Soil Compilation

Music
Craig Finn Interview

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After discovering The Hold Steady at Riot Fest, Logan Melia sits down with Craig Finn to discuss his new solo record Always Been, the evolution of narrative songwriting, and finding meaning in modern American life. From faith and mental health to baseball heartbreak, the conversation spans far beyond music.

Online Content
Dancing Differently

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For nearly 40 years, Jhe Russell needed to be perfect. After all, his dance career demanded it. But when injuries and the chaos of life took him in a different direction, he found peace in a job he never expected.

Film
KRUI Staff Picks our Favorite Media of 2025

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KRUI is pretty special, not only do we like music, but we also enjoy other things! From movies, video games, a DJ set, and sports, here’s a list of some of our KRUI picks from all things media that we loved to see in 2025.

Sports
Iowa Wraps the Bowtie on 2025 with Bowl Win Over Vanderbilt

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No. 23 Iowa closed the 2025 season with a statement win, knocking off No. 14 Vanderbilt in the ReliaQuest Bowl behind a clutch performance from senior quarterback Mark Gronowski. The victory snapped Iowa’s long skid against ranked opponents and served as a fitting sendoff for a senior class that chose loyalty and one last ride together.

Music
Album Review

Album Review: The Raveonettes – Observator

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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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Album Review: Grizzly Bear – Shields

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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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Album Review: Christopher the Conquered and the Black Gold Brass Band – Decide the Fate of a Good Man

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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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Album Review: Ion – Coordinates

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By Christian Craig Hip hop has, in recent years, evolved into a beast of over-accessibility. The fabled street corner has been replaced by a SoundCloud account and it often seems that anyone with a Logic torrent is busy tweeting about their upcoming mixtape. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing – Odd Future, Main Attrakionz and A$AP Rocky all owe their fame to the Internet and it’s becoming increasingly easier to suss out the next big thing. It’s also getting harder to keep up – trends in sub-genres have the shelf life of about an hour and whether you’re a fan … Continued

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Album Review: Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All – The OF Tape Volume 2

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By Christian Craig Collaborative rap crew albums are a tricky thing to get right – We Are Young Money was laughable, Wu-Tang hasn’t done anything worth talking about since 8 Diagrams, and if you know of a Dipset tape that you’ve made it through without your finger on the skip button, I’d love to hear about it. Collab albums have listeners wading track after track, waiting for a heavy hitter and suffering through Lil Twist and Cappadonna in the meantime. So, coming into The OF Tape Volume 2, some skepticism is a warranted. It’s been almost impossible to avoid at … Continued

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Review: Chiddy Bang – Breakfast

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By Keith Evanson Hip-hop duo, Chiddy Bang, have taken their underground hype into the mainstream. After nonstop touring, mixtape releases, and record label signings, they have now settled down to release an official album. Band members, Chidera “Chiddy” Anamege and Noah “Xaphoon” Jones Beresin, use a successful formula to stimulate the ears of as many listeners as possible. Combining elements of hip-hop, electronica, and indie, they have displayed how versatile rap music can be. Xaphoon Jones shows a lot promise as a producer, there is no doubt about that. He has made a lot of interesting choices in the samples … Continued

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Review: Heartless Bastards – Arrow

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By Gabrielle Pawlikowski Say what you want about the Heartless Bastards, but don’t deny Erika Wennerstrom’s vocal talent. As the only consistent member in the band’s ever-changing lineup, Erika’s masterful singing never fails to enrapture. And don’t let the name of the band fool you – these bastards are in fact full of heart. The band’s fourth release, Arrow, is firmly rooted in southern blues rock – gritty yet sentimental. Also their debut from Partisan Records, the album falls short lyrically. But its stripped- down instrumentation showcases Erika’s voice, and that’s enough to guide any music fan through the ten … Continued

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Review: Cursive – I Am Gemini

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By Shari Jaffri After many hiatuses, members leaving, calling it quits several times, several triumphant albums, solo explorations (or at least for frontman Tim Kasher, a.k.a.The Good Life) and the likes, it can’t be denied that Cursive has been through a harrowing journey since their first debut in 1995. With their managing to stay intact as a band definitely deserving of a solid thumbs up, Cursive once again takes the concept album route, a familiar road which they have taken many times after winning critics over with past concept album releases, The Ugly Organ (2003) and Happy Hollow (2006). The … Continued

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Review: The Pines – Dark So Gold

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By Mike Saponaro The changing landscape of the Midwest and its loss of the yeoman farmer carries somber tones that resonate well with Iowa natives The Pines. Band members David Huckfelt and Benson Ramsey are well-versed in traditional music, and their newest album Dark So Gold incorporates contemporary indie-folk instrumentals and stark-country vocals. While not all listeners will enjoy the alt-country feel, fans of southern-folk bands like Lost in the Trees and You and Your Effects should appreciate the distinctive mix of acoustic guitars, banjos and haunting lyrics. The album’s instrumental tracks “Moonrise, IA” and “Grace Hill” convey ethereal and … Continued

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the pines dark so gold