A Cinematic Dream or a Concert in Minneapolis? Only Ray Bull Knows the Answer
March 16th, 2025 - Minneapolis, MN
Ray Bull might be “Dead in Wisconsin,” but they came alive in Minnesota. Just three weeks after releasing their latest EP, Little Acts of Violence, Ray Bull set off on their spring headlining tour. They brought their show to 7th St. Entry in Minneapolis, MN on March 16th. Indie duo Ray Bull, featuring Tucker Elkins and Aaron Graham, has been releasing music since 2021. Their sound, while heavily indie, also includes folk, rock, and pop. Their eclectic, yet mysterious, personalities shine through in elements throughout the show from their merch to their stage design.
Stepping on stage in a fully silver painted face, Tyler Berrier opened the show. With silver covering his face, he reminded me of the Tin Man. Without an explanation of why he painted his face, Berrier dove headfirst into the uncanny valley. Face paint aside, Berrier took the audience through the journey of his music. The seven song set spanned across his music career with three of his newer songs, two of his older songs, and two unreleased songs.
Maybe the entire goal of the face paint was to keep the audience interested because I couldn’t look away. With a few electric guitars and a few backing tracks, Berrier’s mellow music caught the crowd’s attention. He seemed so excited to be playing his music and grateful to Ray Bull for having him there. After his set, a few fans commented how after listening, they couldn’t wait to listen to more of his music.
About 10 minutes before Ray Bull came on, the Elkins and Graham appeared on stage accompanied by cheers from their fans as they turned on three LED screens that showed a string of sentences before they disappeared. Each screen appeared to be showing their own sentences. At first, I assumed the words were song lyrics, but as they continued, it reminded me of comments found on a Reddit thread. I thought the words would end once they got onstage, but it continued throughout the show. Though never explained, I’d like to imagine the sentences added another message and element to their songs that aren’t conveyed in their lyrics.
While Graham played the electric guitar and provided harmonizing vocals, Elkins moved back and forth between a guitar and keyboard. Elkins and Graham worked in sync, and their vocals created stunning harmonies. They played songs from their latest EP like “Little Acts of Violence,” “Dead in Wisconsin,” and “Reelin’.” They also hit fan favorites like “The New Thing Dies” and “Name Something Better.”
About halfway through the set, Ray Bull introduced their drummer, Fletcher Pontus Aleckson, who was from Minneapolis. They even made the joke that “there was about a 50% chance” you were standing next to one of his family members and cheers from his family erupted from the venue.
A common sentiment from Ray Bull’s music seems to be an overwhelming feeling of “I’ve heard this song before.” Ray Bull pulls from all aspects of nostalgia and sounds from decades like the 80s and early 2000s. Even though it was a short setlist, Ray Bull still packed a punch. Their art school past and comfortability with one another drives the entire show, creating a full body experience appealing to the eyes and ears. I left the show feeling exhilarated, with a touch of familiarity and comfort.
