There’s no denying that Minneapolis is home to a number of musical indie darlings. Between Caroline Smith and The Good Night Sleeps and Haley Bonar, competition for the Indiest Minneapolis Female of Them All is steep. But one leading lady is rising to the top of the scene with her band, Zoo Animal.
Holly Newsom is Zoo Animal. After an original trio broke up in 2001, including bassist Tim Abramson and drummer Thom Burton, Newsom has basically been running the show herself (and quite well, I might add) with non-permanent band members.
Although Zoo Animal describes themselves as “minimalist grunge pop with heart,” Newsom’s sound is not grungy and is anything but pop. Her mellow, wispy voice may edge on the lighter side of alternative rock, but she is fiercely centered in the MPLS indie community—as seen in her multiple shows throughout the Twin Cities.
You can catch her mellow jams tonight, Friday, April 12, at the Icehouse. Zoo Animal will be joined by local soundscapes psychedelic band Sun Gods to Gamma Rays. Although their sound is vastly different than Newsom’s, Sun Gods to Gamma Rays’s ethereal sound will make you want to get up and dance, and be first in line to buy their first record this fall. Todd Clouser and Chris Bates are the opening act, and will begin playing at 6:30 p.m.
The concert starts late, but with Zoo Animal’s backup band featuring Justin Korhonen, Noah Paster, and Matt Latterell, this is one ultimate indie event you won’t want to sleep through.
Zoo Animal
Friday, April 12, 10:30 p.m. – 1:30 a.m.
$8, 21+
Icehouse
2528 Nicollet Ave. S., Mpls.
612-276-6523, icehousempls.com
