Year: 2014
Local Review: Sparx – Ignition LP
Despite being personally convinced that most people try to make electronic music just to be able to say they do—if I hear “Hi, I’m a DJ” one more time I may scream—there are exceptions when someone can legitimately produce something worth listening to a few times, which is the case here. … read more
Local Review: Sights – Sonder
Sonder is a great improvement on Sights’ still pretty great debut EP, Mammoth. From a pure songwriting perspective, I think these guys are catching up with Eons (R.I.P.) in the race for who can put out the best post-hardcore music in Salt Lake. … read more
Local Review: Socialists – Self-Titled LP/Hasta La Rock EP
Now here’s a couple of good, old-fashioned leftist punk rock releases, by local band the Socialists. You might want to call this group more of a “collective.” They are true to their beliefs enough that they include “Praise Boss,” with lyrics by the Australian IWW from the early 1900s and “This Little Scab” with lyrics by the Chicago IWW and Local 329 SEIU. … read more
Local Review: Rotten Musicians – Rotten Musicians Turn Into Escaped...
Almost every short two-minute track starts with an intro about newly morphed zoo animals that vaguely reminds me of Deltron 3030, followed by simple loops, synth sounds and a super catchy hook in “MaMMals.”
… read more
Local Review: Scalps – Serenades Of An Abomination
We’re not talking dandruff shampoo here. Scalps is assuredly a reference to those bloody spoils of war—a perfect mascot for the music this band makes. … read more
Local Review: Sam Page – The Slog in Uncertainty
Sam Page The Slog In Uncertainty Self-Released Street: 05.01 Sam Page = Pixies + Placebo + The Red Hot Chili Peppers The blind passion and talent for melody that came out of the early ’90s summarizes this album completely. The fact that it’s the brainchild of a Utahn just makes my music geek heart sing.
Local Review: Rise In Style – Self-Titled
This six-song album has notes borrowed from a variety of alternative rockers. Opener “Do Away” is a hopeful anthem that strokes the edge of Angels and Airwaves without the excessive reverb. “Revival” has a post-hardcore, At the Drive-In feel, though without as much edge. … read more
Local Review: Regurgitated – Pieces
Regurgitated is only a one-man project (though he’s assisted by session musician Adrian Gallegos), which is surprising, because with my time spent listening to Pieces, it almost sounds like I’m listening to a full band. … read more
Local Review: Richard Tyler Epperson – Hourglass
This mix of often sweet-sounding acoustic guitar and multi-layered instrumentation is definitely pop-radio ready. … read more
Local Review: Replica Mine – Three Noble Truths
This album is split into three parts: Existence, Cause and Cessation. Incorporating both industrial and earthy sounds, Adam Harmon creates a rich and eclectic texture. The vocals have the grungy, distorted edge of the early ’90s, which contrast the earthy tones of the guitar and bass. … read more