From indie house shows to huge arena acts, the past nine months have offered a wide variety of shows.

Here are some memorable concerts that were recently held in the Twin Cities.

The first week of the school year started with performances from artists including Ween and Train at the Surly Brewing Festival Field, Lauryn Hill at Mystic Lake Casino, Janelle Monae at the Armory and Black Country New Road at the Fine Line. 

Industrial hip-hop group Death Grips took the stage at The Fillmore on Sept. 13. The group played an extremely high-energy show without any breaks, leaving the entire crowd exhausted.

“There were signs all over saying ‘No Moshing,’ but literally the second the lights went off I was launched and everyone began to mosh and fight to get to the front. Everyone was dressed up in mostly black, and I noticed a few people with lollipops and propeller hats,” said Shamus Von Haden, a University of Minnesota student. 

You can read The Minnesota Daily’s in-depth review of the Death Grips concert here.

October saw a variety of artists from contemporary trap rappers Playboi Carti and Lil Uzi Vert to established rock acts such as Slowdive and Tool. 

Peter McPoland, a singer-songwriter whose music gained popularity on TikTok, played a show in Dinkytown at the Varsity Theatre on Oct. 21 as a part of his “Piggy Tour.” 

“He played into his more alternative, punk music with extreme dance moves, and he even ended up wrapping his microphone cord around the pig statue, strangling him,” University student Cady Marceau said, describing her experience at the concert. “It was very interesting. He is a great performer with an insane amount of energy.”

The Twin Cities saw live collaborations of iconic artists. Wu-Tang Clan and Nas double headlined Target Center on Oct. 7, and Billy Joel played a show with Stevie Nicks of Fleetwood Mac at the U.S. Bank Stadium.

On the other hand, the University community held smaller, yet more personal house shows in venues such as The Chop Shop and Como Backdoor. Their lineups featured a swathe of local bands from the rich Twin Cities music scene. 

University student Shae Horning saw Colin Bracewell and The Dalmatian Club at Como Backdoor last fall. 

“Como Backdoor is a very intimate venue which made the concert a lot of fun because no matter where you are you have a great view of the stage,” Horning said. “Concerts like these give you the feeling that you’re watching the next big artist before they blow up.” 

Spring had an array of artists play at the Xcel Energy Center. The Daily covered an explosive performance by Travis Scott in January. The next month, Pitbull and Enrique Iglesias played a show at the arena with Madonna taking the stage a week later. 

Olivia Rodrigo played a sold-out show at the Xcel in March. Bad Bunny was scheduled to play a show there a week later, but the show was canceled due to low ticket sales.

Smaller venues, such as First Avenue, Varsity Theatre, Palace Theatre and The Fitzgerald saw acts such as Silversun Pickups, Cat Power, Babytron, Danny Brown and Sleater-Kinney, which can be reviewed here. 

The University held four Battle of the Bands concerts throughout the spring semester. The competition concluded at its annual Spring Jam with indie-rock band Call Me Fritz being declared the winner.

Following the final battle, bands Why Not, Flyana Boss and Between Friends also played sets at the University festival. A review of the show can be found here.

Finally, Fall Out Boy played a show at Target Center with supporting acts Jimmy Eat World and Hot Mulligan, which The Daily reviewed. 

More concerts will be held throughout the Twin Cities area as the weather gets warmer. This past school year had a strong lineup of artists playing shows of all calibers which will continue throughout the summer. 

As the days grow longer and the weather warms up, Minnesota is gearing up for a variety of music festivals this summer. 

Here is a guide to the most popular festivals coming to the Land of 10,000 Lakes. 

Twin Cities Jazz Festival (June 21-22)

Bring a chair or blanket to camp out and listen to this classic genre, all for free.

The 26th annual St. Paul Jazz Festival is a celebration of jazz. Located in Mears Park in the Lowertown district of St. Paul, the festival features artists such as Stefon Harris, Karrin Allyson, the Regina Carter Quartet and the Joe Lovano Quartet. 

“I’m very excited for all of the headliners, but I have a special place in my heart for Stefon Harris, who will play at 8:30 p.m. on Friday [June 21],” said the executive director of the St. Paul Jazz Festival, Dayna Martinez. “I’ve been following his career as a vibraphonist for the last 20 years and am so happy to be able to present him and his band on stage.” 

Breakaway Music Festival (June 28-29)

For fans of electronic music or looking for a high-energy experience, Breakaway is the place to go. 

