Music
▼ Interview
Ghost: Gathering the Black Masses
Ghost emerged in 2008, playing live shows clad in cloaks with their faces covered, their frontman adorned in a demonic pope outfit and skull-painted face. Speculation immediately came from fans and cynics: Are Ghost a gimmick, or something more sinister? In an interview with one of Ghost’s Nameless Ghouls, I attempted to unravel the mystery behind the band. … read more
The No-Nation Orchestra: An Interview with Stephen Chai
A staple of the local music scene, Stephen Chai has been involved in a wide range of influential musical projects, from Laserfang to Mammoth and Night Sweats. His latest project brings together a slew of talented local musicians and a handful of upbeat genres to create The No-Nation Orchestra. … read more
Suedehead: The Rhythm and The Groove
Formed just over a year ago, Southern California’s soul-pop pushers Suedehead are all about positivity … and dancing. “Our only real goal is to be productive and try and play good music,” says vocalist/guitarist Davey Warsop. “That’s what gets us off. That’s what matters.” If the band’s first three vinyl EPs—released on their own International Soul Rebel Society imprint—are any indication, they are certainly living up to Warsop’s stated goal. … read more
Watch Out Barbie, It’s Girl In a Coma
In a world where bleached blondes in heels singing high-fructose garbage are rapidly polluting the airwaves, Girl in a Coma is here to save us with a healthy dose of rock n’ roll. Though Girl in a Coma have the talent and drive to gain rock star success without a fairy godmother, the band’s propulsion into stardom is a true Cinderella story—a brown-eyed, guitar-clad Cinderella with an attitude, that is. … read more
The War On Drugs: An Interview with Adam Granduciel
After talking with The War on Drugs’ Adam Granduciel for about half an hour over the phone, I was left thinking, “Wow, what a nice guy.” The questions of mine that I’m sure he’s asked in every interview didn’t annoy him, he didn’t grouse about people handing him their demos, and he even invited me to play guitar with his band for one song when they come to Salt Lake (I’m taking him up on it). … read more
OFF! Interview with Keith Morris
The vast majority of punk rock legends are either dead or boring. Keith Morris is neither of these things. Morris’ new band OFF! takes punk back to its angry, simple roots, and in the process has raised the bar not only for Morris’ fortysomething comrades, but for punk rock musicians of all ages. I got the chance to speak with the dreadlocked one in advance of OFF!’s performance in Salt Lake City this Friday, October 7. … read more
Bubblegum Thunderstorm: Spell Talk Crackles and Booms
I barely beat the rain as I roll into an open garage where drummer Sammy Harper of Spell Talk shoots a game of pool on a worn down table. Bassist Jared Phelps shuffles about while guitarist Andrew Milne lounges on a couch next to new member and rhythm guitarist Elle Rasmussen, who quietly smokes a cigarette. The quartet is like a calm set of siblings on another stormy day, but they keep a loud secret in their pockets: a physically engaging album that will have you ready to stomp your feet and holler along with the band’s newborn thunder. … read more
Immolation
Immolation has been at their craft since 1988, brutalizing death metal fans and pushing not only the American extreme metal scene into new territory, but the world scene as well. They’re a band often emulated and praised, but the relative obscurity of their music has lent them to be described by their fans and critics as underrated. Immolation is headlining a show in Salt Lake City, Oct. 20 at the Complex—It’s the first time they have been in town since the mid-’90s.
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More Heart than Talent: NeverNever Refuses to Say… Well, You...
“Some really gnarly things happened to this band,” says drummer Gavin Hoffman, gently twirling his sticks. “Things I wouldn’t wish on anybody.” It’s dim here at NeverNever’s practice space, and I’m hoping my eyes will adjust. For a band that’s endured as much upheaval, tragedy and general misfortune, it’s a wonder that they’re back at all … let alone on speaking terms, in the same room together. … read more
The Country Side of Life
He may not look like he belongs on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry, but after years of pioneering the psychobilly genre here in America, Tiger Army front man Nick 13 has taken some time to diverge from the world of fast-paced, hard-charging rock n’ roll to refocus his talents on country music. Elegant in its delivery and colorful in its tones, the self-titled debut sounds like it was created by a talented veteran of country music. … read more