SLUG Contributor Limelight
May 5, 2016
Contributor Limelight: Nick Kuzmack
Senior Staff Writer, Copy Editor
Nick Kuzmack is a man about town who’s written for SLUG since August of 2013. You’ve likely cut a rug at one of his lively, sock hop–style DJ nights where he spins vinyl as DJ Nix Beat, playing the best of vintage punk, rock n’ roll, glam, power pop, reggae, ska and soul. Kuzmack maintains a voracious appetite to listen to, review and write about the styles of music that he loves for SLUG and beyond. In this issue, you’ll want to read his Localized features about local punk bands The Nods and Jail City Rockers (pgs. 6–7), as well as his interview with legendary L.A. punk band X’s very own John Doe (pg. 34). What’s more, Kuzmack lends his sharp mind to the SLUG copy editing team. He’s a renaissance man of Salt Lake City, and we love having him on Team SLUG! You can dig all things Nix Beat at nixbeat.com.
Articles by contributor
Reviews: The Rich Hands – Out of My Head
This angst-filled power-pop coupled with bubblegum rock n’ roll is catchy and energetic. Bringing on memories of when pop was good, they reintroduce lyrical simplicity, while brandishing the snotty teenager attitude of a rock n’ roller. … read more
Review: Sites N’ Sounds – The Night is So Dark
Sites N’ Sounds = The JuJus + The Seeds + The Humans … read more
Review: BLAHA – Fresh Horse
Blaha = The Blind Shake + Dirty Fences … read more
Review: Zex – Fight For Yourself
Zex Fight For Yourself Magic Bullet Records Street: 10.01.14 Zex = Toy Dolls + Vice Squad Zex is the perfect example of UK82 punk rock in the contemporary form. Their album, Fight For Yourself, is 10 tracks that beautifully highlight the best 1980s street punk. However, Zex’s message of individuality and teenage rebellion are almost
Review: Wake Up Lucid – Gone With The Night
Wake Up Lucid = The No Tomorrow Boys + Nikki Sudden … read more
Review: Warm Soda – Symbolic Dream
Warm Soda = Shannon and the Clams + The Strokes … read more
Review: Wild Raccoon – Mount Break
Wild Raccoon = Thee Oh Sees + Rich Girlzz + Ty Segall … read more
Review: Will Sprott – Vortex Numbers
Will Sprott = Kurt Vile + La Luz … read more
Review: Western Star – Fireball
Western Star = Old 97’s + Pointed Sticks … read more
Review: Various Artists – Peru Bravo: Funk, Soul & Psych...
Peru Bravo = Jimi Hendrix + Los Shain’s + Steppenwolf + The Meters … read more
Review: Various Artists – Secret Stash Records Presents: The One-derful!...
The One-derful! Records Collection = The Five Du-Tones + Beverly Shaffer + The Sharpees + Wanda Davis … read more
Review: Twerps – Range Anxiety
Twerps = Portastatic + The Chills … read more
Review: Various Artists – The Rough Guide to Psychedelic Cambodia
The Rough Guide to Psychedelic Cambodia = Cambodian Space Project + Dengue Fever … read more
Review: Various – Don’t Think I’ve Forgotten: Cambodia’s Lost Rock...
Various Artists = Sinn Siasmouth + Ros Serey Sothea + Drakkar … read more
Review: Vaguess – The Bodhi Collection
Vaguess = Breakers + Nightmare Boyzzz … read more
Review: Various Artists – Ork Records: New York, New York
Ork Records: New York, New York = Richard Hell and the Voidoids + Television + The Idols … read more
Review: Various Artists – The Monsters: Burn in Hell
The Monsters: Burn In Hell = The Devils + The Failed Teacher + Sudden Infant + The Seniles … read more
Review: ToyGuitar – In This Mess
ToyGuitar = The Strokes + The Killers … read more
Review: The Wheel Workers – Citizens
The Wheel Workers = Joe Strummer and Mescaleros + Woody Guthrie … read more
Review: The Woolly Bushmen – Arduino
The Woolly Bushmen are a true diamond in the rough. They beautifully dance with snarling garage rock twisting with gritty blues tendencies. … read more
Review: Tony Molina – Dissed and Dismissed
Tony Molina’s solo project blends the powerful genres of power pop and hardcore and is being reissued into a tight, compact 12-minute album after its initial February 2013 release. … read more
Review: Trevor and the Joneses – There Was Lightning
Trevor and the Joneses bring back 1960s garage rock combined with the product of over 40 years of evolution in psychedelic rock n’ roll. … read more
Review: The King Khan & BBQ Show – Bad News...
The King Khan & BBQ Show = The Black Lips + Love + Black Flag + The Mummies … read more
Review: The Skints – FM
The Skints = Jimmy Cliff + Barrington Levy + Mikey Dread + The King Blues … read more
Review: The Rezillos – Zero
The Rezillos = The Revillos + The Boys … read more
Review: The Relationship – Oh Allen 7″
The Relationship = The Beat + Weezer + The Velvet Underground … read more
Review: The Sonics – This is the Sonics
The Sonics This is the Sonics Revox Street: 03.31 The Sonics = Little Richard + Barrence Whitfield and the Savages At last, after 49 years, the original garage punkers come back with their unique blend of R&B-influenced garage rock with their brand-new, recorded-in-mono-tone album, This is the Sonics. It appears to pick up where they
Review: The Newtown Neurotics – Triumph Over Adversity
The Newtown Neurotics = The Clash + The Ramones … read more
Review: The Jackets – Shadow of Sound
The Jackets = Shadows of Knight + The Satelliters + The Renegades
… read more
Review: The Outta Sorts – Self-Titled
The Outta Sorts = The Sonics + The Saints
… read more
Review: The Monsters – The Jungle Noise Recordings
The Monsters = The Sonics + The Jackets … read more
Review: The Pop Group – The Boys Whose Head Exploded
The Pop Group = Public Image Ltd + Gang of Four + The Slits
Review: The Terrorsurfs – Surf Bomb/Loco Dinosaurio 7″
The Terrorsurfs = The Phantom Surfers + Terrorsaurs … read more
Review: The Pop Group – Honeymoon on Mars
The Pop Group = Dennis Bovell + The Slits + Public Image Limited … read more
Review: The Monsters – M
The Monsters = Guitar Wolf + The Rippers + Sex Organs … read more
Review: The Sex Organs – Intergalactic Sex Tourists
The Sex Organs = The Jackets + The Anomalys … read more
Review: The Terrorsurfs – Zomboid Surf Attack
The Terrorsurfs = Dick Dale + The Cramps + The Phantom Surfers … read more
Review: The Outta Sorts – The Trouble With Love
The Outta Sorts = Question Mark and The Mysterians + The Stooges … read more
Review: The Schizophonics – Ooga Booga
The Schizophonics = MC5 + The Black Lips + James Brown + Little Richard … read more
Review: The Jackets – Be Myself/Queen of the Pill
The Jackets = The Seeds + King Khan and the BBQ Show + The Satelliters … read more
Review: The Rippers – A Gut Feeling
The Rippers = The Satelliters + The JuJus + Bo Diddley + The Jackets … read more
Review: The Revox – Talk About Her / Sick Of You
The Revox = The Sevens + The Dynamites + The Rippers + The Monsters … read more
Review: The Terrorsurfs – Mutant Surfin’ Trash
The Terrorsurfs = The Boys Ranch + The Phantom Four + Dick Dale … read more
Review: The Slow Death – No Heaven
No Heaven is a combination of fast, loud and angry Oi! music, with whiskey-soaked vocals, layered with dark, depressing lyrics. So, like the number “I Need A Drink,” I need to get myself a pick-me-up after this one. … read more
Review: The Grannies – Ballsier
The Grannies = Turbonegro + The No Tomorrow Boys … read more
Review: The CRY! – Dangerous Game: US Edition