This festival showcases some of the biggest names in EDM including Illenium, Kaskade and Slander at Allianz Field in St. Paul. 

“In addition to stellar lineups, Breakaway elevates the festival experience with a silent disco featuring local artists, taking its unique music experience to a whole new level,” said Breakaway’s head of marketing, Mika Sears. “Single-day lineups, single-day tickets and more will be live in the coming months.”

Minnesota Yacht Club (July 19-20)

The first-ever Minnesota Yacht Club festival will take place at the Harriet Island Regional Park on the Mississippi River in St. Paul. The Riverboat VIP Ticket allows access to an hour-long cruise along the Mississippi River before the headliner sets. With recognizable names such as Gwen Stefani, Alanis Morissette and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, this festival is one to keep an eye on.

Basilica Block Party (Aug. 2-3)

The iconic summer festival at the Basilica of Saint Mary on Hennepin Avenue is back for the first time since 2021. 

The event, which is the longest-running non-profit music festival in the United States, features a top lineup of performers including The Goo Goo Dolls, The Fray and Counting Crows. On top of this, food and drink options from local vendors will be available throughout the park. 

The proceeds from the festival are donated to the St. Vincent de Paul program dedicated to caring for the homeless and people in need. 

“The Basilica Block Party aims to create an extraordinary experience for all attendees. With an exceptional lineup of renowned musicians, local talents, and emerging artists, this year’s festival promises to be bigger and better than ever before,” said Basilica Block Party CEO Emily Buchanan. 

Minnesota’s summer festivals have something to offer for everyone, from music fans to those who just want to relax in the sun. These events showcase everything from the calm harmonies of jazz to the pulsing beats of electronic music. Write down these dates because these festivals may be memories that will last a lifetime.

Record Store Day took place on Saturday, causing music fans and supporters of local businesses to come together and celebrate the physical medium of sound. 

Record stores around Minneapolis offered limited edition vinyls and free concerts in order to commemorate the day. This yearly event honors the diverse range of sounds contained on vinyl records and acts as a focal point for community support of independent record shops and artists.

“The day has become this national holiday for the music business. I didn’t realize how big Record Store Day was as far as the impact it has. It gets people back into the fold of music culture,” said Bob Fuchs, retail music manager at Electric Fetus.

The iconic Minneapolis record store celebrated the day by offering a range of DJs to play sets at their store. Along with this, a performance from the Minnesota band Durry took place outside of their store. The crowd enjoyed the sibling duo as they played an acoustic take on their indie rock sound. 

“Record Store Day is an old idea, holding onto the in-store experience,” said lead singer/guitarist Austin Durry. “It’s not online, you have to go out with people for an outdated format of music. It’s a cool way to hold onto that community part of it.”

The band put out an exclusive 7-inch Record Store Day release titled “Big Boy” with signed copies being sold at the Electric Fetus.

Exclusive records from hundreds of big-name bands and artists were being sold in record stores all over the Twin Cities. Down In The Valley was selling an autographed copy of the album “Foolish” by Superchunk. Along with this they had shirts, posters and free concert tickets.

“Record Store Day is on 4/20 this year, so we are celebrating by giving away T-shirts, rolling papers and, of course, snacks. We have all the cool Record Store Day records and some amazing used records,” said Kathleen Haga from Mill City Sound.

Cheapo Discs celebrated by opening an hour early, along with offering a wide variety of exclusive vinyls. Agharta Records in St. Paul offered special shirts and turntables in honor of the holiday.

Beyond the draw of rare records and live entertainment, Record Store Day in Minneapolis is a celebration of local business spirit and support of music artists. Fans gather to honor the independent record shops that function as cultural centers in our city’s neighborhoods, creating ties far beyond the grooves of a vinyl record. 

This yearly event honors the constantly evolving music scene while also serving as a reminder of the timeless power of music to bring people together. It is a symbol of the enduring nature of vinyl records and their ability to stay in circulation in the era of streaming. 

Make sure to attend these events and discover the charm of Record Store Day in April of next year when the city celebrates vinyl records once more.

The MSP Film Society’s 43rd annual International Film Festival had its opening night on Thursday. 

The festival opened with a showing of the movie “Sing Sing.” The film, based on a true story, follows Divine G, played by Colman Domingo, as he attempts to keep his group together while navigating the emotional toil of life in the Sing Sing Correctional Facility. 

