Year: 2013
Local Reviews: Juana Ghani
If you enjoy a good tale, then you will definitely enjoy what Juana Ghani has done with their release, Shall We Live Forever. I found the CD best listened to after I read the accompanying novella, Kasojeni Bay, by frontman Brian Bonell. … read more
Local Reviews: Bullets & Belles
I have to say that this might be the best production of anything local I’ve ever heard, which would stand to reason, since while Bullets & Belles only formed last year, the members are all veteran musicians. This three-song EP is some damn catchy jazz pop, with stunning vocals, thoughtful lyrics and brilliant songwriting. … read more
Local Reviews: Funnel Vision
Here’s a fun little sack o’ goodies for ya: two CD-Rs, a cassette, a sticker and a mini-zine that chronicle the weird exodus of band members Stan and Karrie Boman as they fled cross-country following the massive tornado that wiped out their home in Joplin, Miss. in May of 2011. … read more
Local Reviews: Giraffula
Loop pedals and one-man bands are becoming more and more common these days. Though this fosters creativity by allowing any single person to experiment with a sound that was previously only attainable with a full band, it has brought with it the unavoidable, long and repetitive loops. … read more
Local Reviews: I Am The Ocean
Post-hardcore outfit I Am The Ocean have delivered a standout and unique EP with Overhead. Their sound is complex and innovative––and hard to pin down and describe. It’s more creative and far-reaching than other contemporary acts, and while it doesn’t hit the crazy, time-changing speeds of some prog metal acts, it carries the same artistic banner of natural experimentation and removal of genre boundaries to build a solid song. … read more
Local Reviews: Samuel Smith Band
You swore you would never listen to KBER. Samuel Smith Band, Salt Lake Soundcheck favorites, will make you repent your superiority. Recall, if you possibly can, some shit-forsaken rock quartet from the ’70s, with a white soul singer, bottle-neck guitars and Fender Champs cranked up to blues kazoo. Samuel Smith Band delivers these basic goods, combined with enough wit and funk to retain a sure sense of the here and now. … read more
Local Review: Chance Lewis
Chance Lewis portrays the wisdom and wit of an experienced emcee like Astronautalis. His influences aren’t obvious, but it’s clear he’s not afraid to represent the fact that he’s a white rapper living in Provo. … read more
Local Review: Charlatan
There isn’t much of an excuse for slacking in production anymore, with modern technology allowing the tiniest band to put out professional-quality demos—which is why it’s extremely painful when a band doesn’t put any effort into creating a listenable recording. … read more
Local Review: Drew Danburry
Danburry has shown us that he’s still in the music game, which is great news in my book! As a long-ish-time fan of Danbury’s, my only disappointment was in the short length of the new release. … read more
Local Review: Polytype
Polytype are aptly named, considering their heavily layered production of ambient noise. This album is hypnotic dream-pop with a moody touch. … read more