The CRY! = New Town Animals + The Zeros + Biters … read more
Review: The Come n’ Go – Tumbling Heights
The Come n’ Go = Dr. Feelgood + The Jackets + The Gories
… read more
Review: The Coathangers – Nosebleed Weekend
The Coathangers = La Luz + Bikini Kill + Shannon and The Clams
… read more
Review: The Devils – Iron Butt
The Devils = Das Clamps + Brain Bagz + Guitar Wolf … read more
Review: The Blankz – White Baby/Sissy Glue 7″
The Blankz = Devo + The Epoxies + The Spits … read more
Review: The Forty Nineteens – Spin it
Blasting out with an ‘80s styled, pop-doused, garage-rock assault, The Forty Nineteens bring something different, yet very familiar, to the table. It is almost easy to overlook the notable tracks worth their weight during the initial listen. … read more
Review: Terry Malts – Insides EP
Terry Malts = Jawwzz!! + The Descendents + The Chills … read more
Review: Terminal A – Pacific Water & Power EP
Terminal A = Suicide + JAWWZZ!! + Joy Divison + Fossil Arms … read more
Review: The 24th Street Wailers – Where Evil Grows
The 24th Street Wailers = Wanda Jackson + Little Richard + Little Willie John + Lavern Baker … read more
Review: The Beatdown – The Beatdown meets Hugo Mudie
The Beatdown The Beatdown meets Hugo Mudie Stomp Records Street: 05.26 The Beatdown = The Clash + Rancid The Beatdown meets Hugo Mudie is a onetime collaboration between the Montreal ska group and Hugo Mudie (Miracles, Yesterday’s Ring). The resulting album is a perfect example of the fundamentals of reggae rock with a punky edge.
Review: Tess Parks & Anton Newcombe – I Declare Nothing
Newcombe = Patti Smith + The Brian Jonestown Massacre + Lydia Lunch … read more
Review: Sonny Vincent & Spite – Spiteful
Sonny Vincent & Spite = Barrence Whitfield & the Savages + Testors … read more
Review: Sonny Knight And The Lakers – Do It Live
Sonny Knight and The Lakers = Sam Cooke + Barrence Whitfield + St. Paul and Broken Bones … read more
Review: So What – Why Can’t I See You Tonight...
So What= The Equals + Giuda +Gary Glitter … read more
Review: So What – Hard Gum
So What = The Equals + The Jook … read more
Review: Steve Drewett & The Indestructible Beat – Disgraceland
Steve & The Indestructible Beat = T.V. Smith + Joe Strummer and The Mescaleros … read more
Review: Sonic Avenues – Mistakes
Sonic Avenues blasts out with a garage power pop twist that complements the legacy left by The Exploding Hearts rather nicely—they do an excellent job with poppy yet twisted, snotty distorted vocals that are coupled with a raw, ’77-influenced punk sound. … read more
Review: Sauna Youth – Distractions
Sauna Youth = The Epoxies + Cheena … read more
Review: Shannon and the Clams – Gone By The Dawn
Shannon and the Clams = The Shangri-Las + 13th Floor Elevators … read more
Review: Shopping – Why Choose
Shopping = The Slits + Tune-Yards … read more
Review: Seratones – Get Gone
Seratones = Alabama Shakes + La Sera
… read more
Review: Seafang – Motorcycle Song
Seafang = Baby Shakes + Dum Dum Girls … read more
Review: Shock and Awe: Glam Rock and Its Legacy, from...
Other points of interest from Shock and Awe are the exploration of the Theatre of the Ridiculous and late glam’s fascination with authoritarian themes. … read more
Review: Round Eye – Self-Titled
Round Eye = The Seatbelts + White Hills + Suicide … read more
Review: Radioactivity – Silent Kill
Radioactivity = Sharp Objects + Miscalculations + Death … read more
Review: Raccoon Fighter – Spiral Flag EP
Raccoon Fighter =T. Rex + The Beatles + Ty Segall … read more
Review: Royal Headache – High
Royal Headache = Noddy Holder + EZTV
… read more
Review: Radio Hearts – Tell You
Radio Hearts = The Buzzcocks + The Boys … read more
Review: Rolando Bruno y su Orquesta MIDI – Cumbia Reaction
Rolando Bruno y su Orquesta MIDI = Los Peyotes S.A + Jean Paul “El Troglodita” … read more
Review: Richard X. Heyman – X
Every track has the same folky, calming tone, with Heyman’s bastardized mix of Bob Dylan’s and Paul Wellar’s melodic vocals. One exception, “Compass,” is made up of heavier guitar riffs, and Heyman provides harsher vocals that make for harder pop rock n’ roll. … read more
Review: Rock n’ Roll Monkey & the Robots – Rocket...
Seemingly covering the basic aspects of rock n’ roll, this double EP, 45-RPM LP is a combination of pop and folk wrapped with surf rock, dashed with some punky attitude and concluded with Mersey-sound rock n’ roll. … read more
Review: Pimps of Joytime – Jukestone Paradise
Pimps of Joytime = Sly and the Family Stone + Curtis Mayfield … read more
Review: Prima Donna – Nine Lives and Forty-Fives
Prima Donna = The New York Dolls + Johnny Thunders and the Heartbreakers … read more
Review: Pointed Sticks – Self-Titled
Pointed Sticks = The Only Ones + Flipron … read more
Review: Oskar Buie – Bare EP
Oskar Buie = Eric Burdon + Muddy Waters … read more
Review: Peach Kelli Pop – Halloween Mask
Peach Kelli Pop = The Murmaids + The Teddy Bears … read more
Review: Pat Todd & The Rankoutsiders – 14th & Nowhere
Patt Todd & The Rankoutsiders burst out of Los Angeles with a fast-paced, country rock n’ roll styled with blues and folk mash-up. … read more
Review: New Kingston – Kingston City
New Kingston = Tribal Seeds + Barrington Levy … read more
Review: Night Birds – Mutiny at Muscle Beach
Night Birds = Sharp Objects + OFF! + Ramones … read more
Review: Newtown Neurotics – Pissed As A Newt
Newtown Neurotics = The Clash + Joe Hill … read more
Review: Motobunny – Self-Titled
Motobunny = Baby Shakes + Dog Party + The Detroit Cobras … read more
Review: Monotony – Self-Titled
Monotony = Cheena + Sauna Youth … read more
Review: Mike Love – Love Will Find A Way
Mike Love = Bob Marley + Soundgarden
… read more
Review: Los Crema Paraiso – De Pelicula
Los Crema Paraiso = Tears For Fears + Si*Sé + Pedrito Martinez Group + DC Fontana … read more
Review: LA Font – Hangtime Vol. 1 EP
LA Font Hangtime Vol. 1 EP Fleeting Youth Records Street: 04.23 LA Font = The Cute Lepers + Elvis Costello LA Font traverse the gray line of power pop and electric rock n’ roll with a display of wonderful ease. Their EP, Hangtime Vol. 1, cuts through the dull void of silence with a pronounced
Review: Los Manglers – Between Worlds
Los Manglers = Crocodiles + The Byrds … read more
Review: La Luz – Weirdo Shrine
La Luz = The Ronnetes + The Starlets + Haibibi + Lyn and the Invaders … read more
Review: La Sera – Music For Listening To Music To
La Sera = Vivian Girls + The Smiths
… read more
Review: La Femme – Mystère
La Femme = Kraftwerk + Suicide … read more
Review: Las Kellies – Friends & Lovers
Las Kellies = The Slits + Chin Chin … read more
Review: Las Kellies – Total Exposure
I’m not usually a big fan of the use of synth in music, but this mix of dub-influenced, groove-filled tunes is seductive to the ears and just damn good. … read more
Review: La Sera – Hour of the Dawn
Katy Goodman’s (Vivian Girls) third solo album under the name La Sera is uplifting and poppy, combined with a definitive Smiths-ian piece of brilliance. Warning: This album produces a strangely addictive sound that keeps one hooked from beginning to end. … read more
Review: John Brown’s Body – Kings and Queens in DUB
John Brown’s Body = Ticklah + Dubmatix + Dennis Bovell … read more
Review: Juan Wauters – Who Me?
