Jay Som performed at Fine Line in downtown Minneapolis on a frigid Sunday night. This intimate show was opened by Ottawan musician fanclubwallet. After a six year hiatus, Melina Duterte aka Jay Som is back with new music from her fourth album Belong. A blend of dream pop and indie rock, this album explores self-definition for Duterte. Her music incorporates a vocal synth and looping effects, as heard in the beginning of Float. My personal favorite from the album and show was What You Need, which features artist Soft Glas who is also touring with and playing guitar for Jay Som. It’s evident the whole band are all friends and just having fun making music together. The atmosphere and music itself had an oceanic feel, possibly influenced by Duterte growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area, and enhanced by the fog machine and cool colored lighting effects. She gave a shout out to the crowd and called us legendary for showing up in the below freezing weather. Despite her break from the limelight, Duterte has been busy as a producer and collaborator of the works of artists like Vagabon and boygenius. And Hayley Williams from Paramore provided harmonies on Jay Som’s song Past Lives. A lovely introduction to the work of Jay Som, I’m certainly staying tuned.

Show Reviews: Nina Weimholt