Local Music Singles Roundup: March 2025
Local Music Reviews
Friends, Utahns, country-whatevers, lend your ears to the high reigns of this month’s Local Music Singles Roundup! It takes determination and self-discipline to get where you are, so why not treat yourself? Lay down your crown and spearhead your way through a fair share of metal, grunge, R&B and… gorecore?
Bonegetter
“Sore”
Self-Released
Street: 01.20.25
Bonegetter = Eyehategod + Clutch
Bonegetter has mastered the ultimate fusion of sludge metal and grunge with their debut in the Salt Lake music scene. “Sore” is the first song from their debut demo Dead Grass. This single embodies feelings of angst and triumph, infringing on one’s inner psyche as it stirs up a cascade of emotions through its sound. It begins with a low energy tempo accompanied by soft guitar strumming. The switch is palpable with its ascension to a more progressive rhythm followed by the chorus, which demonstrates a dynamic shift change. Bonegetter’s ability to demonstrate anger and sorrow through the many vocal variations on the song is a talent in itself. “Sore” is the perfect song to throw on for a gloomy Sunday or anytime you’re feeling down. Their harmonic melody has the ability to channel wistful thinking and a somber conscience. Go check it out! —Litzi Estrada
Chac Xol
“Nopal”
Self-Released
Street: 01.06.25
Chac Xol = Zoé + Faye Webster + Mojave 3
Two years after Salt Lake City’s third-most-streamed track was an Eslabon Armado and Peso Pluma song and a year after Bad Bunny’s stop in Utah was the Delta Center’s highest-grossing single-night concert of all time — one of 2025’s most promising local artists is Chac Xol, who recently released his Spanish single “Nopal.” With influences from American and Mexican folk music in the instrumentals, the track’s rich blend evokes the Southwest with a hint of dreamy shoegaze. Tackling complex cultural nuances in the storytelling, Xol confronts fair-skinned and problematic “güeros” who still play into harmful colonial ways of thinking and use anti-Indigenous slurs. Reclaiming the phrase “cara de nopal,” Xol’s resilient and self-referential nopal (cactus) triumphantly features an eagle perched atop — providing a symbol of Mexican pride that does more than celebrate his culture, challenging it to be better. —Arthur Diaz
Gracemaker
“Charm”
Self-Released
Street: 01.17.25
Gracemaker = Pissed Jeans + Mannequin Pussy
Gracemaker’s new single “Charm” is a bone rattler that shakes the listener to their core. “To the back of your neck / To the back of your neck,” lead vocalist Nicholas Bat yells out to open the track. He is exactly right. “Charm” hits you in the back of your neck, at the top of the spine where the nerves begin. “I know the worry well,” Bat sings. “Ask the scales while they’re tipping / And which side’s gonna take all the weight.” The two sides seem to be isolation and desperation, the dark cloud or the shock collar. With “Charm,” Gracemaker tries to find that steady balance. Along with Bat, Gracemaker consists of Darren Watts (bass, vocals), Matt Wiley (guitars) and Chris Garrido (drums). The band provides that hardcore punch of crushing and crunching guitars that take off on beautiful relentless runs with a rhythm section as solid and forceful as a cinder block to the face. With this track, Gracemaker ratchets up the perfect kind of charm. —Russ Holsten
Lysergic Embalmment
The Horrors of Reality
Self-Released
Street: 01.28.25
Lysergic Embalmment = Necrambulant + GWAR x LiveLeak √ Russian Sleep Experiment
There are very few tracks that have made me physically sick through growling squalls and literal putrefaction. Unfortunately, I now have four. The Horrors of Reality breeds that sort of gorecore repetitiveness that could riddle goosebumps to any listening prey. However, to have an almost allergic reaction to the four-song EP was unexpected. First came the neck cramps with the brutal muffles of drum kits and cheese-grated guitar grinds through my car speakers. Then the headaches creeped in, like Leatherface himself was trying to pull start a chainsaw on my temples. Next thing you know, it’s a smarting attack to the frontal cortex, exasperating all senses with the ornamental burn consistent with the Red Asphalt drivers education films and Rockstar Games’ Manhunt. Grab a barf bucket and a mop! —Alton Barnhart
Vape Plug
Pixie Curb Stomp
Self-Released
Street: 10.16.24
Vape Plug = Ashbury Yacht Club
What’s not to love in the world of egg punk? Furthermore, what’s not to love about Vape Plug (formerly Ashbury Yacht Club)? From the samples of 1998’s The Big Lebowski on the track “Bye Bye” to the unchained guttural screams from lyricist and vocalist Andrew James Tassell, this group has a lot to offer fans of unconventional punk and hardcore. Readers may remember that I reviewed their track “Stumble (Hey Th0t)” some months back. These two new tracks on this EP ditch the low-down grooving guitar on that previous single for a blistering and hyper-compressed approach that sounds like a VHS tape of the band performing from the bottom of a well. As always, I look forward to what this group can create with their signature sense of humor and undeniable talent. —wphughes
Violet Helm
“Full House”
Self-Released
Street: 01.31.25
Violet Helm = Rihanna + Fergie + Brandy
Written, produced and performed by Violet Helm, the track “Full House” is a pop song with some electronic and dance influences. The hip-hop beat carries throughout the track, highlighting Helm’s smooth vocals. Her melody and rhythm are soulful and bring the track to life. Along with the lyrics, the chorus is catchy and makes for a great song to sing along to in the car. With some early 2000s pop and R&B influence, the single is reminiscent of Alicia Keys. “Full House” leans a bit more towards pop, which reminds me of Ariana Grande’s vocal performances. The electronic music mixed with the acoustic guitar makes the track more than just pop, elevating it to more hip-hop dance. If you want to dance, check out this song on Bandcamp! —India Bown
Read more Local Music Singles Roundups:
Local Music Singles Round Up: February 2025
Local Music Singles Round Up: January 2025