Juan Wauters = The Beets + Jaime Roos … read more
Review: Jessica Lee Wilkes – Lone Wolf
Jessica Lee Wilkes = Jessica Hernandez and the Deltas + The Detroit Cobras … read more
Review: Jessica Hernandez & The Deltas – Telephone/Teléfono
Jessica Hernandez & The Deltas = Amy Winehouse + Tom Waits + Nick Waterhouse … read more
Review: King Khan – Murderburgers
King Khan = Bob Dylan + King Khan and the Shrines + King Khan and the BBQ Show +The Space Shits … read more
Review: Juan Wauters – N.A.P. North American Poetry
N.A.P North American Poetry is filled with beat poetry, combined with the radiant attraction of pop, dunked in folk. … read more
Review: Hookworms – The Hum
Hookworms = Rubella Ballet + X-Ray Spex + Siouxsie and The Banshees … read more
Review: Jacco Gardner – Hypnophobia
Jacco Gardner = Donovan + The Temples + The Nazz … read more
Review: Jello Biafra and the New Orleans Ranch and Soul...
Jello Biafra and The New Orleans Raunch and Soul All-Stars Walk On Jindal’s Splinters Alternative Tentacles Street: 05.12 Jello Biafra and The New Orleans Raunch and Soul All-Stars = The Animals + Ernie K. Doe + Jello Biafra + John Fred and His Playboy Band This live album is the result of a night inspired
Review: Jack Name – Light Show
This album is a toxic concoction of psychedelic, guitar-driven, experimental “adios motherfucker,” which needs to be experienced with full attention. The album tells a story that appears to be chaotic and complicated as it sifts through many genres. However, listening to the gems makes it bearable, like “Do The Shadow,” which is full of energy. … read more
Review: Future Nostalgia: Performing David Bowie
Shelton Waldrep’s Future Nostalgia: Performing David Bowie is a fascinating dissection of the man myth and legend that is/was David Bowie. … read more
Review: Ecosocialism: A Radical Alternative To Capitalist Catastrophe
Michael Lowy brilliantly proposes Ecosocialism as a viable alternative to the capitalist mess that has enveloped the planet and that threatens our collective survival. His explanation on how socialism is the system is wonderfully engaging. … read more
Local Review: The Moths – Necromancy: Rock-N-Roll
The Moths = Joy Division + Dead Boys + Killing Joke … read more
Local Review: The Ladells – Vamp
The Ladells Vamp Self-Released Street: 05.15 The Ladells = Giuda + The Stooges + The Velvet Underground In an explosion of heavy, fuzz-filled riffs and prominent beats, The Ladells have more than captured my attention. The Ladells have a sound that is a welcome ferocity of sultry angst inspired by the greats of proto-punk that is
Local Review: The Dog – Slow and Sweet
Slow and Sweet is a mix of everything from a little grunge to some bubblegum pop and vocals that sound like a gritty Marc Bolan. … read more
Local Review: Rich Girlz – He’s A Lover
Rich Girlz = Thee Oh Sees + The Parrots + Weezer … read more
Local Review: Rifamos – Fadista / Ay Te Watcho 7”
Rifamos = The Ventures + Spindrift … read more
Local Review: Monorchist – Memories to Kill EP
Monorchist = The Gits + Vice Squad … read more
Local Review: J.P. Whipple – Thinking of you…Staring at the...
J.P. Whipple = Slug Guts + Muddy Waters … read more
Local Review: Josh & Ian – Mystery Adventure Island
Josh & Ian = Thee Oh Sees + The Eyes
… read more
Local Review: Dead Bod – Self-Titled EP
You and everyone subject to your sound system should note and thoroughly enjoy the sheer, brutal and deadly brilliance of Dead Bod. This self-titled EP beautifully captures a contemporary form of the late-’70s L.A. punk explosion, which inspires nostalgia for the movement. … read more
Local Review: BRAIN BAGZ – God Hates BAGZ
BRAIN BAGZ = Dead Boys + The Stooges + Die Group … read more
Capturing the Moment with Michael Kunde
Michael Kunde is a professional commercial and advertising photographer based in Salt Lake City, Utah, with some of his clients being Adobe and Chrysler. … read more
Review: Gentleman’s Dub Club – The Big Smoke
Gentleman’s Dub = The Specials + Wasnatch + Christos DC … read more
Review: Ghetto Ghouls – Self-Titled
After surviving the brutal assault of “Peepshow,” I can see the subtle brilliance that makes Ghetto Ghouls something special. … read more
Review: Fashionism – Smash the State (With Your Face) EP
Fashionsim = The Boys + Tranzmitors + The Modernettes … read more
Review: First Base – You’ve Got A Hold On Me...
