Year: 2013
Local Reviews: Dustin Christensen
Christensen, the former lead singer of Provo-based indie group Jerrytown, finally put together his much anticipated solo album Highway Lines, with hopes of capturing the audience of old and new indie fans. … read more
Local Reviews: ESX
“Had a thing for a girl named Annie … Found out she was a tranny…” begins the debut album of SLC locals, ESX. Crystal Pistol, sexy lead singer extraordinaire, coos, growls, chats and sings over the fast-paced beats, bouncy bass and catchy keys. … read more
Local Reviews: Jimmy Hack Up
100% Illegal is the new sound collage project by local art-faux leader, Xkot Toxsix, AKA Jimmy Hack Up. The most recognizable selections sampled: The Cure’s “10:15 Saturday Night,” Depeche Mode’s “Dreaming Of Me,” Angry Samoans’ “Lights Out” and Nitzer Ebb’s “Murderous.” The skill of layering these samples, and mixing and mashing them together is spot-on. … read more
Local Reviews: The Jingoes
I remember seeing the Jingoes open for Mike Watt a few years back at Bar Deluxe. What I liked about them continues to make me nod my head as I listen today. This is a seriously great band. … read more
Local Reviews: MAD MAX
A hip hop record that uses all-live instrumentals usually falls to one end of the spectrum: either really awesome or really bad. Combinations of rock music and hip hop are even less reliable—certain elements of live rock seem to clash with some of the other components of hip hop, like clear vocal delivery and danceable rhythm. … read more
Local Reviews: Palace of Buddies
Salt Lake is lucky to be home to these experimental, shoe-gazing badasses. Taking a turn from their first album, which was more rock based, Summertimes has an electro-pop, retro feel—heavy on seductive bass lines and salivating keyboard. … read more
Local Reviews: Riksha
Longevity in local artists is somewhat uncommon. I remember hearing about Jesus Rides a Riksha back when I was in high school and my brothers were going to the University of Utah. They were members of a fraternity that had the band play at one of their parties. Strangely enough, Night Begins is my first instance in actually hearing the band. … read more
Local Reviews: Starmy
If you have been living in a cave and don’t know shit about local music, Starmy are Salt Lake legends. When I first moved to Utah, I remember seeing them often and thought, ‘Man, if these dudes weren’t wasted they would fucking kick ass.’ Well guess what … They’re probably still drunk, but they sound soooo fucking good now. I caught them at Urban a while back after a year or more of not seeing them, and they were top-notch. … read more
Local Reviews: Lake Mary
I picture this band being a group of gangly, quiet 17-year-olds. Their five song acoustic EP evokes youthful and tender feelings, while at the same time feels a bit underdeveloped. … read more
Local Reviews: Levi James Lebo
It’s always a pleasant surprise to see a musician step out of their comfort zone and take a risk with something new, even if it’s just for themselves. That very scenario made Autography a heartwarming listen, as the usually heavy and screeching guitarist Levi James Lebo (of White Hot Ferrari fame) took to the keys and recorded this full-length album of ambient piano and chamber music. … read more