The annual concert on First Avenue featured seven local bands.
Obi Original will perform at First Avenue’s Best New Bands of 2022 on Friday, January 20th.
First Avenue’s Best New Bands have brought together seven up-and-coming Twin Cities acts for their January 20th show.
An annual concert series dating back to the 1980s, Best New Bands showcases a group of young artists making waves in the local music scene.
“They have definitely set a role model for young bands trying to find their own sound. says so.
Here is the full recap of the show.
Rafaela
Originally from New York but recently relocated to Minnesota, Raffaella’s set kicked off the show with exquisite stage presence and crafty songwriting.
Raffaella’s latest release, Live, Raff, Love (Act 1), reflects the artistic integrity of her performance with Best New Bands. The 26-year-old singer’s music is full of catchy hooks and candid reflections on her life.
As a result of her well-crafted music and ethereal vocals showcased on songs like “Blonde,” Raffaella is sure to be a rising voice in the Twin Cities music scene.
Obi original
Afro-fusion artist Obi Original delivered a heartfelt performance for the second act of Best New Band. The stage presence and crowd work from the set of Obi Orginal excited the crowd and stood out from the rest of the night’s acts.
Obi Original’s music combines dance-heavy production with energetic vocals, culminating in a rhythmic groove that doesn’t quite fit into any genre.
Obi Original danced happily on stage throughout the set, solidifying itself as the future of Afrobeat in Minnesota.
city mic
In the third act of the night, Mike Kota showcased her elegant vocals and stunning self-production.
Kota’s sound feels dreamy and electronic, but their musical foundation rests on guitar and percussion. Kota’s vocal harmony enlivens the dreamy atmosphere.
A year later, Kota says she hopes to continue to grow as an artist and work to reach a wider audience.
“I hope this next EP brings some big fish in my path. I hope to have a strong, well-knit team with me to make even greater progress.” said Kota.
fragment online
killusonline thundered into their set with a dark hardcore rock sound reminiscent of Rage Against the Machine. With instruments blaring out of speakers on killusonline’s set, lead vocalist Her Mory rapped on a poetic melody that demanded attention to lyrical detail.
When asked about the future, killusonline cited hopes for growth within and beyond the Twin Cities.
harlow
The next act, Harlow, makes folk-inspired music that transports listeners through the Midwestern countryside on sound.
Harlow’s music is passionately detailed and reflects songwriting similar to alternative band The Head and the Heart.
Harlow’s Samuel Ketchum said, “A year from now, Harlow hopes to release a few more EPs and do a few festivals.” love this band and each other too much.”
creeping charlie
Creeping Charlie consists of sisters Julia Eubanks (guitar and lead vocals) and Esme Eubanks (bass), along with Harry Miles (lead guitar) and Jack Malone (drums). increase.
Creeping Charlie filled the set with reflective vocals and sharp guitar playing that showcased a 90s grunge-inspired fusion musicality.
“Playing this show is very effective as a band,” said Julia Eubanks. “We’ve worked really hard, but it’s insane to be recognized on the main stage on First Avenue. This music scene is a very special, close-knit group of artists.”
The brainchild of Julia Eubanks, Creeping Charlie plays songs that are vast, deep and intimate. With witty lyrics and Miles’ echoing guitar riffs, the crowd sang along to melodic tunes like “Lean Into It.”
When asked about their band name, Julia Eubanks said:
brotherhood of birds
Brotherhood of Birds closed out an epic evening with a bluegrass-influenced tune full of string-centric melodies and personal storytelling.
On the songs “Wolves on the River” and “Beer Chaser,” the band repeated tales of life in a cold Midwestern state, balancing bluegrass with modern songwriting techniques.
The Brotherhood of Birds closing set at Best New Bands of 2022 on First Avenue provided a soulful conclusion to an evening filled with new and exciting local music.