Acid Mothers Temple @ Urban Lounge 04.24

A perfect backdrop of charming, wet, dreary weather characterizes tonight’s performance of The Moths, ST 37 and Acid Mothers Temple. After walking into Urban Lounge and finding myself in a large, empty room, I was concerned about the turnout.

However, my venture through the downpour is certainly not in vain, nor will the gig’s contribution to my eventual loss of hearing be wasted. Grabbing a chair, I notice there seems to be confusion from some of the folks setting up on stage as to where The Moths are. It is revealed that The Moths are playing a set at Diabloical Records and, this weekend, they are celebrating the release of their new EP, Necromancy Rock n’ Roll.

So they are flying around Salt Lake City’s hotspots to kick out their jams. I also learn that on Saturday, April 25, they will also be playing Albatross Recordings—busy boys. In light of this enlightening information, some restructuring for Acid Mothers Temple set schedule is made to accommodate The Moths. So this means ST 37 is up first.

ST 37’s act is defined by the droning effects of heavy guitar riffs and pounding drums. Their sound pierces my consciousness, bringing a comfortably wandering mind into a sharp and inescapable focus on the band. Wide awake, ST 37 reminds me of what could only be the bastard offspring of a whiskey-induced session with the Velvet Underground and the Stooges. As they rip through each number, my soul feels wrenched and twisted from its very foundation.

Something about this kind of droning sound, while overwhelming, still leaves me feeling empty of emotion. That feeling is like a toxic high that is unique to this type of droning sound. Lately, I’ve been adding bands that fall into this genre to my record collection. I like it in a sort of sick way and find an odd pleasure in it. It is cold and heavy and brings me to the forefront of reality.

It is only after ST 37’s solid act that I start to come down off the weird, distorted high. Luckily, this withdrawal is only temporary as my mate notices my imbalance and buys me a Lev to curtail the experience of absolute sobriety—what a lovely guy. The assistance of the lager sharpens my resolve and is thoroughly enjoyed just in time to watch The Moths. I’ve heard all sorts of things about these cats through the SLC music grapevine—all of it is good and well-deserved.

They describe their sound as rock noir—and believe me: If one had to sum them up, that label would be appropriate. The Moths blast through numbers like “Spellbound” and the danceable song “Yours To Kill” with notably assertive passion. Their frontman, Eli Morrison, comes across with spectacular charisma and a commanding enthusiasm. If not for the Moths wicked sound, Morrison’s ability would define the set.

When they launch into their dark, provocative and haunting rock n’ roll, I am immediately swept along by their passionate fury to the front of the dance floor. During most of the set, I am jiving and twisting with my partner like I am a puppet under some sort of dark and electrifying spell. When I am finally able to take a second to gather my bearings, it is clear that many of the souls present are gleefully infected by The Moths’ addictive and soulful rock noir. This is easily some of the most fun I’ve had in a while.

Acid Mothers Temple take to the stage—a welcome sight for a diversity of fans who have braved the lovely rainy weather to get here. They immediately blast their devotees with an overwhelming wave of distortion and, through this, captivate the room. Like puppets on strings the audience moves and sways to every heavy beat like they are possessed by the demons of deafening sound.

I find that Acid Mothers Temple are not an act that are conducive to the passive listener—rather, they are for those who want or need to be completely enveloped in the distorted, heavy, up-tempo mass of invasive psychedelic metal. They are so loud that I’m surprised the speakers didn’t explode from their sheer mind-numbing ferocity. Acid Mothers Temple continual buildup during each number keeps me hooked and, though each conclusion drops me for a second, leaving with a feeling of going cold-turkey, I am able to quickly be caught back up when they start another song on their set.

The conclusion of Acid Mothers Temple leaves me with a strong and persistent buzzing in my ears. I’m a pretty sure that what’s left of my mind has been fuzzed over by the sheer awesomeness of the last couple numbers. While walking in the rain feels refreshingly nice, I think that a nice cup of hot tea is in order to bring myself back down to earth, and then hopefully I can go back for round two.