Authors: Nate Housley
Making Some Paper Noise: Potter Press at Alt Press Fest
Paper Noise, a zine published by husband and wife duo Nick and Erin Potter, is the latest manifestation of the adventurous, collaborative spirit behind their Potter Press. Starting from the traditional DIY aesthetic of a zine, but adding more sophisticated design and printmaking techniques, Paper Noise is a showcase for writers and artists who submit works inspired by mixtapes Nick curates. … read more
Parade: Prism of Experience
Watching the trailer for Parade, the first feature-length film from writer-director Brandon Cahoon, one gets a sense that something unspoken is behind the spare dialogue, stark scenery and no-frills cinematography, animating the film in a magical way. Talking with Cahoon, I learned that intersecting with the film’s coming-of-age story is the patience of a mature filmmaker, the generosity of a small town and the mystery and melancholy of the desert. … read more
Local reviews: Chris DeVito
Opening track “No Sense of Rhythm” starts this album off promisingly with propulsive drums and taut New Wave guitar, culminating in an arena-era Police-esque chorus. Considering Chris DeVito learned drums to record this album, it’s impressive how percussion-centered the album is. … read more
Local Reviews: Exer Ovu
Exer Ovu, the acoustic music project of Derek Griffith, uniquely combines the energy of acoustic punk with the flamboyance of freak folk. Griffith has an expressive voice that he uses mostly to good effect, notably on opener “You’re Making Me Nervous,” a minute-long blast of hoarse four-chord punk. … read more
Local Reviews: Parlor Hawk
Hoarse & Roaring is an impeccable record, but whether that’s a good thing depends on the listener. On one hand, Joshua James did a great job producing (and apparently inspiring the band’s sound). The downside is that this album sounds like the equivalent of that guy at a party who looks like he spent a little too much time on his outfit—it makes me suspicious. … read more
Local Reviews: One Strike One Rise
Bring it Back in Me is meandering, rote dirge rock. The band, at its most successful, recalls the gothic country of Songs: Ohia. At its least successful points, the vocals sound one take away from being finished, and there’s a flute needlessly warbling all over the track. … read more
Local Review: The Devil Whale
There’s nothing not to like on the Devil Whale’s sophomore release, Teeth. Once again, the SLC favorites put out a disc full of pleasant but knotty country-rock. Brinton Jones’ vocals are expressive but unassuming, and the production has just the right amount of polish. … read more
Local Reviews: Illegal Beagle
Illegal Beagle get points for incorporating second-wave ska and not exclusively playing third-wave ska, but the songs are grating and the recording is sloppy. Considering third-wave ska still sounds hopelessly dated, only first-wave ska could have compensated. … read more
Local Reviews: Nick Neihart
Local folkie Nick Neihart hits a range of acoustic touchstones, employing his falsetto artfully on “Free as a Chain,” but also sounding just at home in the rougher, rootsy “Somewhat of a Loser.” … read more
Land of Talk w/ Suuns @ Kilby 09.26
Saddle Creek band, Land of Talk and Suuns, both from Montreal, stopped by Kilby Court to play to a somewhat small, but devoted crowd. There was no local opener, so Suuns went on around 8:00.