Music
▼ Local Reviews
Local Reviews: Riverhead
I’ve known guitarist Michael Burgess for years, but if I had not looked at the band name, I’d never have guessed this gorgeous, fantastically dark pop album was a local product. Synthy trip-hop tracks like “Revolver” and “Protection” worm their way into your head and stay there for days. … read more
Local Reviews: Odetta
I was tuned in to this cut by a DJ friend and I am not quite sure I can ever look back upon inferior DJs. There is something about raw talent that just speaks volumes through the increase of volume when listening Cut & Paste Vol. 1 & 2. … read more
Local Reviews: NSPS
This six song, six music video, limited Record Store Day release is a thing of its own. With ups and downs and spring-de-loop noises topped with vocals that linger between talking and trying to sing, it’s an accomplishment to simply get through the album. … read more
Local Reviews: Mantra Monsta
This release starts off strong with a song that sort of sounds like a noise interpretation of Devendra Banhart’s “Fall,” but it quickly degrades into an unintelligible mess. For the most part, it sounds like something one would record with friends after getting drunk and playing instruments you are completely unfamiliar with. … read more
Local Reviews: The Love Astronauts
Oh, this album is a-hoppin’. Who knew ska could reach outer space! Well The Love Astronauts did of course, with ska-groovin’ keyboard and up-strokes followed by sax to trombone. … read more
Local Reviews: Lo-Fidelity
Jazz anyone? Hip Hop? I’m not talking about the norm mix here. I am talking about the good stuff, the stuff that really surprises you—it reminds you of how awesome music can be when approached with the right attitude (i.e. Ratatat minus the hype). … read more
Local Reviews: Junior Bellows
Ever since The Hold Steady took back the term “bar rock” from the 40 year old denizens of dive bars countrywide trying to score with blond meth-head versions of cougars, I have been struggling to think of a catch-all phrase that describes not only the venue where you are most likely to hear this unbearably bland rock ‘n’ roll, but also the crowd that would pay good money to be assaulted by this incredibly boring version of ZZ Top. … read more
Local Reviews: DropSideNine
There is some serious pain and anguish on DropSideNine’s debut EP. A Perfectly Orchestrated Breakdown definitely lives up to its name. The vocals on this record are mixed so high that it sounds like vocalist Brandon Larsen is sitting on my lap bouncing on my taters while the other member of the band, Scott Peterson, donkey-punches me. … read more
Local Reviews: The Devil Whale
In a year where many prominent SLC bands have either broken up or gone on lengthy hiatuses, The Devil Whale soldiers on, releasing a six song EP full of their strongest material to date. … read more
Local Reviews: Brian Bingham
Oh local artists, dare to dream! I don’t really buy into the notion that everyone dreams of being a rock star, yet far too many local artists seem to see themselves this way. Local singer/songwriter Brian Bingham seems to have been bitten by this grand illusion bug and instead of simply singing in his own voice, does that very annoying American Idol audition trick where he tries to sing as though someone else. … read more