Issues: Exclusive
Form of Rocket with Gaza @ Kilby Court 02.17
I’ll be honest, Form of Rocket and Gaza are in my top ten favorite local bands of all time. Their lyrical word choice, math-rock rhythm and active stage presence hooked me early on in life. I think my exposure to Gaza and Form of Rocket deeply shaped my expectations for “good music.” … read more
NOVA Chamber Series: Schubert @ Libby Gardner 03.11
Sunday’s second annual Franz Schubert concert presented a few of the later compositions of this romantic giant. Today, his many works of chamber music, and music for solo piano or piano with four hands are constant staples of the concert hall (and of my iPod). He was a big deal to his friends, but only after he was dead did his work become the universally acknowledged treasure it is. … read more
Utah County Counter-Culture: Happy Valley Derby Darlins Bust Expectations 02.25
The game was set in a gutted Food-4-Less building, the yellow and black sign still looming above the storefront. Inside, the fluorescent supermarket lights were buzzing bright over the taped-off track, the smell of popcorn was in the air, and fans had already started setting up blankets and camping chairs on the edge of the line, ready for gametime. … read more
FIDLAR @ The Main 03.14
This L.A. based band seems to have taken notes from Black Lips, because that’s exactly who their live performance reminded me of. … read more
A Refreshing Plunge, Submerged in Art 02.25
“Submerged” was exactly the descriptor for what one might have felt at Salt Lake’s third annual Submerged in Art show. Immersive and riveting, the two-day event occurred February 24 and 25 above the Tap Room on Highland Drive, and I happily viewed the fleeting gathering of about 40 artists on the second night. … read more
Night Beats @ Buffalo Billiards 03.14
I checked out Night Beats in Salt Lake City about a week before heading down to Austin. The crowd was sparse at that show, but they performed like they were playing to a packed house instead of to a dismal crowd. Unfortunately, their Wednesday night show at Buffalo Billiards didn’t draw a much larger crowd than the Salt Lake City show.
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Zola Jesus, Talk Normal, Night Sweats @ Urban 02.27
I back the bejeezus out of everything Sacred Bones touches. One of the premier indie labels of recent memory for sure (Amen Dunes, Religious Knives … I’m getting elitist douchebag chills) and Russian-American songstress Zola Jesus ain’t no exception. … read more
Napalm Flesh: Nevertanezra, Burn Your World, Merlins Beard
This week, Napalm Flesh offers up a trio of local talent spotlights covering just about all metal fans’ discernable palates, with interviews from Nevertanezra, Burn Your World and Merlins Beard. Also on tap are reviews of Fester, Seas Will Rise and Xerxes … read more
Napalm Flesh: Heidevolk Interview
Welcome to Napalm Flesh! This week we have an interview with guitarist Reamon Bomenbreker of Dutch folk metal crew Heidevolk. We discussed their new album, Batavi, the inner workings of the band, and even the possibility of an American tour. Also on tap, we have reviews of new music from Corrosion of Conformity, Dyscarnate and Wykked Wytch, as well as your weekly event rundown. … read more
Beautiful Godzilla: SXSW Edition
As part of my SXSW experience, I participated in SXcycles, the new (as of this year) bike share program provided by the festival and Tern bikes. They opened it up to those with badges and wristbands during the Interactive portion of SXSW, and I was lucky enough to catch the tail end of it on Monday and Tuesday. … read more