Issues: Issue 278 - February 2012
Local Reviews: Vena Cava
Easily my favorite new local band, Vena Cava have given us a recorded taste of their jarring, experimental punk. The band has captured the ethos of their live performance—a rickety and staggering simulation of monsters that snarl against the straight-laced disposition of normal society. … read more
Local Reviews: Jimmy Hack Up
100% Illegal is the new sound collage project by local art-faux leader, Xkot Toxsix, AKA Jimmy Hack Up. The most recognizable selections sampled: The Cure’s “10:15 Saturday Night,” Depeche Mode’s “Dreaming Of Me,” Angry Samoans’ “Lights Out” and Nitzer Ebb’s “Murderous.” The skill of layering these samples, and mixing and mashing them together is spot-on. … read more
Local Reviews: Lake Mary
I picture this band being a group of gangly, quiet 17-year-olds. Their five song acoustic EP evokes youthful and tender feelings, while at the same time feels a bit underdeveloped. … read more
Local Reviews: Levi James Lebo
It’s always a pleasant surprise to see a musician step out of their comfort zone and take a risk with something new, even if it’s just for themselves. That very scenario made Autography a heartwarming listen, as the usually heavy and screeching guitarist Levi James Lebo (of White Hot Ferrari fame) took to the keys and recorded this full-length album of ambient piano and chamber music. … read more
Local Reviews: Nevertanezra
Local doom metal band Nevertanezra is proof that the scene is far from dead. They’ve dropped their new album, NTNR, on the valley, and like a delicious bag of Satan-flavored potato chips, you can’t stop at just one spin of this record. … read more
Local Reviews: Nick Neihart
Local folkie Nick Neihart hits a range of acoustic touchstones, employing his falsetto artfully on “Free as a Chain,” but also sounding just at home in the rougher, rootsy “Somewhat of a Loser.” … read more
Local Reviews: Nonnon
Salt Lake-based producer Nonnon’s new album, El Socialismo, is a hidden gem that needs to be heard by the world of glitch. With its complicated drum patterns and intricate use of samples, the whole album is glitch holiness! … read more
Local Reviews: Scenic Byway
Local rap band Scenic Byway have been taking Salt Lake by storm with their cool raps, sweet sounds and appealing messages. The track “Surprise Surprise” is the perfect song for anyone who has ever found themselves stressing out more than necessary. … read more
Local Reviews: Albino Father
Earlier this year, Albino Father released Blanket, and they returned six months later with a far more mature album. The opening track’s intro sounds like it was stolen from a White Stripes album, but the vocal melodies are more reminiscent of the British Invasion. … read more
Local Reviews: Cannons/Maraloka
With members having done some time in Parallax, God’s Revolver and a host of others, local boys Maraloka play down-tuned, sludgy heavy metal that’s as kaleidoscopic as it is leaden (which dorky bloggers will probably call “mathy”). Think ’90s ‘core after straight edge and the vegan apocalypse, or maybe Coalesce and early Converge, heavy on groove and light on shrieking. … read more