Minneapolis Alert: Lips Speak Louder to Bring “Staggering Wall of Sound” to Dusty’s Bar

If you are in the Twin Cities and looking for a perfect way to spend the first Saturday night in August, go straight to Dusty’s Bar. Local favorites Lips Speak Louder are set to deliver a performance that proves why the underground indie-alt act is currently one of the most buzzed-about bands in town.

Power-Duo

Formed in late 2023, Lips Speak Louder is Rachel Brandsness (vocals/guitar) and Angela Lese (drums/background vocals). While the duo is a relatively new project, both members are seasoned music industry veterans. In their previous bands, they have shared stages with rock heavyweights like Evanescence, Halestorm, Bush, and Alter Bridge, bringing a level of professional intensity to their new collaboration.

The “Consolation Prize” Success

The band’s rapid rise follows the 2025 release of their debut album, Consolation Prize. The record was produced by renowned guitarist Emily Wolfe, whose influence can be heard in the album’s gritty, guitar-driven energy. For an independent act, the album has achieved remarkable success, already garnering over a quarter-million listens. Fans can catch a glimpse of their style in the recently released official music video for their track “Dog Days of Summer“.

OFFICIAL VIDEO: Dog Days of Summer

“Queens of the Stone Age Meets Joan Jett”

Critics and fans alike have struggled to describe how just two people can create such a massive presence. SPIN Magazine compared their sound to “Queens of the Stone Age meets Joan Jett,” praising their “rhythmically tempestuous instrumentation” and “take-no-shit vocals“. 

While they possess a “raucous energy” and a “staggering wall of sound,” their music also features a blend of pop melodies and an “endearing underlying vulnerability” that draws comparisons to iconic favorites like Hole, Garbage, and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs.

Don’t Miss the Show if you’re in Minneapolis

The combination of gnarly guitar riffs and bombastic drums makes their live show a must-see for fans of 90s alternative and early 2000s indie rock.

• Venue: Dusty’s Bar, Minneapolis, MN
• Date: Saturday, August 1st
• More Info: For tickets and more, visit their official website at lipsspeaklouder.com