First Base = Rudi + Protex + The Beat + Ramones … read more
Review: EZTV – Calling Out
EZTV Calling Out Captured Tracks Street: 07.10 EZTV = The Only Ones + Twerps + Juan Wauters Sometimes, all one needs is the sweet, simple sensation of tunes that represent the uplifting, positive nature of something smooth and non-controversial. EZTV’s Calling Out has the sensibilities of calm 1960s pop, the soft punch of late-’70s power
Review: Faz Waltz – Move Over
Faz Waltz = Slade + Giuda + Taxi … read more
Review: Fashionism – Quit Looking At The Time
Fashionsim = Tranzmittors + The Cute Lepers … read more
Review: Ex-Cult – Negative Growth
Ex-Cult’s latest album, “Negative Growth,” hearkens back to the group’s post-punk-meets-hardcore roots and is complete with a fuzzed-out and sludgy sound. Boasting a sound with an almost unrivaled intensity, the group’s listeners can bear witness to a band that never fails to deliver. This new album is no less intense and incredible. … read more
Review: Ex Hex – It’s Real
Ex Hex is playing by their own rules. It’s Real maintains its own space with tight, cool rock n’ roll made of the bleeding heart of a tender soul. … read more
Review: EX Hex – Rips
EX Hex = Suzi Quatro + The Runaways + Giuda … read more
Review: Ex Cops – Daggers
Ex Cops = Ariel Pink + Lush … read more
Review: Downtown Boys – Full Communism
Downtown Boys Full Communism Don Giovanni Records Street: 05.02 Downtown Boys = X-Ray Spex + Black Flag Downtown Boys deliver a ferocious display of killer sax and some on-point, no-bullshit punk rock. Through their bilingual Marxist-feminist lyrics, Downtown Boys smash through a genre that is traditionally white and male. They’ve got an infectious energy that
Review: Dr. Boogie – Self-Titled
Dr. Boogie = New York Dolls + T.Rex … read more
Review: Dog Party – Vol. 4
Dog Party Vol. 4 Asian Man Records Street: 06.16 Dog Party = The Muffs + Baby Shakes The beauty here is the power that Dog Party blasts out behind their poppy simplicity. I mean, what’s not to like in an album that is shrouded in the innocence of punchy, heavy guitar riffs and ’90s-influenced punk
Review: Dismal Swamp Lords – Self-Titled
Dismal Swamp Lords = The Cramps + The Gun Club … read more
Review: Dick Diver – Melbourne, Florida
Dick Diver = The English Beat + Fleetwood Mac + Twerps … read more
Review: Destination Lonely – Death of An Angel
Destination Lonely= Brain Bagz + The Devils … read more
Review: Death – N.E.W.
Death = The Stooges + MC5 + The Who … read more
Review: Darlene Love – Introducing Darlene Love
Darlene Love = Joan Jett + Elvis Costello + Bruce Springsteen … read more
Review: D.O.A – Hard Rain Falling
D.O.A = Black Flag + The Meatmen + The Weirdos
… read more
Review: Crocodiles – Boys
Crocodiles Boys Zoo Music Street: 05.12 Crocodiles = The Jesus and the Mary Chain + The Zombies The first track on this album, “Crybaby Demon,” got me excited enough to listen to this ditty. With simple lyrics aside, it’s a wonderful blend of fuzzy garage with the ambience of some solid psychedelic rock n’
Review: Cult of the Psychic Fetus – Self-titled
Cult Of The Psychic Fetus= The Cramps + Bobby “Boris” Pickett + The Moontrekkers … read more
Review: Coeds – Thrill Me!
Coeds = La Sera + Seratones … read more
Review: Chris Wilson – It’s Flamin’ Groovy
The opening track, “All the Action,” bursts out with an upbeat rocking ballad, sung with wailing, western-styled vocals. “She Satisfies” follows with a heavy bass line and sick guitar riffs that no doubt take influence from Keith Richards. … read more
Review: Christos DC – Long Road
Long Road offers a soul-filled mix of jazz and downtempo reggae that is pleasant to the ears. … read more
Review: Cody Crump – Death EP
Cody Crump = Terminal A + The Cure + Joy Division … read more
Review: Cheena – Self-Titled
Cheena = The Dead Boys + The Jam + The Arkacis … read more
Review: BOYTOY – Self-Titled
BOYTOY drops this fuzzed-out, pop- alt rock into the laps of the dazed populace. This album plays through slowly and drawn out. The opening track, “Helluva Party,” is heavy and full of distortion. … read more
Review: Bob Dylan – Shadows in the Night
Bob Dylan = Bob Dylan … read more
Review: Biters – Electric Blood
Biters = The Boys + Sweet … read more
Review: Blank Realm – Grassed Inn
On one end, there is the dance of the psychedelic and electronica with a splash of synth that makes up most of the tracks like “Violet Delivery” and “Reach You on the Phone.” On the other end, there is the steady, catchy beat of “Falling Down the Stairs” that evokes a nostalgia for Echo and the Bunnymen. … read more
Review: Baston – Gesture
Baston = The Beach Boys + Wild Raccoon + Allah-Las … read more
Review: Barrence Whitfield & The Savages – Under The Savage...
Barrence Whitfield & The Savages Under The Savage Sky BloodShot Records Street: 08.21 Barrence Whitfield & The Savages = Wilson Pickett + Howlin’ Wolf + The Sonics After checking out Barrence Whitfield & The Savages’ last album, Dig Thy Savage Soul, I knew I was in for a treat when I saw Under The Savage
Review: Baby Shakes – Starry Eyes
Baby Shakes = Peach Kelli Pop + The Boys + The Undertones … read more
Review: Arrica Rose & the …’s – WAVEFUNCTION
Arrica Rose & the …’s = La Sera + Elysian Fields … read more
Review: Ausmuteants – Order of Operation
Ausmuteants = Gang of Four + D.I. … read more
Review: Andre Williams – I Wanna Go Back To Detroit...
Andre Williams = Andre Williams
… read more
Review: Ali Muhareb – Mujahedeen
Displaying proof of his musical flair, Ali Muhareb delivers his first solo album, Mujahedeen. Muhareb blends a layered, synth heavy, indie influenced psychedelic trip that is topped off by the combination of repetitive, fuzzed-out angelic vocals. … read more
Review: ¡Vamos! – Spiderbait
¡Vamos! = The Muffs + Ty Segall … read more
National Review: The Devils – Sin, You Sinners!
The Devils = The Jackets + The Monsters … read more
Hannah Williams & The Affirmations – Late Nights & Heartbreaks
Hannah Williams & The Affirmations = The Flirtations + Gloria Jones … read more
Localized: The Boys Ranch
As a group, The Boys Ranch share a wide range of influences. Everything from The Clash to bossa nova, from Prince to The Beatles whet their creative appetites. … read more
Localized: The Poppees
The Poppees breathe life into a new era of jangly indie rock by evoking a concoction of 1960s harmonious Monkees-esque tunes that warm their listeners with a fuzzy daze of sweetened-eggnog-induced psychedelia. … read more
Book Review: We Are The Clash
Authors Mark Andersen and Ralph Heibutzki take the history of the turbulent political struggles of the 1980s and combine with the legendary fall of The Clash. … read more
Inflammable Material: Jake Burns of Stiff Little Fingers
Celebrating 40 years of roots-radical anthems, Stiff Little Fingers are still going strong. In 2014, they released their 10th studio album, No Going Back, through Pledge Music, and toured alongside Bad Religion and The Offspring, with a followup solo tour in 2015. … read more
40 Years On with X’s Exene Cervenka
Ahead of X’s Sept. 8 40th Anniversary Tour stop at The Complex, Exene Cervenka reflects, “I think punk was a really important movement socially because it was about individuality, freedom of choice and expression.” … read more
Intra-Venus & the Cosmonauts: CLC Performers
Intra-Venus & the Cosmonauts twist together their influences to create quite the unique concoction of new wave and early, game-changing punk. … read more
Jet Rock n’ Roll: Blast Off With Guitar Wolf
“‘Jet’ is the word I like best in this universe. The explosive music with the thundering noise—like a jet engine—is what we want to play.” … read more
Punk Rock Bowling & Music Festival 2017
Punk Rock Bowling: where everyone is decked out in studs, leather and bristles. Here they come to congregate for a weekend of music-inspired debauchery. … read more
Where Are They Now? Cock Sparrer’s Colin McFaull and Daryl...
