St. Paul rock band Institutional Green releases new single “Deep Pockets” inspired by personal stories
Institutional Green, a rock trio from St. Paul, is marking the release of their debut album, “Deep Pockets”. This ten-song collection was crafted in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and is deeply intertwined with the vibrant music scene of the Twin Cities. The album can be found digitally and on 12″ vinyl through Bandcamp, local record stores, and major streaming platforms. The band will be performing at Schooner Tavern in Minneapolis tonight, alongside Annie and the Bang Bang, fellow rock veterans and friends of the band.
Dan Leary (vocals, bass), Kevin Henretta (guitar), and Billy Dankert (drums, vocals) make up Institutional Green, drawing from a wealth of songwriting and band experience, totaling a combined century. The unique process behind their music involves starting with musical arrangements, with vocal lines by Leary developed once bass parts become ingrained. Lyrics stem from retained improvisations, following the belief that memorable parts are worth keeping the next day.
“Deep Pockets” explores various themes, each honest and expansive. The album pays homage to local scene boosters such as Paul Engebretson and Paul Lungren, as well as photographer Jon Clifford and the DIY Loring Park Alley shows that inspired the track “On These Two Pauls.” Another track, “Oakley Avenue,” delves into the perspective of someone battling despair, pretending to be fine despite facing internal struggles, reflecting on the theme of loss due to suicide and overdoses in the neighborhood.
The album also delves into broader social commentary with tracks like “Slot Machine Simulator,” addressing the concerning rise of online gambling in the U.S., and “Tree Of Life,” commemorating the victims of the 2018 synagogue shooting in Pittsburgh. There are also moments of humor and eccentricity, such as in the track “Hey Tomorrow,” which imagines the song of a pre-Columbian temple administrator to those about to be sacrificed.
Institutional Green emerged amidst the stillness of the pandemic. Following the dissolution of Ringout!, Leary and Henretta continued their musical journey, eventually finding drummer Billy Dankert to complete the trio. Leary’s transition to playing bass was seamless after developing a fingerstyle guitar technique, setting the stage for the band’s current lineup. The trio recorded “Deep Pockets” with Tony Williamette and mixed the album in Henretta’s basement.
The band’s alignment with their city’s scene is evident in their commitment to original music and grassroots momentum. St. Paul’s music scene, boasting numerous venues and outlets, fosters a culture of creativity and collaboration, dating back to the 1970s. Institutional Green namechecks their peers, venues, and media allies as they channel melodic hooks, dry humor, and regional insight in “Deep Pockets,” a record that embodies the resilience and authenticity of the Midwestern spirit.