This is a multi-part series on the impacts of incarceration — specifically the disproportionate rates of incarceration Native people face in the state, especially in Northern Minnesota.

KAXE's Larissa Donovan explored the underlying issues of the statistics through survey outreach, extensive research and in-person interviews.

Every once in a while a piece of music just hits different.

Something about it strikes a chord in your brain, scratches an itch you didn't know you had, sounds like something completely new to you.

I had that feeling earlier this year, when I first heard "Electric Lizard" by Angela Autumn. It's a song I missed when it first arrived and went viral in 2023, only making its way to my ears when it reappeared as an early taste of Autumn's new second album Believer, out now on Gar Hole Records.

For longtime fans of Autumn, whose western Pennsylvania roots and clawhammer banjo skills led to the nickname "The Rose of Appalachia," the fact that Believer is full of equally timeless songs will come as no surprise.

Autumn and co-producer Isaiah Beard have created a sound where the banjo is no longer front and center, a move away from the traditional sound of her early music to a hazy blend of psych, country, rock and folk that took countless hours in the studio to achieve.

The results are magic. Despite the increased complexity of the music and textures there is even more room for Autumn to stretch her biggest weapon. Her voice, full of Appalachian twang, stretches and compresses phrases and syllables as needed to best draw attention to her words.

Believer is a tremendous second album, and likely a first taste of Autumn's music for many. Just in time for Autumn, it's our Album of the Week at KAXE. -MK

Read the full review on our Fresh Picks page.

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