Before venturing down to the city of sin for Punk Rock Bowling & Music Festival, Cock Sparrer chat the relevance of punk 40 years on, the history of Oi!, recording Forever, Brexit and much more. … read more
Tinariwen, Dengue Fever @ The State Room 04.07
Tinariwen with the support of Dengue Fever was not a show to be missed. Both groups capture the aspects of music that require no translation. They perform with humility and with grace. … read more
Localized: Brain Bagz
Out of the ashes of Swamp Ravens are a force to be reckoned with: Brain Bagz. The members of Brain Bagz bring a wide range of influences to the band, most notably Midwest and Southern punk, black rock n’ roll and the blues. Catch them at SLUG Localized on April 20. … read more
Talking Pins & Needles with The Tailor Cooperative
Tailor Cooperative is ready to fit customers with a new, high-quality suit. Upon entering, clients will find themselves presented with various styles and colors of suits, jackets, ties and shirts that display their craftsmanship. … read more
Movie: Sad Vacation: The Last Days Of Sid and Nancy
Sad Vacation: The Last Days Of Sid and Nancy is hardly a new story to explore, and may only prove interesting to those previously uninitiated. … read more
Popping Up with Aggro 1969
This Saturday, Dec. 17, customers will be able to find a cool variety of clothing from Aggro 1969 at a pop-up shop at Velo City Bags. … read more
Coffee Garden: Defining 9th & 9th
Open in the spring of 1993, Coffee Garden has long been the staple of 9th and 9th along Harvey Milk Boulevard and continues to grow, keeping a loyal customer base and partnering with local coffee companies. … read more
Buffalo Trace Bourbon: A Step Up with Bar-X
There’s nothing quite like having a bourbon to sip on in a dimly lit cocktail bar. Luckily for the connoisseur of the finer things in life, Bar-X has just that—Buffalo Trace. Whiskey nuts and casual cocktail sippers alike will find that Bar-X is offering an experience that won’t be found anywhere else. … read more
Review: Lee Brilleaux: Rock ‘n’ Roll Gentleman
The story of the infamous pub rock/protopunk group Dr. Feelgood is really a tale narrated by the magnitude of Lee Brilleaux’s character. … read more
Review: The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension
The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension is a quirky watch but a must-see. It is overly silly, simplistic and utterly charming. No wonder it is deemed a cult classic. … read more
The Audacity of Radical Themes: Steve Drewett of Newtown Neurotics
Emerging during the second wave of the British punk revolution in 1979, The Newtown Neurotics were formed by frontman and guitarist Steve Drewett and boast songs that have openly radical themes commenting on equality, oil depletion, misogyny and unemployment, long before such rhetoric had made its way into mainstream discussion. … read more
Review: Antibalas–Live from the House of Soul
For this episode of Daptone Records Live from the House of Soul, the featured act is the afrobeat/funk/experimental group, Antibalas. … read more
Review: Charles Bradley & Menahan Street Band-Live From The House...
Live from the House of Soul featuring Charles Bradley & Menahan Street Band is the first part of a series of live concert videos. This one celebrates the tenacity of Bradley and the Menahan Street Band. … read more
Review: Lobotomy: Surviving the Ramones and Chelsea Horror Hotel
They are hopelessly like us with vulnerabilities, flaws and endless determination. Lobotomy: Surviving the Ramones and Chelsea Horror Hotel are must-reads. … read more
Punk Rock Bowling & Music Festival 2016
Photos courtesy of Tyson Heder If one were to choose to walk through the layered depths of the punk rock community, they should strive to find themselves wallowing in the heat of the Punk Rock Bowling Festival. The festival is held on a parking lot adjacent to Fremont, and its largely open space lacks cover from
Localized: The Nods
The Nods’ sound invokes the raw sensibilities heard on a Back From The Grave compilation that is mixed with a touch of psychedelia and topped with the raw power of ’70s Detroit punk. … read more
Localized: Jail City Rockers
The sincerity of Jail City Rockers stands out because they are approachable and always humble—traits one should expect from true punk rock n’ rollers. Jail City Rockers are the brothers Andrew and Gabe Bonilla, Aron Mikkelsen and the newly joined Gabey Spent, formerly of Duane Peters Gunfight. … read more
Diving Under the Big Black Sun with John Doe
Doe’s new book, Under the Big Black Sun, is filled with the rich personal histories from participants of the L.A. punk movement … read more
Lita Ford: The Queen of Noize
Living Like A Runaway takes readers through Ford’s life, both personal and professional. In it, Ford shows time and time again that she pulls no punches. It’s an attitude that very much defines her way of doing things, musically or otherwise. … read more
A Radically Relevant Declaration: Chatting with The Pop Group’s Mark...
On Feb.19, the Pop Group rereleased their phenomenal 1980 album, For How Long Do We Tolerate Mass Murder?, and the 1979 single, We are Prostitutes on their own Y Label, distributed through Rough Trade. These releases boast some of the best of The Pop Group’s signature expression of antagonistic post-punk that is influenced by funk, jazz and dub. … read more
Shannon & the Clams: Shake Rattle & Roll
If curious fans are feeling impatient for a taste of the raw rock n’ roll sound that defines Shannon and the Clams, they can get a preview of what is sure to be a brilliant show by dropping the needle on the trio’s new record, Gone by the Dawn. It’s a perfect album that narrates the longing of heartache while still being something one can groove to. … read more
Review: Girl In A Band: A Memoir
Kim Gordon, co-founder of the post-punk band Sonic Youth, has written a remarkable memoir that is both as humbly conversational as it is candid about some of the more sensitive issues surrounding her remarkable life. … read more
Review: Censorship Now!!
Censorship Now, the latest book by Ian F. Svenonius—best known for his membership in the hardcore punk band, The Nation Of Ulysses. … read more
Review: Dust & Grooves: Adventures In Record Collecting
Perhaps one of the ultimate ways to celebrate record collecting—apart from buying more records—is Dust & Grooves: Adventures in Record Collecting. … read more
Review: A Wailing Of A Town
I’ve got to hand it to A Wailing Of A Town for providing the excellent and essential, detailed oral history of San Pedro’s contribution to punk. … read more
Review: DEVO’s Freedom of Choice 33 1/3
This book details the significance of Freedom of Choice, the third album in Devo’s impressive catalogue and arguably their most notable. … read more
Dead Kennedys’ Fresh Fruit For Rotting Vegetables (33 1/3)
Michael Stewart Foley’s Fresh Fruit For Rotting Vegetables casts Dead Kennedys as a product of the darkness and seemingly hopelessness of the late 1970s. … read more
Top 5 Sock Hop n’ Roll Albums
Your hair’s lookin’ slick, your boots are greased and you’re ready to crash the 1955 Vince Lombardi High Senior Prom. These sock hop n’ roll albums of 2015 will have your teenage kicks all night long. … read more
Review: I Need A Dodge! Joe Strummer On The Run
Nick Hall’s I Need A Dodge! is a brilliant tale that documents the largely unexplored period of Joe Strummer’s escape to Spain during the fall of The Clash. … read more
Review: Dreams To Remember: Otis Redding, Stax Records, and The...
