Local Music Singles Roundup: August 2022
Local Music Reviews
As the sweltering season sinks into its final sunsets, the SLUG team has cherry-picked a basket of tunes to accompany you into the autumnal cooldown. From Gavanni’s chilling melodies and the ethereal synths of Violet Theory to Lane & The Chain’s sultry, soulful piano and Fonteyn’s bluesy blast from the past, this August playlist will ease the summertime sadness and rekindle the fire for fall.
The Anchorage
“Force of Habit”
Self-Released
Street: 06.03
The Anchorage = State Champs + The Interrupters
Prepare yourself for some supreme summer vibes with The Anchorage’s new single. “Force of Habit” greets listeners with a catchy horn section that’s guaranteed to get stuck in your head, followed quickly by the sound of Derek Harman’s pop-punk–esque vocals. The song is fueled by wedging solos from various string and brass instruments between a swirl of love-stricken lyrics: “I can’t imagine / Living life without it / Must be a force of habit.” This dynamic combination creates a lively, energetic atmosphere. Mastering their rocksteady reggae sound over the last 10 years has given The Anchorage the ability to show off their upper hand through a balanced mix of alternative rock and ska. –Sage Holt
Brain Detergent
“Sedated Space Ride”
Self-Released
Street: 10.05.21
Brain Detergent = bergsonist + Luomo
The rhythms of Brain Detergent’s (local producer Robert Devins) “Sedated Space Ride” move with mechanical indeterminacy. The ensemble of bleeping, plinking synths cycles with the motion of a bustling factory, the pads overlapping each other in arrhythmic echoes and off-kilter patterns like an orchestra of individually operated levers, pulleys, presses and clamps. Minimal in its structure and construction, Devins never allows the track more than three or four liquid synth sounds at a time and undergoes no arc greater than gentle swells where saw waves luxuriate within the core groove’s silent cracks. The peaks of these gentle rises and falls (most notable at 2:30 and 4:00) feel like rushes of snowy soundscapes, the start-stop precipitations of a winter storm’s onset. There’s an insularity to Devins’ harmonious, chilly sounds and his penchant for small-scale changes as he takes techno’s dancefloor-ready frames and coaxes them into mind-spinning geometries. –Audrey Lockie
Fonteyn
“These Days”
Born Loser Records
Street: 06.07
Fonteyn = Carole King + Carpenters
Fonteyn’s “These Days” draws on a familiar, melody-driven, ’70s singer-songwriter sound, but lead vocalist Suzanne May’s inviting and bright vocal delivery, as well as the dynamic instrumentals, manage to make the song feel fresh. Throughout “These Days,” a piano bounces, drums play and bass grooves along as May’s voice confidently leads the way. She sings about the “one that got away” who continues to linger in her mind; the one who makes her wonder from time to time, “Who are you missing / Whenever you’re alone these days.” “These Days” also includes engaging backing vocals that range from ah’s to la’s when harmonizing with May, which help create a fuller sound that is both playful and technically impressive. At the end of the song, a quick snippet of May laughing symbolizes the balance between lighthearted fun and genuine talent on display. –Andrew Christiansen
Gavanni
“Cold World”
Self-Released
Street: 05.12
Gavanni = WizKid x The Weeknd
Louis Omogbai, known onstage as Gavanni, migrated to the U.S. from Nigeria when he was 17. He’s proud to represent both Lagos and Salt Lake City on his latest single. “Had to rep it for my city / All the way from Lasgidi / 801 when you call my phonе,” he raps over lo-fi keyboards and an infectious beat on “Cold World.” Gavanni doesn’t shy away from the difficult facets of his journey, expressing, “Mama saying that she miss me / Eight years since she seen me / Never met Keivan / If we don’t talk we not beefing.” Heartfelt disclosures aside, the song is fresh and seductive—the perfect soundtrack for cocktail hour at home or a dark, moody nightclub. Gavanni’s blend of afrobeats and R&B has already drawn a listenership that spans the globe. Of all the up-and-coming music scenes who’d love to claim Gavanni, Salt Lake City is lucky to have him. –Mekenna Malan
Lane And The Chain
“Frank”
Self-Released
Street: 06.11
Lane and The Chain = The Zombies + Elton John + Paramore
This hit new single from Lane & The Chain is something unique for the world of funk rock. The trio presents a take on piano rock that is both classic sounding and unlike any classic piano rock song you’ve heard before, like listening to hard rock with a piano subbing for lead guitar. The keys give a different voice to the song that a guitar would never be as delicate about, but it’s able to carry the rhythm of the song in a way that still kicks ass. Mixed over the top of the piano, bass and drums, Courtney Lane’s vocals bring soul into the song. The vocals are expressive, and Lane’s voice carries this incredible, full-bodied tone that makes the song rumble. “Frank” is an incarnation of rock you didn’t know you needed. –Mary Culbertson
Violet Theory
“Space”
Self-Released
Street: 06.03
Violet Theory = SZA + Doja Cat
Violet Theory describe themselves as “two nerds in Utah,” but their music creates an effortless, R&B pop sound that doesn’t sound nerdy at all. Their newest single, “Space,” is fast-paced and easygoing, maintaining a cool, sexy sound the duo knows well. The song floats around like a pixie flying to kiss each next note. It starts with an ethereal sound before mixing in a computerized drum beat and auto-tuned vocals from Rey. Later in the track, Omar hops on with a rap verse. Their voices echo around the track, creating physical space in the music while discussing the need for space from another and wanting to be alone in the lyrics. In every song Violet Theory puts out, it’s clear they have fun making it. The two vocalists flow easily with one another, and their music reflects that; “Space” is just another example. –Harper Haase
Find more Local Music Singles Roundups here:
Local Music Singles Roundup – July 2022
Local Music Singles Roundup – June 2022