GST opt for a more organic approach than any of that set. You won't find synthesizers and drum machines here—although there is plenty of spectral electric guitar picking, cooled out brass and the occasional touch of violin to keep things moving (or head bobbing casually as the case may be). The group's latest, Bug Town, is an interesting amalgamation of compositions ("Dead Calm"), improvisations ("Clocked at 45") and out-of-left-field cover choices (both Led Zep and Pink Floyd get unconventional makeovers)—all recorded live at some of the finest venues in town (Acadia Theater, Frank Stone Gallery, the 400 Bar). What at first feels like an unstable mish-mash ends up being an essential chronicle of an anything goes musical troupe unlike any other currently working the Twin Cities circuit.
Prime track: "Mom’s Still Dead"

The Gleam
The Chisago County EP
(SMA Records)

Damn, the fellers in the Gleam can't carry a tune in a bucket—but they sing with such committed verve I end up beaming in approval anyway. Hailing from North Branch, these peeps know how to do rough-and-tumble country rock right. Those missing the days when Jeff Tweedy also couldn't sing and belted out about screen doors and trains (it was 15 years ago but certainly feels like a lifetime), will be glad to know that the legacy of hard drinkin' flannel wearing twang-rock isn't in danger of fading away. The Gleam's brand of kickin' guitar pickin' racket serves as a nice reminder that as long as young men are ready to strum acoustic guitars until the strings pop and their arms fatigue country rawk will live on! I'll raise a grain belt premium to that!
Prime track: “Leave Yr City”