Mark Ribowsky weaves together a brilliant narrative that explores the rise of Otis Redding in conjunction with the essential establishment of Stax Records as a powerhouse that greatly influenced and made the ’60s Southern soul scene. … read more
Remembering Joe Hill: Songs of Agitation
As a songwriter, Joe Hill was the bard of the labor movement, and his death resulted in a long-lasting legacy of martyrdom within the labor movement. … read more
Night of the Living Dead Bod
Dead Bod capture a moment of punk history defined in L.A. between 1978 and 1983 and bring it back to light for the contemporary listener. It should not a surprise, then, that such a stunning delivery can only come from some of Salt Lake’s finest musicians. … read more
Review: Beale Street Dynasty
Beale Street Dynasty: Sex, Song, and the Struggle for the Soul of Memphis Preston Lauterbach W. Norton and Company Street: 03.30 Beale Street Dynasty is an essential and engaging book that goes into great depth about the glory, success and power of the black community of Memphis, Tennessee. Preston Lauterbach weaves a remarkable tale of
Review: The Saint – Seasons 1 & 2
The release of The Saint seasons 1 & 2 begs nostalgia for an age of highbrow gentlemen and pleasant intrigue. … read more
Nobunny @ Kilby Court 10.17 with The Nods and Breakers
Simply put, Nobunny is an act well worth the wait, but that’s how it is with groups that attain such a cult-like status. … read more
Riot Fest 2015
Arriving at Riot Fest 2015 in Denver, I can’t appreciate the certain irony of the “death before shorts” mantra that I live by. It’s hot as hell, and living by that code may, in fact, be the end of me. … read more
Rock n’ Roll, Love and Death: La Luz’s Weirdo Shrine
After procuring La Luz’s It’s Alive from Albatross Recordings and Ephemera, I took it home, dropped the needle and then soon began to uncontrollably gyrate to the surf-soulful sound of the first track, “Sure is Spring.” … read more
Tinariwen @ Urban 08.13 with JJUUJJUU
If I had to sum Tinariwen up from witnessing their performance, I would have to say theirs is a sound that describes and complements the word “beauty” perfectly. … read more
Review: Crate Digger: An Obsession With Punk Records
Crate Digger is an excellent, fun and engaging read. It is the story of Burrito Records’ Bob Suren’s life of collecting punk records, playing music, running a record store/label, and succeeding and failing. … read more
Rock Against Injustice! – Interview with Jennifer Mccoy
East High School art teacher Jennifer Mccoy has organized the Rock Against Injustice concert to raise money for workshops promoting the powerful combination of the creative arts and social justice. “The event is helping to fund extra money I need for a grant that I’ve applied for next year with … the Center for Documentary,
The Adolescents @ Urban Lounge 07.17 with The Weirdos and...
This evening holds a promise of excitement from two legendary groups who’ve helped build the foundation of punk—The Weirdos and The Adolescents. … read more
Jimmy Cliff @ The Depot 09.15 with Cool Jordan, Ethan...
As I am ever the hopeless-romantic, the iconic image of Jimmy Cliff as the outlaw Ivanhoe “Ivan” Martin with the ready, go stance with guns drawn plays into my love for the rebel. My true appreciation for Cliff began with seeing him star as an aspiring reggae artist who turns outlaw (Martin) in the legendary film Harder They Come. … read more
Jack Name: Interview with a Shadow
Having just completed his European tour, Jack Name (Fictional Boys, White Fence) was taking time off to hang out and give SLUG the ins and outs before embarking on his United States tour with Dent May. … read more
19th Anniversary of Trent Harris’ Plan 10 From Outer Space...
Utah Museum of Contemporary Art is putting on an exhibit celebrating the cult filmmaker Trent Harris, which is open free to public. The exhibit opened on January 17 and will run until April 26. Included in this celebration was the free screening of Harris’ sci-fi satirical interpretation of Mormon history, Plan 10 From Outer Space, followed by a book signing. … read more
Kid Congo Powers: The Rock n’ Roll Beat
Still an avid collector, Powers cites record collecting as essential to forming a band. He says, “I think you need some weight behind what you are doing—in a rock n’ roll band, that is.” He points out that by knowing the linage, one can see where other groups get their inspiration and how their language is created, like how The Stooges’ “Shake Appeal” is inspired by Little Richard. … read more
Kid Congo and the Pink Monkey Birds @ Bar Deluxe...
I would have to say it was easily one of the best rock n’ roll gigs I have ever been to. The music was solid and superbly well done. It’s going to be hard to beat this one. … read more
The English Beat @ The Depot 02.26 with Insatiable
The English Beat’s arrival onstage provoked considerable excitement. Wasting no time, they blasted out “Rough Rider,” “Twist and Crawl” and “Hands Off She’s Mine”—thoroughly enjoyable with a nice beat, the folks to the right and left of me swayed and twisted. During this I tried managing a combination of dancing, snapping some pictures and avoiding getting my nose smashed by the back of some wanker’s head. Such juggling acts are not feasible for long periods of time. … read more
The Rich Hands @ Diabolical Records 03.20 with Divers, Twin...
Diabolical/Albatross Records has carved out a much needed niche in Salt Lake City for the hip weirdoes to congregate. Not only does this shop have a top selection of records, but they put on some of the better gigs in town. Obviously I am no stranger to this hive of scum and villainy, but my reason for being here on this particular evening was something of divine inspiration. I was here on a mission from god to see The Rich Hands. … read more
The Black Lips @ Urban Lounge 03.31 with The Coathangers,...
To a thunderous welcome from their devoted audience, The Black Lips furiously launched into their set, opening with the garage rock number “Family Tree.” … read more
LA FEMME @ Urban Lounge 04.05 with JAWWZZ!!, Koala Temple,...
On any given night, one can expect something completely different to be put on at Urban Lounge. Tonight’s festivities could only be described as a sort post-punk, new wave dance party, put on with a certain bit of French flair, courtesy of La Femme, whose male members could be seen hanging around the venue in motorcycle jackets with their emblem painted on the back. … read more
Until The Violence Stops: Rape Recovery Benefit Show 04.18
In light of April being sexual assault awareness month, the best of Salt Lake City came together to help raise money for the Rape Recovery Center. Westminster College partly produced and financed the event, which was held at their the newly built dorm building, Westminster on the Draw, while organizations like Westminster’s V-Day Club and local businesses such as Raunch and Diabolical Records were sponsors. Local bands Barbaloot Suitz, Genre Zero, Bombshell Academy, Wildcat Strike and Juana Ghani took to the stage for the concert portion of the event. … read more
Ghetto Ghouls @ Diabolical Records 04.28 with Lorelle Meets the...
