Show Reviews
The Bouncing Souls @ In the Venue with The Menzingers...
The Bouncing Souls really did take me back to the place where music was the most important thing in my life. It was exactly what I wanted out of a Bouncing Souls show. I was stoked to see so many young kids at the show who were just getting into the band. Angst and anger are a big, important part of punk rock, but The Bouncing Souls represent the part about punk rock that’s all about enjoying your life and the people that are in that. … read more
Aesop Rock @ In the Venue 07.23
Before the king himself took the stage, a team of intimidating bouncers pushed people around until there was a path for him to walk through. It was hot as balls in the room and bumping with fans. Finally, the trio—Aesop, DJ Big Wiz and Rob Sonic—appeared and everyone got their hands in the fucking air. … read more
Dirty Projectors @ In the Venue 07.21
Here’s a fun fact: In The Venue opened doors a full hour before any music started, so show attendees got plenty of time to stand around looking hip or whatever. There were a lot of chicks wearing glasses and mom jean cut-offs, which made me think about how funny Portlandia is, and I was hoping that this show proved to be worth it, because I could be at home watching hilarious hipster satire. As fate had it, the evening redeemed itself and I was even able to celebrate at the end with Mexican food. … read more
Junior Rocket Scientist @ Kilby Court with Cerulean, Shades, The...
When Junior Rocket Scientist took the stage, they came with the most unique sound of the evening. There were three guitars, a drum kit, keyboard and an electric violin. The vocalist on violin shouted with veins bulging. … read more
Naysayer @ SLC Foursquare Church 07.19
The best thing about all-ages hardcore shows isn’t the moshing. It’s not the contrived feeling of male camaraderie and it’s not the chance to shout along to a butchered Chain of Strength cover. No, the best thing about all-ages hardcore shows is the simple fact that six legitimate bands can play full sets, and the passive observer can still be home in time for 10 PM Simpsons re-runs and a hot bath before the following work day. … read more
JP Haynie, Mooninite, Ben Best @ Kilby 07.12
Concluding the night with songs from his new LP, The Sand, JP Haynie was joined on stage with bandmates Nate Housley on bass, Greg Wilson on guitar, Danny Orme on drums and Denny Fuller on the trumpet. … read more
Teen Daze, Beat Connection and White Arrows @ Kilby 07.18
Teen Daze evinces the same sort of tactile relationship with his equipment as does a guitar player as he fiddles with the knobs, a coy simper on his face. … read more
She’s A Lady Fest: 2012 Edition @ Free Speech Zone...
I am happy to announce to you Salt Lake City dwellers that a community of extraordinarily talented female musicians surrounds us. This years Lady Fest at the Free Speech Zone showcased an exciting variety of such local artists. … read more
Liars @ Urban Lounge with Cadence Weapon
Then, like a splash of hot oil in the face, we were hit with the caustic surf guitar and cymbal crash of Sisterworld’s “Scarecrows on a Killer Slant.” The crowd members immediately started slamming into each other as our long-forgotten punk instincts took over, and the band took advantage of our heightened energy as they moved into the dance-punk club banger, “Brats,” from WIXIW. It was as if the Liars from 2001 met the Liars from 2012 and made a song together—too bad nobody knew how to dance, because this would have been the time for it. … read more
Fitz and the Tantrums @ The Depot 07.03
After spending a night with Fitz and the Tantrums, I realized that when artists take a quintessentially American music staple like soul and douse it in Los Angeles swagger, I get all gushy about living in a country that makes this brand of awesome possible. … read more