When describing how the real-life story of the Rehabilitation Through the Arts program inspired him, director Greg Kwedar said, “It was the tone, it was the playfulness of this work in this oppressive environment. Even though this razor wire is choking you out, something is happening that is heartwarming.” 

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison attended the premiere, giving an introductory speech about the high incarceration rates in the U.S. compared to other countries.

The film was a hit among the audience, causing eruptions of laughter along with solemn silences throughout the screening.

“No One Asked You,” directed by Ruth Leitman, will be screening April 20 and April 21. The documentary follows Minnesota native Lizz Winstead over six years as she fights for abortion rights in the U.S.

“This film festival has always featured the stories of people who are doing the real work, whether that be activism, culture change or artists breaking new ground. I feel incredibly lucky to be part of it this year, especially because it’s where my roots are,” Winstead said.

Along with films from Minnesota and other parts of the United States, movies from around the globe are a part of the over 200 films shown in the festival. Films from Asia, the Middle East and Europe form a well-rounded schedule of diverse perspectives.

“The Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival is a chance to discover a wide variety of new films from all over the world,” programming director Jesse Bishop said. “Some highlights we’re excited for folks to experience are ‘LaRoy, Texas,’ a Coen brothers-esque hit man caper, and ‘The Beast,’ Bertrand Bonello’s fantastical centuries-spanning sci-fi epic.”

On April 23, the festival will host cinematographer Sir Roger Deakins, who worked on big-name films such as “Blade Runner 2049,” “Skyfall” and “1917.” He has also done cinematography for a large chunk of the Coen brothers’ filmography, which is why his Q&A session will be accompanied by a screening of the movie “Fargo.”

Ten blocks of short films will also be shown, with a new block every day until April 22. These shorts are divided into categories such as “Animation Round-Up,” “Friends = Family” and “Mortality.”

The festival closes on April 25 with a screening of the movie “Ghostlight,” about a construction worker acting in a local theater production of “Romeo and Juliet.” As time passes, he finds community among his peers and confronts his drift away from his wife and daughter.

The MSP International Film Festival is an excellent way to experience cinematic culture from around the world and engage with industry professionals who have a deep background in film.

Podcast About List took the stage to give their first impressions of Minnesota, along with covering strange and funny lists on Saturday at Sisyphus Brewing in Minneapolis.

The comedy group consists of New York-based comedians Caleb Pitts, Cameron Fetter and Patrick Doran. 

The trio described their experience at the Mall of America and their love for the “Ghost Blasters” game at Nickelodeon Universe. Doran explained he did a “pacifist run” of the game in which he went on his phone instead of shooting any ghosts.

The Juicy Lucy, a Minneapolis staple, was also criticized: they explained that cheese is meant to go on top of the burger, as being on the inside just causes hot cheese to spray out on the first bite. 

Fetter even performed an exorcism on one of the audience members at one point.

Pitts said the most fun they have with the show is putting a high amount of effort into a “low-effort, stupid idea.” 

The comedians shared their thoughts on their favorite episode from the show, in which they hired a focus group to review a fake episode of their show.

Doran said it felt like a humiliation ritual and it was the scariest thing they have ever done.

“It was a full brain reset to record the pre-part where we’re trying to be as annoying as possible, and immediately watch it back with everyone in the room reacting. It feels like you’re at your own funeral and everybody hates you,” Fetter said.

Pitts said the focus group helped the show, as they would comment on things they did not even intend to be bad, such as the cameras and lighting.

Fetter said the show hasn’t really improved over the years. He sees the show as worse after they fixed the problems in their own lives.

“There is something lost in not drinking six beers in the worst apartment of all time. That part of it is gone but that’s got its pros and cons,” Fetter said.

Pitts said the biggest change has been taking it more seriously once they started making money off the podcast. 

“The larger lesson from it is you just have to pretend that you’re doing something that matters, and then maybe it will eventually,” Fetter said.

When asked about their biggest achievement in life, the group gave a variety of answers.

Fetter said his was watching one million movies.

Pitts said Doran’s was either a skate flip or a meal, Fetter’s was probably a math problem he solved and his was “something awesome I did in a video game one time.”

The trio will continue to tour around the country and Canada throughout April and May. Tickets are available on their website swagpoop.com.

The Omnitheater at the Science Museum of Minnesota in St. Paul will present a festival of educational films until April 7.

The Omnitheater is a 90-foot-tall and 70-foot-wide building featuring the biggest screen in the Twin Cities area. At the event, viewers can choose from five films that cover a variety of scientific topics.

