Yomchi, the solo project of UW-Eau Claire student Godwin Agbara (pictured above) offers lyrical, lo-fi vibes that are perfect for listening on repeat; he often transcends the overarching "rap" categorization. (Photo by Maximillian Menacher)

"Strawberry Moon," Yomchi's latest dual-single collection, reflects these sentiments and more. In nature, a "Strawberry Moon" can be associated with love and romance and symbolizes a time to deepen relationships and strengthen emotional bonds. Agbara’s creative lyricism is shaped by this lunar phase; he highlights areas of longing, nostalgia, and when relationships ebb and flow.

The collection begins with “Sweet (Demo),” and subtle guitar and shimmering background effects transport listeners to a nearly three-minute dreamscape. Agbara opens the track by engaging directly with the listener, or perhaps one specific individual, with lyrics that elicit sweet feelings: "Do you think I’m sweet / am I still your sugar honey iced tea?"

"Strawberry Moon" by Yomchi, dual-single cover.

The song continues, using the metaphor of changing seasons to illustrate how deeply a partnership can influence one another, "switching like the seasons, to show how much she cared."

In the second track, "Winona," Agbara continues this narrative by questioning an elusive subject, opening with the lines, "tell me how you’re moving on so fast, tell me how you left me in the past.”

Knitted sweaters and the glistening of sunlight are recurring motifs for Yomchi, particularly evident between the two singles. However, Yomchi's new single offers an upbeat reflection on a past relationship; he expresses a desire for the simple joys of coffee dates and long drives.

The tracks on “Strawberry Moon” were in collaboration with Cade Eliason, along with Izaiah Hooper, Ian Johnson, and “Goblinface.”

“(Strawberry Moon) is the start of something very big and very special to me,” Agbara shared online. “This is only the beginning.”

"Bloodshot" by Public Meltdown, single cover. 

Chippewa Valley's own Public Meltdown recently dropped a new single, “Bloodshot,” and continues to embody the grit and spirit of the Midwestern music scene.

Public Meltdown's electrifying fusion of rock and punk often transcends liminal genre boundaries and their latest track is no exception.

The group — composed of Cameron Myher (drums) Scott Bulinski (guitar) Ethan Kent (vocals) Patrick Lubbin (vocals, bass guitar) and Jason Pritzl (guitar) — channels a purposefully repetitive songwriting approach, ensuring the track remains in the listener's mind long after it's played.

With recurring sentiments of escapism, love, and loss, the song draws listeners back to its melody, culminating in the poignant line, "prove me wrong / so I never have to play this song through bloodshot eyes."

"The Iciclist" by Ben Shaw, single cover. 

"The Iciclist," the latest single from UW-Eau Claire graduate and California-based singer Ben Shaw, opens listeners to a forthcoming album of the same name. Shaw’s self-described “rock opera” transports listeners to a world where the Iciclist spaceship crash-lands on Earth.

His lyrics paint a vivid picture of this reality, with physical descriptions of a “Frozen sky / Losing altitude / Stepping out down the avenue.”

Around the four-minute mark, the song shifts as the rhythm slows and subtle lyrical wordplay alters Shaw's message, transforming from "Fractured by the moaning song" to "Fractured by the morning sun."

After this period of contemplation, the “The Iciclist” returns to its original tempo, leaving listeners with a newfound sense of belief and the urge to jump and dance.

"In the Kitchen with The Driftless Revelers" by The Driftless Revelers, album cover.

Chippewa Valley fans and new listeners alike can look forward to a “lovingly stewed sonic journey” by The Driftless Revelers, in their sophomore album release “In the Kitchen with the Driftless Revelers.”

This trio of self-titled gastronomic weirdos, Ben Nelson, Matthew R. Sayles, and Jerod Kaszynski, have created a new set of original songs and arrangements, all based on the finer cuisines of life.

“It is the perfect listening experience to whet your sonic appetite,” The Driftless Revelers said.

The album's track titles directly reflect this concept, with names like "Something To Eat" and "My Grill," alongside references to notable Eau Claire establishments such as "The Joynt" on track seven.

The Driftless Revelers transport listeners to a busy winter’s night at the local dive bar, as the song begins with overlapping conversations, laughter, and the clink of beer glasses.

Like clockwork, The Driftless Revelers’ banjo tones, upright bass, and wailing melodies with bluegrass influences join the party; with songwriting of all-too-familier moments “with the jukebox a-playing and a cold beer waiting / it’s a wise man’s paradise.”

These timeless experiences in the Chippewa Valley, “of an era that can’t quite be defined,” are what The Driftless Revelers are best known for. Formed in Eau Claire, the trio has cultivated a following of Americana roots fans throughout the Midwest. "In the Kitchen with the Driftless Revelers" was released by Philville Records this August.