Bleary
Ventriloquate
Xstatic Studios
Street: July 2006
Bleary = I Am Electric + The Brobecks - irony + The New Transit Direction
I wouldn't exactly say I like Bleary, but I can't say they're bad either. I don't have the musical ability to start or play in a band, so I can respect that they've gotten their shit together and released an EP. The instrumental music on Ventriloquate is very calm, but the vocalist sounds like he's forcing himself to sing, and on some songs it seems as though he really wants to throw up. It almost sounds like lead singer, Cory Castillo is trying to sound much more sensitive that he is. The music also sounds too similar to me. The EP really is just kind of bleary; it comes off as forced to me. Despite the issues that I have with the group, the music might be something I'd find myself listening to as I try to take a quick power nap.–Josh McGillis

Debi Graham Band
Bulb Studio – Live Sessions
Self-Released
Street: Nov. 2006
Ani DiFranco + DiFranco, Ani + Dave Matthews Band
The constant comparisons between Ani DiFranco and Debi Graham Band are understandable. The similarities are numerous: proficient female guitarists, sharp witty lyrics, funky and "fuck you" rock, talented musicians who've toured relentlessly for the last five years, etc. While I do appreciate the skill of DiFranco, I do not like her. However, I do like DGB for her better vocal range and more danceable-funky style. The sound quality of this album is low: you have to turn it up really loud to hear at normal volume. If you want to dance you'll enjoy this album. If you want sound quality try another of her albums and see her live show. –Jennifer Nielsen

Revideolized
The Moon Driven Dark
Self-Released
Street: Feb. 2007
Revideolized = Recoil Hydrology + Progressive Rock
Electronic music in its purest form is by nature experimental. It isn't just about creating a great melody, it's about manipulating sounds that by right have no place in a musical structure and turning that chaos into a memorable tune. With The Moon Driven Dark,Reviodeolized (Ted Newsom aka The Rose Phantom) plays homage to 80s synthpop curators Depeche Mode, Thomas Dolby, Alphaville and Gary Numan while also tipping his cap to the likes of Brian Eno, Klaus Schultz and Jean Michael Jarre. To that end he is not only effective he's also quite inventive, if not completely original. In fact The Moon Driven Dark only stumbles when Newsom becomes reluctant to let a song end and strays into noodle guitar solos (albeit the solo is often played on one of his many synthesizers). Most noteably on "The Deja-Vu Mirror" (Van Halen would either be proud of offended) and the epic soundscape of "Lost In Obscurity" (blemished by what sounds like one of David Gilmour's lesser solos). So maybe it's not Kraftwerk or the Art of Noise, but it is pretty impressive. –ryan michael painter

The Side Project
Project Rocket
No Ledge Records
Street: Jan. 2007
The Side Project= Beats like MF Doom + Aesop Rock
Track (Face Of The Deep); Time (3:31): TaskRok causally lays down the rules for reviewing his rhymes, "say anything I don't like and I'll fn strangle your fn throat." And so, out of want for self-preservation, this review will weight heavily in Task and Dubby Waters favor. But honestly, death threats aside, Project Rocket is actually a pretty F R E S H attempt at relivin' that old-school Mafioso rap style brought about in the early 90s by that master of lyrical dexterity Kool G Rap. Of course, The Side Project is cursed with the fact that they hail from the wholesome streets of Salt Lake City (honestly, how gang-star can you be in a town where you can't buy hard liquor on a Sunday). Luckily Task "possesses the lyrical ammo" and presence of mind to battle any rap prejudice that might downplay his "skinny cracker" Salt City upbringing. I'm not sayin' this is some real hard shit; what I'm trying to say is this is some real hard shit for Salt Lake City. Please, if you know what's good for me, you'll check out The Side Project. –Miles Ridling

Spooky Deville
Breathe Transylvania
Self-Released
Street: Oct. 2006
Spooky Deville = Graveyard Shift + Conombre Zombi
These boys play some decent psychobilly. They are pretty typical of what is going on in the genre right know, almost all psycho and no billy. They do a really good job at using lead singer Dozer's booming voice. The guitar work is good, but it needs to be changed up a little more. Having the similar guitar sounds in every song makes it difficult to tell one song from the other. The stand-up bass work is great, but it needs to be isolated more to give it some character. Don't get me wrong, Spooky Deville have put together a good record, and are one of the few bands making the psychobilly scene here in SLC, but they need to separate themselves from the pack. Make sure you catch their horror rock show playing around town, its something to see. –James Orme