“There’s a lot of great films that we could bring in, we take care in picking the best ones,” said Allison Leveritt, the immersive media manager at the Science Museum. “Omnifest brings an excitement that is felt throughout the museum and its visitors.”

“Asteroid Hunters” explores the newest technological equipment protecting Earth from potentially disastrous asteroid strikes. It delves into the tactics used by scientists studying asteroids and their attempts to intercept them before they reach our atmosphere.

“My top recommendation for all ages at Omnifest is ‘Pandas,’ which is about, of course, pandas and the researchers who are working to support the panda population,” said Karilyn Robinson, the marketing specialist at the Science Museum.

“Pandas” follows the journey of panda cubs raised in captivity as they get ready for a risky wild trip. Scientists embark on an amazing endeavor to return these cubs to their natural environment, after which the cubs go on a life-changing exploration.

Amazing pictures taken by NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope are displayed in the film “Deep Sky.” The viewing experience provides previously unknown information about the universe through the lens of the space agency’s revolutionary telescope. 

“Recovering from the Edge” follows the remarkable endeavors of park rangers and international environmentalists as they work to save imperiled species from the verge of extinction. Viewers will learn the tactics and teamwork required to protect the most endangered wildlife species on the planet.

Another digital telescope display, “Stellar Tours: A Star is Born,” takes the audience on a fascinating trip through a star’s life cycle. Watching the amazing changes stars undergo in real-time fosters a new appreciation for the creation and evolution of the universe.

“The imagery of ‘Stellar Tours’ was breathtaking, you could see the vibrant colors of stardust up close. I learned a lot about the lifespan of a star by watching the movie,” said St. Paul resident Howard Chen.

An additional element of excitement is provided by the chance for visitors to attend all five films and gather stamps in an Omnifest Passport. The passport can then be exchanged for a unique gift in the museum’s store.

Omnifest offers a unique chance to discover the wonders of our world through the medium of film. The museum’s website offers a full schedule of film screenings and online ticketing details for those wanting to experience this cinematic adventure.

Electronic musician Four Tet released a new album “Three” on Friday, which sticks to Four Tet’s style of ambient synths over rhythmic drums. 

Four Tet is the solo project of English producer Kieran Hebden, who has been making music under the name since 1995. Recently, Hebden has frequently collaborated with the likes of Skrillex and Fred Again, along with playing a set at Coachella with them last year. 

“Four Tet’s newest album offers a soft, floaty, dreamy experience that can be hypnotizing at times until interrupted by moments of organic drums, guitar and modern house music,” said University of Minnesota student Kai Loiseaux-Purcell.

The album begins with the song “Loved,” which was the first song released off the album. It is a simple song that begins with a funk drum beat, followed by lush synths.

The next track, “Gliding Through Everything,” is a jumble of jittery bells that get so drenched in reverb, all we are left with is the harmony of all the notes combined. Halfway through, it switches to long sustained orchestral chords and a clean electric guitar strumming over it. 

The album then moves on to “Storm Crystals,” which sounds exactly like the title suggests. A plucky lead with downtempo drums is complimented by an airy pad in the background with arpeggiated bells occasionally appearing in the mix. 

While the synth sounds in this song offer some unique ideas, the track itself is a somewhat forgettable cut on the album.

“Daydream Repeat” is a more traditional dance cut, with U.K. house drums under a low distorted synth that slowly gets replaced by a melodic lead reminiscent of the solo works of Jamie XX. 

“Skater” is a standout track from the album with influences leaning toward 1980s post-punk. A guitar with a heavy chorus effect is played in a laid-back style. The song ends in a choir-like arrangement of scattered voices.

Switching to a sound akin to 1990s rave and trance music, “31 Bloom” features stuttering beeps and low rhythmic synths over shuffling drums. It is one of the catchier tracks on the album. 

The song “So Blue” starts with stabbing synths that seem to stumble over themselves, a spacey vocal sample occasionally popping in. Eventually, leisurely drums come in to keep the beat and glue the whole piece together. At times it feels meandering but comes back into itself here and there.

The album ends with “Three Drums,” with a drum sample that is reminiscent of early DJ Shadow due to the ride cymbal substantially standing out in the mix. A dense synth pad plays a harmonic melody that slowly distorts into a wall of noise that sounds almost like a shoegaze guitar tone. 

The final few minutes of the album return to a mix of an ambient synth under a looping vocal sample, as if we were listening to the inner groove of a vinyl record repeating forever.

