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Local Review: Johnny Betts – There Are No “A” Sides
Johnny Betts unfolds stories like sermons (with the preaching sucked out), using figures from Christian mythology in his lyrics. “There Are No ‘A’ Sides” contains love, loss, God and stories from the good book. Homegrown and emerging, Betts is a soon-to-be favorite. … read more
National Music Reviews October 2016
SLUG reviews Jenny Hval, Marching Church, Danny Brown, TOY and more. … read more
Local Review: Max Pain and the Groovies – Ancient Grease
Max Pain and the Groovies is a psychedelic garage rock band that is the embodiment of the local music scene in SLC. You’ll find them at any and every venue, kicking back beers and jamming front row for fellow artists. Staying true to themselves, Max Pain’s newest album, “Ancient Grease,” is essentially about partying: an album that is both light-hearted and dark, leading listeners through the collective world of its five bandmates. … read more
Local Review: Soft Touch – Self-titled
Soft Touch’s newest, self-titled album is much more accessible and danceable than their last album, “Touch.” With newer, dancier vibes, “Soft-Touch” is an album you’ll want queued up for your fall music playlist. … read more
Review: Marching Church – Telling It Like It Is
“Telling It Like It Is” bleeds with a modern civility that seems to be pushing its way into our young, animal minds; growth pains for the self-aware, and if it hasn’t been felt before, this album is an insight into what it’s going to feel like. Marching Church brings you into this world through messages, powerful lyrics and an alienated feeling. … read more
Review: Ex-Cult – Negative Growth
Ex-Cult’s latest album, “Negative Growth,” hearkens back to the group’s post-punk-meets-hardcore roots and is complete with a fuzzed-out and sludgy sound. Boasting a sound with an almost unrivaled intensity, the group’s listeners can bear witness to a band that never fails to deliver. This new album is no less intense and incredible. … read more
Review: Black Marble – It’s Immaterial
Adding more exploratory West Coast vibes to their music, Black Marble’s newest album, “It’s Immaterial,” is one that is neither overbearing or chaotic. It exists on an industrial music landscape that leaves room for listeners to not only experience the finished product but to become acquainted with the creative process as well. … read more
Bloodshot Bill: A One-Man Riot
“I just think of myself as the human jukebox, just a noise-making, and hopefully, you like the noise I make,” says Bloodshot Bill. Hailing from great Montreal, Bill has been raging on the rockabilly scene since ’98—and this October, Bill will light up the stage in Salt Lake City and Ogden. … read more
Localized: Burn Your World
Join SLUG at Urban Lounge on Oct. 26 for our Localized show—which will feature Burn Your World alongside Villain. Burn Your World is a peculiar entity which has thrived for six years using grinding guitar tones over simplistic riffs, but their sound is padded with depths of hardcore. Check them out this October! … read more
Review: Carla dal Forno – You Know What It’s Like
Seeming preposterous that this is Carla dal Forno’s debut album, “You Know What It’s Like” is an album deeply rooted in stark minimalism with a sound palate of shadowy greys and blues. … read more