Winter is just about here and typically a lot of music releases slow down. Some artists make music for the season they are in and others just make what feels right. It appears as if newcomer Trev has something to say before winter season really settles in. When you think of Minnesota, I’m almost certain that hip hop doesn’t come to mind, but Trev is no ordinary artist and his project ‘Closed For Winter’ shows the world just what he is capable of.
The first song on the project is “Meet Me In Paris”and this song starts off slow and melodic and it almost sounds like a lullaby. This song has a real lofi feel to it and this is just one of the songs that you want to put your headphones on, lay back and think about that special someone in your life. This video also has an amazing music video for it, so be sure to check it out when you can. This song is a very unorthodox way to start a project, but I like it. We move onto “Lebron James Bond”and this song goes in almost an entirely different direction from the last song both sonically and just the overall pace of the song. “I put the Bro in Lebron, I put the me in James, you out the B in Bond” was super clever and witty breakdown of the song title. Just stare at until the words Trev mentions jump out at you. Trev starts off slow and then he just opens up and goes crazy on the track. This song will require multiple listens to catch everything he said, it definitely has replay value. This song will have you question is this the SAME artist that was on the chill intro song for this project.
Next on the project is “Visionary” featuring Reeves Junya. This song was one of the breakout singles from this project and has a nice cinematic feel to it, the instrumental let’s you know it’s building up to something. Trev spits double time on this track about how he has a vision from God about his life and music. Reeves Junya had a stellar guest verse and it fits perfectly with the song. Trev picks right up where Reeves left off and just speaks on the ills of the world and finishes it with this haymaker, “I had a vision like Raven/it was my God versus Satan.” Next on the project we have “Toes In The Water” where we hear what sounds like a ukulele and Trev starts singing. This is another chill song that really showcases Trev’s singing and songwriting ability. This songs like the kind of song you would play while on vacation, and could definitely get placement on some traveling or vacation commercial.
The third from the last song is “The Feeling” featuring Jennifer Keller. Trev speaks about his feelings, a feeling that he can’t describe but it’s pushing him forward. The hook with Jennifer Keller sounds absolutely divine and Trev jumps back on the track with arguably the best verse on the entire project. This verse touches on racism, Civil Rights, forgiveness,poverty, mental health, and so much more. This song is definitely a must listen song. This is Trev at his most introspective on the project and it definitely draws you in. Next to last on the project is “Danny Phantom” featuring Nu Ground Music Group. What’s a hip hop project without a posse cut on it? The slow and ominous bear is the perfect sound for the members of Nu Ground Music Group. I’m not too familiar with any of the other members besides Trev, but this song makes me want to hear more front this talented group of individuals.
Finally, we have the song “Poolside” to wrap up the project. This song has that lo-fi sound and feel to it, the perfect way to close out this diverse project. Trev shouts out those in his life who matter the most. The strings and chords seem like they are really leading you somewhere which is into Trev’s life and mind as he waxes poetic about things that matter in his life, like getting used to the fact that he had some influence whether he likes it or not. The song ends with one of his friends telling him that he’s got him shedding tears and he thinks that this project will do things for Trev, it’s the game changer. Trev thanks him and said he’s excited, this album ends on such a high and hopeful note and that’s very refreshing.
In conclusion, this 7 song EP of Trev’s ‘Closed For Winter’ is nothing short of incredible. I didn’t think it would be possible for this short of a project to show Trev’s diversity and range as an artist, but this EP accomplishes just that. The whole ‘Closed For Winter’ title speaks to the fact that this project is something to hold the fans over as Trev is closed music wise during the upcoming cold months. He wants to focus on other life giving things in his young life. It’s amazing that this 20 year old based out of Minnesota has this much range, depth, lyrical content, it’s pretty mind boggling. You need to do yourself a favor and check out Trev’s ‘Closed For Winter’ and hopefully he’ll have something for us come the warmer months.