Thwarting all the attempts of curing my rock ‘n’ roll psychosis, I am lured to the most visited alleyway in Salt Lake City. It’s Monday night—I need music to feed my soul. … read more
Can You Dig La Peste? Interview with Peter Dayton
La Peste was perhaps one of the most underrated bands from the first wave of punk (1976-82). Though the single “Better Off Dead” has been long out of print, making it a rarity, it is being given new life. “Better Off Dead” is well worth any rock n’ roll fans’ attention, as it is a perfect example of the raw energy that punk unleashed on the unsuspecting world in the 1970s. … read more
Radioactivity @ Diabolical Records 05.05 with Suspicious Beasts, Murder Mystery...
I have again found myself at Diabolical/ Albatross Records. Again I am here to check out some of the coolest rock n’ roll gigs Salt Lake has to offer, as well as to tempt the lightening of my wallet. This place usually attracts a steady contingent of regulars, and tonight is no different. … read more
Punk Rock Bowling & Music Festival 2014
Punk Rock Bowling invites the positivity of the punk community, allowing everyone and anyone to see bands that they can knock off their bucket list. This festival invites a vast and diverse array of people influenced by this subculture. One can see skinheads, rockers, crust punks and of course the spiky hair punk rockers that make up the popular novelty postcards. … read more
Reggae Thursdays @ The Woodshed 06.12-06.13 with Tribe of I,...
Not to be deterred by the foreboding clouds hanging over Salt Lake City, I arrive at the Woodshed to observe the beginning of this summer’s Reggae Thursdays. Inside the atmosphere is joyful—everyone seems to know each other. Although I arrive early, the already present (and filing in) audience represents a somewhat diverse crowd. … read more
King Khan and The Shrines @ Urban Lounge 06.22 with...
Arriving early to the sound of James Brown playing over the speakers, I grab a beer and prepare for the church of soul to begin. Tonight’s preacher of the rock n’ roll gospel is the King Bama Lama Khan Emperor of RnB, aka King Khan and the Shrines. … read more
Allah-Las @ Urban Lounge 06.19 with Pest Rulz, Super 78
Allah-Las’s presence on stage invokes unanimous cheers from the assembled onlookers. They produce an aura that is calm and cool, giving their demeanor a sort of relaxed but charismatic feel. Their style incorporates a very vintage sound with clear influences of ‘60s rock n’ roll combined with the strong elements of psych-garage rock. … read more
Punk’s Dead? An interview with Director James Merendino and a...
The cult-like following behind James Merendino’s film SLC Punk! is somewhat legendary among those who participate or are even aware of the subculture. Even during my travels, whenever I mention that I live in Salt Lake City, two things are always asked. One—Am I Mormon, and two—is SLC like the movie? Needless to say it has become a classic. … read more
Punk’s Dead Concert Shoot With Indiegogo Fans @ The Complex...
Many have traveled from all over the states and even internationally to take part in something inspirational for punks. If anything, the showing of support proves that punk is not dead. Not even close. The camaraderie around this event is impressive to say the least. Even if this film is controversial for some, this gig helped put Salt Lake City back on the map for punk rockers. Exactly where it should and always be. … read more
Diabolical Records Celebrates Two Years
On July 5, Diabolical Records celebrates its second-year anniversary. Their existence in Salt Lake City has made a remarkable impact on the music scene—both as a record shop and the hottest new all-ages music venue. Diabolical Records first opened its doors at Granary Row in 2013 and quickly attracted a following, and after Granary Row
Prelude to Invasion: Questions for Another Ska Revival.
Blazing a checkered trail through North America, the Ska Revival Tour is about to land on the salty shores of Salt Lake City on August 6th. While ska music has not died out, this revival tour seeks to shine a spot light on an otherwise overlooked and perhaps under appreciated genre. … read more
Ex-Cult @ Kilby Court 08.16 with Zig Zags, Swamp Ravens,...
After the first number is concluded, he comes off stage, and approaches an audience member who has a joint in hand. Taking the little doobie, he glares at the spectator while taking a hit. Returning to the stage, Shaw shares his prize with the band. Very cool and charismatic with no fucks given, Ex-Cult jumps right back into where they left off. … read more
Cosmonauts @ The Shred Shed 08.15 with Beat Hotel, Breakers,...
The world seems to be going to hell in a hand basket with the greats getting one-way tickets out of here. To find some relief from these epic bummers, the path to temporary salvation seems to include finding a bar to crawl into or checking out a Rock n’ Roll gig. Luckily for me, I am able to do both. … read more
Roots, Radicals and Rockers: Jake Burns of Stiff Little Fingers
It’s been busy year for Stiff Little Fingers—they’ve completed their latest album No Going Back, toured the world, played the Rebellion Festival and are about to hit the salty shores of Salt Lake City as a part of Offspring’s “Smash 20th Anniversary” tour. How are things going for the gang? Well according to Jake Burns, “Fantastically well, actually.” … read more
Punk Rock Summer Nationals 2014 @ The Complex 08.26 with...
The Complex seems to have the edge when it comes to booking big-name punk acts. In the last year alone, Salt Lake has been graced by the likes of Adam Ant, Screeching Weasel—via the SLC Punk 2 film—and even Black Flag. Of course attending these gigs provides a hefty dent in the wallet, but it’s arguably worth the nostalgia, or in tonight’s case, a possible once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the legendary act, Stiff Little Fingers. … read more
Jessica Hernandez and the Deltas @ Urban Lounge 08.27 with...
This week has not been short of good gigs, having caught Stiff Little Fingers the night before, one might think that’s enough. But it isn’t. A month prior to tonight’s venture into the dimly lit venue, I looked up Jessica Hernandez and the Deltas via the Urban Lounge site. Thinking that a band having the name Deltas in it, they must be cool, I checked out their music video for “Caught Up.” My initial reaction was along the lines of “right, I know what I’m doing.” Though, I will confess to my eagerness to check this gig being somewhat considerable, as again I’m early and sipping my drink, waiting for the gig to kick off. … read more
Monorchist @ Diabolical Records 08.29 with Creature Double Feature, Coyote...
I’ve already spent 45 minutes listening to various 45s at Diabolical Records and I need to go into temporal exile from the lures of an addicting habit. My exile is brief—I come back to find that things are still not yet underway. But I find that the members of Monorchist are tailgating in the parking lot. After introducing myself, I am invited to join them in some pre-gaming before their big comeback gig. … read more
Uncle Acid and the Deadbeats @ Urban Lounge 10.04 with...
The month of All Hallows’ Eve has come upon us, and what better way to kick this off than to witness Uncle Acid and the Deadbeats blast out their fuzzed, psych-induced ’70s-style heavy metal that arouses nostalgia for the early years of Black Sabbath. … read more
Dum Dum Girls @ The Depot 10.17 with Ex Cops
Playing the Dum Dum Girls single “Pay for Me,” I was immediately hooked by the melodic-but-with-an-edge vocals provided by Dee Dee Penny. The following week, I decided that the only logical course of action was to check out their show at The Depot. As this is the only way one with a Blues Brothers mission-from-god-like enthusiasm for the addictive sound of rock n’ roll can proceed. … read more
Punk Rock Halloween 2014 @ Diabolical Records 10.31 with Chalk,...