The new album from Four Tet offers a mellow take on electronic and dance music that sticks to a more ethereal synth sound. At times the songs may go on a little long, but with eight songs, the 45-minute album goes by quickly. Overall, “Three” is a pleasant listening experience and a solid release from Hebden.

The Twin Cities area is feeling the fall energy with Halloween right around the corner. If you’re looking for a way to get scared during this frightening time, these haunted hayrides are the way to go.

While on these frightening tours, you can expect all sorts of eerie excitements that are bound to make your skin crawl, along with a variety of snacks and refreshments to keep you on your toes. These aren’t your average hayrides through an apple orchard –– these are the scariest hayrides in the Twin Cities.

5. Molitor’s Haunted Acres – 3571 5th Ave NE, Sauk Rapids, MN 56379

Molitor’s Haunted Acres is a renowned haunted attraction in Sauk Rapids that costs $29 online and $31 at the door. The hayride at this location leads you through an ominous, haunted woodland, where you’ll run into a number of animals, bizarre sights and unanticipated frights. It’s an option that is a little further away, an hour and 20-minute drive from campus, but it is one known for its dedication to providing frightful fun year after year. 

4. Harvest of Horror – 4108 200th St, St Augusta, MN 55382

This hayride in St. Augusta offers a journey through eerie forests and terrifying trails for $27 per pass. The attraction is just over an hour away from campus and provides an authentic experience full of lurking creatures and a haunted house. As this immersive hayride passes through houses and cemeteries, an unsettling night is guaranteed with the variety of attractions available. 

3. Dead End Hayride – 28186 Kettle River Blvd N, Wyoming, MN 55092

You may have a truly terrifying experience at the Dead End Hayride in Wyoming, Minnesota — only 36 minutes away from campus. This haunted hayride is renowned for its complex and spooky scenes, which are brought to life by an ensemble of committed performers. The hayride is mixed with a maze and haunted house that is sure to give you the chills. For those who want to feel the terror of the unknown, this is the ideal location. Passes are $25 at the door and $18 if you buy them online.

2. Scream Town – 7410 US-212, Chaska, MN 55318

For those looking for an adrenaline rush, Scream Town in Chaska is a must-visit only a 36-minute drive from the Twin Cities. They provide a bone-chilling excursion called the “Abandoned Hayride” that takes you through a haunted cornfield, an abandoned asylum and other horrific places. Scream Town offers a variety of terrifying activities along with the haunted hayride for $29 at the door and $25 online.

1. Haunting Experience – 10900 E Point Douglas Rd, Cottage Grove, MN 55016

Cottage Grove’s Haunting Experience offers a hayride that will give you nightmares for weeks. You travel through a chilling woodland, home to ominous creatures and hidden dangers. It is a terrifyingly immersive experience that leaves visitors quaking in terror with its elaborate sets and detailed narration. Tickets cost $42 and it is only a 29-minute drive from campus

If you’re looking for the best haunted hayrides close to the Twin Cities, try one of these excursions. Gather your toughest friends and get ready for the finest haunted hayride experience. 

The new film by Martin Scorsese, “Killers of the Flower Moon,” is coming out on Oct. 20. It stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Lily Gladstone, Robert De Niro and Jesse Plemons. The movie is based on a 2017 nonfiction book of the same name about Osage Native Americans murdered in Osage County, Oklahoma, between 1918 and 1931. 

Scorsese met with the current principal chief of the Osage Nation, Geoffrey Standing Bear, to discuss the film in 2019. The movie was filmed in 2021 throughout Oklahoma, specifically in Osage County. Throughout the filming process, the Osage Nation was consulted, which helped to create a more accurate portrayal of the people and the time period.

The book by David Grann explores how in the early 1900s the Osage people became wealthy due to the discovery of oil on their land. During this time, mysterious deaths occurred throughout the tribe and were initially covered up. Then an undercover FBI investigation of the Osage murders took place in the infancy of the FBI as an organization. 

Rolling Stone described the book as “a tale of murder, betrayal, heroism and a nation’s struggle to leave its frontier culture behind and enter the modern world.”

DiCaprio and De Niro are common collaborators with Scorsese. DiCaprio has acted in five Scorsese films prior to this one, most notably “The Departed,” “Shutter Island” and “The Wolf Of Wall Street.” De Niro has been working with Scorsese since “Mean Streets” in 1973. “Killers of the Flower Moon” will be the 10th Scorsese film De Niro will appear in.

