Music
SLUG Magazine’s collection of reviews covering the latest and greatest of Utah-based music, covering all varieties of genre, style and type.
Local Reviews: Birthquake!
In many instances of math rock, the progressions can feel forced. The beauty of that music is its subtle tension. There’s a comfort to the cascading riffs and staccato rhythms. These guys feel utterly at home in their musical space, which is fitting, as the three members are brothers. … read more
Local Reviews: Bears on Parade/Everywhere
Although I don’t find the music incredibly interesting, I love this split on principle. Insert a Plug into a Socket is a DIY, hand-dubbed, tape-only release with typewritten j-cards and a rattlecan colored cassette shell. Now don’t get me wrong—these bands are excellent at what they do, but there’s only so much of this drifty, ambien(t) music I can take before I nod off into a content slumber. … read more
Local Reviews: Shift & Shadows
Shift & Shadows are another local band that can’t quite decide who they are musically. Self-described as “indie funk rock” on their Facebook page, their music is at times both funky and rock oriented, while vocally and lyrically they are severely malnourished. … read more
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