Soil Compilation

Sports
Trapped in the Box

The Hawkeyes fell three points short in Ames, trapped in the same box they’ve always played in. Cautious routes and a passing game that refuses to breathe. Even glimpses of promise, like Gronowski’s 22-yard completion, couldn’t break them free from their rectangle of comfort.

Sports
Iowa Falls to Iowa State 16-13 in Annual CyHawk Series Matchup

The Hawkeyes came up just short in Ames, falling 16-13 to No. 16 Iowa State in a rivalry game that slipped away in the final minutes. Despite a strong defensive showing and improved play from QB Mark Gronowski, Iowa’s offense couldn’t find enough answers as the Cyclones snapped the Hawkeyes’ six-game win streak at Jack Trice Stadium.

Music
Iowa City Songwriters Festival Preview

The Englert Theatre will host the inaugural Iowa City Songwriters Festival, headlined by Jeff Tweedy and Joy Oladokun, this weekend from September 4-6. Sprawling across many of Iowa City’s favorite venues, this town wide event is bound to be memorable.

Online Content
Hinterland 2025 Recap

From August 1-3, Hinterland Festival returned to the fields of St Charles, Iowa, as a resounding success. After a sweltering-hot 2024, Hinterland rebounded and restored fanbase trust for many years to come.

Sports
The Grayt Team: Grayson Chapeau’s Story

At just 15 years old, Grayson Chapeau has spent nearly his entire life in a fight he never chose, against an inoperable brain tumor. But in the stands of a summer-league baseball team, he’s become something more: a symbol of joy, resilience, and a small town’s beating heart.

To call the End of Daze EP the “Only in Dreams Reject Club” would be unjust as some songs never make it on their intended album. But California’s Dum Dum Girls know how to make amazing EPs (He Gets Me High EP anyone?) and End of Daze is like He Gets Me High’s lo-fi art student little sister. Despite the beats in “Season in Hell” and “I Got Nothing” this is perhaps the most chill the Dum Dum Girls have ever been. Even its first single “Lord Knows” finds itself between stoner rock and ‘60s drum beats. But all indie … Continued

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They. Are. Back. No three words remain truer for Sune Rose Wagner and Sharin Foo, the duo otherwise known as The Raveonettes who have melted our ears in the past with high frequency synthesizers and the icy coolness of Foo’s vocals. Whether they are a soundtrack to a chill autumn evening or a heavier rock sound assisting a spontaneous dance party with friends, The Raveonettes have never been disappointing in the 11 years of their career. But how does their latest release, Observator, rank against such legendary albums such as the ‘60s inspired “Back in Black” or the lyric-driven “In … Continued

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Grizzly Bear is one of those bands that continue to stand out by creating an engaging auditory experience. Their breakout album Veckatimist was lauded by music fans and critics alike, and it is probably safe to say Shields will follow suit. Shields is unique in that it doesn’t have a standout track, the quality is inherent in every song; each has its own handsome virtues. The single “Yet Again” is arguably the most accessible song on the album, but it still maintains the haunting aura the album strives for. From the moment the album begins with “Sleeping Ute,” it is … Continued

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By Max Johnson Chris Ford’s main musical project, Christopher the Conquered, is perhaps the most quintessential “Iowa” band right now. I don’t mean that as a description of a particular sound or style. Just look at the songs on their latest album “Christopher the Conquered and the  Black Gold Brass Band Decide the Fate of a Good Man.” You’ll find the left and right politics of a swing state, the hardworking ethic that Iowa is known for, and most importantly, you’ll see something brilliant and beautiful that has been criminally overlooked. It’s important to know, before listening to the record, … Continued

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