“My feeling is that when we saw it, it was a masterpiece with someone like Marty doing it. There’s no right or wrong in telling the story. He’s presenting this, I hate to use these types of words but that’s what it is, a masterpiece, a work of art and it’s very long,” said De Niro in an interview with Osage News.

Jesse Plemons, who has previously worked with Scorsese in “The Irishman,” will play the lead detective role. The part was originally written for DiCaprio, but DiCaprio pushed to play the role of Ernest Burkhart instead. Plemons is known for his role as Todd in “Breaking Bad” and Gary in “Game Night.”

This film will be the breakout role for lead actress Lily Gladstone. This will be the 10th film she has acted in, along with making appearances in TV shows such as “Billions” and “Reservation Dogs.” She is a Native American and has a minor from the University of Montana in Native American Studies.

“It’s a different movie than the one [Scorsese] walked in to make almost entirely because of what the community had to say about how it was being made and what was being portrayed,” said Gladstone in an interview with “Variety.”

The movie premiered in May of this year at the Cannes Film Festival, where it was met with a nine-minute standing ovation after the screening.

“The combination of years of work and an extraordinary warmth and I think love that was expressed … for Lily, for Leo, for Bob, for the Osage, all of this seemed to come together in the room,” Scorsese said at a press conference following the Cannes screening.

The three-hour-and-26-minute-long film will be in theaters around the world next Friday and will be streaming on Apple TV+ shortly after.

Singer-songwriter Sufjan Stevens released his newest album, “Javelin,” last Friday mixing his typical folk sound with orchestral harmonies and ambitious compositions.

The album was dedicated in an Instagram post to his “beloved partner and best friend Evans Richardson” who passed earlier this year in April. Sufjan has a trend of releasing music following the deaths of people close to him, with “Convocations” and “Carrie and Lowell” being released after the passing of his father and mother, respectively.

Sufjan also revealed last month he is in recovery from Guillain-Barré syndrome, a condition that causes weakness and paralysis in the legs and feet due to the immune system attacking the peripheral nervous system.

The first song on the album, “Goodbye Evergreen” is a farewell to his late partner. It begins as a stripped-down piano ballad that eventually explodes into a bombastic arrangement that could be seen on his 2010 album, “Age of Adz.”

The second song “A Running Start” is more in the vein of his 2005 album, “Illinois,” with flutes blended over finger-picked acoustic guitar chords, among wistful, poetic lyrics.

The third song, and second single from the album “Will Anybody Ever Love Me?” mixes these styles, with both a fingerpicked four-chord progression that builds to include a choir and relaxed electronic percussion behind it.

Throughout the album, Sufjan does not take any risks. He does not venture far from the formula he has perfected over his decades as a songwriter. It starts quietly with plaintive lyrics, then builds to a more dramatic composition.

Many songs on the album follow a structure of beginning with a simple instrument, such as a piano or acoustic guitar. Then throughout the song, a choir joins in along with orchestral instruments to accompany.

The lyrics seem to follow a theme of religion, along with love and yearning. He often uses metaphors for nature and spirits to describe how he feels towards someone close to him.

“So You Are Tired” is the lead single from the album, with lyrics describing someone Sufjan is in love with, getting tired of him. The piano, guitar and vocal harmonies all blend in a way that is pleasing to the ear.

“Sufjan doesn’t talk much about the recording and writing process,” Label Director at Asthmatic Kitty Records, John Beeler said.

Every sound on the album was recorded at Sufjan’s home in New York.

While Sufjan is not someone who stays long in the public eye, he airs out his vulnerabilities in his lyrics. He is very open about his hopes and also his regrets.

The title track, “Javelin (To Have And To Hold),” is a stripped-down melancholic song where Sufjan dwells on past mistakes now that his partner is gone.

“It’s a terrible thought to have and hold,” he sings softly.

One stand-out song is “Shit Talk”. It is an eight-and-a-half-minute song that builds and decays over time, akin to songs from his EP “All Delighted People.” Bryce Dressner, guitarist for the National, plays guitar on this track.

The last song on the album is a cover of the Neil Young song “There’s A World,” rewritten in a style more fitting and cohesive to the rest of the album.

Javelin is a palatable listen if you are a Sufjan Stevens fan looking for his classic sound. It is a blend of all of his past albums into a midpoint. There is not much experimentation, and he doesn’t deviate from the norm, but it is still a wonderfully composed album that deals with themes of love and loss.