I did not write about a ton of music this year due to the stressors that affected all of us. Despite my burnout and a lack of drive, there was a ton of fantastic local releases put out during a year where hanging out at a gig involved the chatbox of a live stream. It was still amazing to be able to interview, write about, or just enjoy the music put out by bands here in Minnesota.  Granddad - What Happens After  (Brace Cove Records) What Happens After follows up  the Minneapolis-by-way-of-Alaska emo act's turbulent 2018 record. The EP chronicles the existential dread of moving into your late 20s and figuring out what to do with yourself. Vocalist Kellen Baker spends much of the release reckoning with what it's going to take to grow as a person. I've always loved Granddad's ability to turn otherwise bleak feelings into moments of combined catharsis. We don't have it figured out, but we are in this together. The band is joined by a host of their friends to bring thi...

After a bit of waiting, we have brand new music from the Twin Cities-based quartet Optimal Crime . The feminist hardcore act put out a three-song demo in December of 2018 and have now partnered with the Chicago record label Don't Panic Records and Distro to release their debut EP A Lifelong Fight . The EP's single "Reaper" is nothing short of a pure outburst of energy. At just 47 seconds, Optimal Crime release an unrelenting torrent of sound. Guitarist Siobán Fideler, bassist Mike Giraliaco, and drummer Ace R. synchronize for frenzied blast beats while Alissa D.'s vocal stand defiantly in the middle. "Reaper" is uncompromising as Alissa lets the listener know the score. It's one of those songs that feels like it's over before it even starts, demanding you to press play again for another white-knuckle ride of absolute fury. A Lifelong Fight is set to be released on June 3. Go preorder the EP and pick up a tape on Don't Panic's B...