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.

Kerry Alexander and Chris Hoge of Bad Bad Hats have found a kindred spirit in Elana Carroll.

The three longtime friends just dropped their debut album as Megasound, an infectious and bright collection of songs inspired by turn-of-the-century pop culture and alt-rock.

While touring together in 2018, Carroll joined Bad Bad Hats on stage for an encore performance of "Pretend To be Nice," a song written by Adam Schlesinger (Fountains of Wayne) for the 2001 movie Josie & the Pussycats. That moment planted a seed that was eventually watered in 2022 with Alexander and Hoge sending songs crafted in their Minnesota basement to Carroll in Los Angeles.

For Bad Bad Hats fans expecting to hear the familiar voice of Alexander, it's Carroll, who releases solo music as Party Nails, who handles lead vocals. She is natural at bringing to life the era that inspired them, from the brash confidence of "I Hate It Here" to the Sheryl Crow radio rock of "Now Is All We Got."

With vocals expertly handled, Alexander is freed up to showcase her electric guitar riffs (also check the solo on "Light On Right On") and Hoge switches from bass to the drumkit.

Megasound is a ton of fun, drawing from garage rock, indie and pop, with punchy guitars, catchy hooks, and sing-along choruses on every song. Just like their name, everything on the album is done big, blown out, and truly megasounding. -MK

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