Welcome to The Scouting Report, a monthly list of 10 Minnesota artists with exciting new projects, as curated by our local music team. If you like these picks, check out The Local Show on Sundays from 7 p.m. to midnight, hosted by Diane. Also, each Thursday, The Current's music director Jade picks great new tracks from around the world.

Dark Dark Dark / Nona Marie Invie

Dark Dark Dark has come back into the light light light — roughly 10 years after releasing their last album. On Oct. 13, the beloved Minneapolis indie-folk band will release a three-song 10-inch vinyl, Something Was There. The EP’s first two songs were recorded “long ago.” On them, Dark Dark Dark’s tried-and-true organic, elegant instrumental bed lays a foundation for the music’s focal point — vocalist/pianist Nona Marie Invie. A spiritually rich and sensitively adept artist, Invie also features a moving nine-minute solo track on the EP. It serves as a preview for “bigger offering” to come. Catch Invie opening for their bandmate/indie-pop superstar Angel Olsen at First Avenue on Nov. 29. -Diane

DERECHO Rhythm Section  

DERECHO Rhythm Section’s bio simply reads “Lake Superior groove that you can dance to,” but it’s more than that. The roster of Izzy Cruz, Cyrus Sparhawk, Al Church, Alan Sparhawk, Hollis Sparhawk, Cole Pulice, and Nona Invie (see above) ought to be the group you’d want to be making music with if you were a music maker. The music of DERECHO wove its way into the musical Sparhawk family when Alan and son Cyrus were jamming on some tunes that Cyrus had written. Al Church went up to Duluth for a visit and joined in. (The name was concocted by Alan’s late wife, and bandmate in Low, Mimi Parker.) As organic as it could be, Izzy Cruz joined the band thereafter. The three EPs they have released glow with a fun and joyous energy that could only come from musicians that are totally excited to be playing together. After some random Midwest shows this summer, the group has a few things cooking for the winter. -YV

Rogue Valley

Rogue Valley’s music is defined by layers of rich instrumentation and comforting, poetic voices paired with a cohesive, kind sound. It's a Twin Cities veteran supergroup — consisting of musicians who also perform with the likes of acclaimed songwriters Lissie and Jonatha Brooke, or have their own creative solo projects. Fans who’ve adored this prolific baroque-pop band over the years will be pleased by its sixth LP, Shell Game. Upon deep introspection, the 20-song album is meant to unlock stories unseen by passing glance or thought. “For every journey, there are moments and minutiae in between as bright or dark as any greater narrative,” says the band. Release celebrations occur Oct. 13, accompanied by a show at Icehouse. -Diane

Lydia Liza & Big Cats  

Long-time collaborators Lydia Liza and producer Big Cats are back with a three-track EP OH WOW. Each track has a very different feel but follows their usual dynamic: smooth production and vulnerable lyrics. The track “Smoked Out” has the most R&B feel out of the three and is a reflection of a specific time with a specific person. We do not know the details, but we know there’s a bit of disappointment involved, and we know it makes for a great song. -NT

The Alarmists

After a decade-long hiatus, the Alarmists have made a long-awaited comeback with a 10-song self-titled LP. The indie band with Brit-pop and post-punk influences first emerged in 2004, and reunited during the pandemic to craft a new record, bringing more of their punchy and spacey sound to new and old fans alike. The Alarmists, released on Sept. 15, explores different sub-genres and feelings but their original sound remains strong and identifiable with precise guitar riffs and artful feedback work. -AD

Greg Grease

Southside Minneapolis musician Greg Grease returns after five years with the single “Can’t Call It.” One of the most underrated artists in the Twin Cities, Grease has an extensive catalog as a solo artist and member of the supergroup astralblak. “Can’t Call It” is a reminder that Grease is doing well, staying motivated, unbothered, and as talented and driven as always. We hope a new single means a new album is also on the way. -NT

Mayda  

It’s hard to put into words the enigma that is Mayda. The performer has played backup in many unique projects around town (Cambodian Rock Band, Pink Triggers) while ceaselessly crafting her unique sound in her solo work. Her title track off her new album Infected carries with it years of acceptance and coming to terms with where she is in her musical career. Mayda is unapologetic in her delivery and her sharp wit lands supremely well within the dense, gorgeously laid-back roots rock sound that she’s created. Mayda will be taking a little time off to recalibrate before moving onto the next iteration. -YV

NATL PARK SRVC

NATL PARK SRVC describe themselves as “orchestral indie” and “synth-fried occult rock,” so fans of Hippo Campus and Wilco should take notice. Formed in 2018, the seven-piece group has been putting out quality and original tunes ever since. Sunshine-y and playful guitar licks paired with a crisp indie groove make “Smiling” the perfect track for the transition from summer to fall. “Smiling” is a new single off their upcoming album, MAGICIAN, which is out on Oct. 25. Their next live show with local support from Unturned, Careful Gaze and Fend is Oct. 28, the fourth and final night of their ‘OCCULT MEETINGS’ series at the Amsterdam Bar & Hall. -AD

Aldrich

Aldrich is the music of Minneapolis-based producer and songwriter Caleb Anderson. Along with members Hank Donato, Reese Kling, Matt Tessier, and Destin Modina, they released their album Another Guise in September. The body of work is described as a collection of songs that explore the tension between holding things dearly and holding things loosely. The track “In the Blue” has a tender, nostalgic vibe and catchy melodies. Aldrich’s album release show will be on Friday, Oct. 27, at the A-Mill Lofts with support from Ryan Gebhardt and Kansas Plates. -NT

Nobody Likes You Pat  

Formerly of the band MILKK, Pat Kiloran reevaluated his artistic vision and came up with Nobody Likes You Pat. The work weaves through many different genres: the catchiness of pop music, Americana-style storytelling, and then layers of electronic music production. His latest single “dear god” ponders the same things XTC and Judy Blume’s Margaret character, respectively, asked the big man upstairs about, along with the struggles and hopes for mankind. The song is the opening track of his album dear… released on Sept. 22 via Nettwerk Music Group. -YV