Show Reviews
Dark Arts Festival @ Area 51 06.20-22
When I stepped foot through the doors of Area 51 during the Summer Solstice, I realized that I was in store for a not so ordinary weekend at my frequent haunt. The bar was decorated like an enchanted forest and I felt as if I had fallen through the looking glass into a world of faeries, Red Queens, vampires and all creatures of the dark. It was time for the Dark Arts Festival Of Utah. … read more
EMA @ Kilby Court 06.24 with Strong Words, Secret Abilities
Despite the fact that Anderson was friendly and approachable while running their post-show merch booth, her stage presence is fantastic—and kind of terrifying. Through her live performance, she was able to capture the versatility of her music, resulting in an emotional punch to the gut that was both sincere and thought-provoking. … read more
Punk’s Dead Concert Shoot With Indiegogo Fans @ The Complex...
Many have traveled from all over the states and even internationally to take part in something inspirational for punks. If anything, the showing of support proves that punk is not dead. Not even close. The camaraderie around this event is impressive to say the least. Even if this film is controversial for some, this gig helped put Salt Lake City back on the map for punk rockers. Exactly where it should and always be. … read more
Allah-Las @ Urban Lounge 06.19 with Pest Rulz, Super 78
Allah-Las’s presence on stage invokes unanimous cheers from the assembled onlookers. They produce an aura that is calm and cool, giving their demeanor a sort of relaxed but charismatic feel. Their style incorporates a very vintage sound with clear influences of ‘60s rock n’ roll combined with the strong elements of psych-garage rock. … read more
The Moth & the Flame @ Velour Live Art Gallery...
“Ten years ago I was sitting exactly where you are,” said Brandon Robbins, in front of the loyal and enthusiastic crowd at the Velour Live Art Gallery. “Ten years ago I came to visit my brother here in Provo and I was so impressed with this place that I went back to Washington, packed up, and moved here to start a band.” The band he was speaking of was The Moth & the Flame, a dark brooding collaboration of rock soul that finds its way into your chest and haunts it like a song you can’t get out of your head. … read more
Psychostick @ Urban Lounge 06.18 with Dog Fashion Disco, The...
Psychostick is a heavy metal band out of Chicago, via Tempe, AZ. That doesn’t sound too strange, right? Well what sets them apart is they are a comedy heavy metal band, or, as they brand themselves, humourcore. Think System of a Down meets Insane Clown Posse meets Weird Al. Your first thoughts reading that probably closely mirror mine, “What the fuck?” … read more
King Khan and The Shrines @ Urban Lounge 06.22 with...
Arriving early to the sound of James Brown playing over the speakers, I grab a beer and prepare for the church of soul to begin. Tonight’s preacher of the rock n’ roll gospel is the King Bama Lama Khan Emperor of RnB, aka King Khan and the Shrines. … read more
Reggae Thursdays @ The Woodshed 06.12-06.13 with Tribe of I,...
Not to be deterred by the foreboding clouds hanging over Salt Lake City, I arrive at the Woodshed to observe the beginning of this summer’s Reggae Thursdays. Inside the atmosphere is joyful—everyone seems to know each other. Although I arrive early, the already present (and filing in) audience represents a somewhat diverse crowd. … read more
The Menzingers @ Kilby Court 06.14 with Lemuria, PUP, Cayetana
Keeping an even mix of new songs like “Rodent,” “Transient Love,” and “Where Heartache Exists,” and older songs such as “Casey,” “I Was Born,” and “Deep Sleep,” the crowd never got restless. … read more
Mastodon @ The Depot 05.04 with Gojira, Kvelertak
I sure do love hitting up tours with great bands I’ve never seen live before, and such was the case for a rare Sunday night show at The Depot to catch Kvelertak, Gojira, and the mighty Mastodon. A fucking strong tour, excellent sets from all involved—overall a fantastic night of metal. … read more