Holly Newsom describes Zoo Animal's new "Departure EP" as more observational than philosophical, and it's easy to discern how different the band is today compared to a year ago, fully cognizant of major changes which have altered the act's path. The title of the EP is blunt upon deeper inspection: Zoo Animal has dealt with the departure of two members, the addition of two rotating casts of local musicians, and a further departure in sound that Newsom has taken her songs which now find themselves steeped in beautiful minimalism.

So what is the sound? I still have no adjectives that work, but where it comes from might be a unique quality of our community at this time, coming from a skill-laden collaboration of artists willing to be brave and knowing that there is an audience out there, on the radio and in the clubs, that is willing to support them when they are.

'Shine On' is one of seven tracks on new 'The Bite Marked Heart'

Local music notes from the week of February 6-10

Read about and download their new track "The Too Men"

With so many artists turning to Kickstarter these days to fund their upcoming projects, the Cloak Ox have decided to try doing things the old fashioned way. Their upcoming show at Nick and Eddie, billed as an “old-school Kickstarter,” is being presented with the express purpose of raising money for the upcoming record, and they’re…

Scott Alarik talks about and reads excerpts from his new novel, "Revival" on Radio Heartland.

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Is the media's coverage of Justin Vernon reaching meme territory?

Craig Finn has been an integral part of Minnesota music since his work in Lifter Puller during the 90s, and his subsequent turn as the frontman of The Hold Steady in New York created some of indie music's most compelling and critically acclaimed records. Now Finn is taking a short breather from the full band approach to focus on a more personal and reflective style.