Every party or night of heavy partaking prior to All Hallows’ Eve is a stepping stone to build the tolerance of the faithful for the ultimate celebration of horror-filled thrills and chills. By this, I mean the traditional celebration of paying respect to the great punk bands of years before by playing the devil’s music for Punk Rock Halloween. … read more
SLC Stands with Ferguson!
In the wake of the grand jury’s decision, the raw anger felt on account of this injustice has exploded back into the streets, and not just in Ferguson, but all over the United States. It is keenly felt in Utah, for a number of Utahns have also been on the receiving end of police violence. … read more
Shivery Shakes @ Diabolical Records 11.21 with Problem Daughter, Hard...
Venturing into a night characterized by the allure of downtown’s illuminating lights, I glide past the sprinkling of hip, art types who are coming out of the shadows for gallery stroll. My journey takes a sharp turn up the most-visited alleyway in Salt Lake City. … read more
Mean Jeans and Kepi Ghoulie @ Diabolical Records 12.05, JAWWZZ!!
Upon entering the shop, it is clear that the party has started, as Diabolical Records is a scene epic carnage, comprising a light display and the remnants of a piñata. The latter’s confetti guts and fake money innards are strewn all over the room. … read more
Salt Lake City Indicts the System: A Justice Rally for...
The decision by a Staten Island, N.Y. grand jury to not indict NYPD Officer Daniel Pantaleo on his use of a chokehold that resulted in the death of Eric Garner has furthered the raw outrage that is already greatly felt across the nation. … read more
The Activist Corner: Solidarity, Blockades and Agitation
The individuals that make up tonight’s cast are diverse characters who appear a bit disorganized. Among the groups I can identify are Black Bloc Anarchists and a guy holding a fishing pole with a doughnut dangling at the end. … read more
Diabolical Records Presents: BANDEMONIUM!
On Dec. 12, 2014, over 70 individuals—from different spectrums of the SLC/Utah music scene—signed up to be randomly selected to play in bands for Diabolical Record’s BANDEMONIUM. These new groups would be given two weeks to practice and strut their stuff for 10–15 minute sets of improvisation, music or whatever. … read more
Establishing a Relationship: Interview with Brian Bell and Nate Shaw
The Relationship’s origins can be said to go back decades to a fateful meeting between Bell and Shaw while they attended music school. Bell says, “I was a cafeteria lady and it was kind of at the height of the hair metal craze.” … read more
A Shadow in the Relationship
Though I have to ask myself what on earth, heaven or hell can raise me from my crypt this early on a January morning, I am keenly reminded by the adventure I am about to embark on that blends Almost Famous and A Hard Day’s Night into a 12-hour-plus extravaganza. … read more
Sleater-Kinney @ The Depot 02.10 with Lizzo, DJ Sophia Eris
For weeks, all forms of communication in the SLC music grapevine have chattered away about the most anticipated show of the year: Sleater-Kinney playing The Depot. … read more
St. Paul & The Broken Bones @ Urban Lounge 02.11...
Tonight’s adventure into the night is inspired by a promised soul salvation that runs on sleep deprivation and a long, caffeine-induced day. Luckily for me, the gospel of St. Paul & The Broken Bones is ahead and my spirit rises to the occasion through the consumption of Este’s gorgeously greasy pizza. … read more
King Tuff @ Kilby Court 01.28 with Breakers, Rich Girls
My journey to Kilby Court, from the heart of downtown SLC, is inspired by a certain persistence in the face of the bone-chilling cold. This trip is done on foot as some right bleeding bastard decided to remove the wheels off of my bike sometime prior to tonight’s gig. … read more
Cheap Girls @ Urban Lounge 03.10 with Restorations, Chris Farren...
Upon entering the Urban Lounge this fine Tuesday evening, I am struck by how deserted the venue is—minus some 12 or so heads hanging out in their respective groups. It does seem that the popularity of pop-punk may not be so popular tonight. … read more
Viv Albertine of The Slits: A Not-So-Typical Rebellion
Viv Albertine—the former guitarist for the post punk band, The Slits—has just had her memoir, Clothes, Clothes Clothes. Music, Music, Music. Boys, Boys, Boys. released through Thomas Dunne Books. It is a uniquely humble and provocative story that covers her perspective on a revolutionary era of punk rock music and culture that is usually dominated by a largely male narrative. … read more
Dengue Fever @ Kilby Court 04.10 with Melle, NSPS
Upon waltzing through what is a lack of pearly gates and straight into the merch area of Kilby Court, I spent—willingly, mind you, and ever conscious of it—my last $20 on the Dengue Fever–produced compilation Dengue Fever Presents Electric Cambodia cream vinyl. … read more
Acid Mothers Temple @ Urban Lounge 04.24
A perfect backdrop of charming, wet, dreary weather characterizes tonight’s performance. 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. … read more
The English Beat @ The Depot 05.21 with The Interrupters,...
Tonight is not the first time I’ve seen the English Beat and I’m certain it won’t be the last. Last year I covered their gig and I’m sure tonight’s show will not be a disappointment. I arrive at the Depot just in time to catch the Show Me Island set. … read more
A Wanderlust Invasion: Chatting with Zex’s Jo Capitalicide
If you thought punk was choking on its last breath, you would be very mistaken. At this very moment, there is an invasion blazing its way through the United States, and it’s centered around punk quartet Zex. Based in Ottawa, Ontario, Zex has begun making radical waves in the punk community through the release of their debut album, Fight For Yourself. … read more
Dig This: The Pyrate Punx
Keeping the spirit of punk alive and well, the Pyrate Punx are a force to be reckoned with. Fed up with a lack of decent, underground gigs coming through Utah, local punk rockers saw the potential to start the Salt Lake Pyrate Punx chapter. The SLC chapter formed, drawing from a wealth of experience and influences from other Pyrate Punx chapters around the globe, and has gained quite a reputation. … read more
Quintron and Miss Pussycat @ Urban Lounge 06.03 with Nots...
Due to an overeager anxiousness for tonight’s gig—and with nowhere else to go— I arrive way too early at Urban Lounge. Inside, the venue is largely empty with the exception of Quintron and Miss Pussycat getting their various props organized onstage. … read more
Shopping: Consumer Complaints
The release of Shopping’s debut album, Consumer Complaints, through Milk Records has captured the attention of yours truly. It’s got all the ingredients for brilliant and infectious political pop with catchy hooks and a unique post-punk sound that invokes nostalgia for the Slits. … read more
999 Ride: Chatting with Phill Faber and Nicholas Lotze about...
Out on any given Thursday night at 9 p.m.— through rain, sleet or snow—odds are you’ve seen an assortment of cyclists hanging about Coffee Garden at 878 E. 900 S. This large group of two-wheeled miscreants have been gathering here for almost five years with a simple mission.
Wienering The Record Industry: an Interview with Danny Gonzalez
Wiener Records—a subsidiary of the garage rock label Burger Records—is making radical waves in the music industry. For as low as $250, any artist can purchase 100 tapes with full-color inserts and access to Wiener Records’ promotional and distribution machine. It almost sounds too good to be true, but Wiener Records Head Wiener Danny Gonzalez says that the purpose behind the label is to “make everything much more accessible.”