Issues: Issue 246 - June 2009
Local Reviews: Active Aggressive
To my disadvantage, my first meeting with Active Aggressive was through this demo. This short, three-song political run is a rough one. I know the purpose of a demo, but it sounds like standing outside of a live show with earplugs in. … read more
Local Reviews: Against the Season
I had a very hard time getting through this CD. I’m sure there are plenty of people out there waiting to hear female vocals delayed over generic “rock” guitar riffs, especially if they are played on the radio every half hour. … read more
Local Reviews: ChadMP
A localized emcee from Utah County, ChadMP brings an unintentional, off-tempo flow with heartfelt lyrics to the Salt Lake Valley. MP’s second album features mediocre beats that vary from 808 bounces to piano laced rhythms showing some production versatility. … read more
Local Reviews: Eric Openshaw Band
I know who I want to marry now: Eric Openshaw! He is such a dreamboat, and his music is so creative and original—definitely God’s gift to music and the world. Ever since I received his album, I have longingly stared at the beautiful, seductive glamour shot of him posing next to the dryers at the laundromat. … read more
Local Reviews: Standing Solo
I immediately gravitated towards this album when I first played it. It had all the hallmarks of the music I liked in the late 90s: melodic “punk” with a bit of piss ‘n vinegar. I’ve changed and so has music and the demands I put on what makes an album truly great. … read more
Local Reviews: The Sweater Friends
Your enjoyment of TSF depends on how much you like pop-acoustic duos, or enjoy feeling the pull on your heart strings this type of music elicits. I should say this is good for what it is, which is acoustic rock (such a thing still exists), and an improvement over the majority of bands like this in the region. … read more
Local Reviews: Vanzetti Crime
Let’s face it: local punk and ska bands, as a general rule, are pretty shitty. Of course there are always exceptions, but more often than not, local punk bands tend to be drunken, untalented idiots, and local ska bands tend to be goofy kids whose religious upbringing keeps them from being drunken, untalented idiots. … read more
Local Reviews: Various Artists
Spy Hop, the local non-profit enterprise known for mentoring youth in a wide swath of media disciplines, is back at it with a sampler of their latest artists. The quality is shockingly good and diverse. … read more
Bohemian Brewery: Bobby Jackson
Bobby Jackson made his way to Salt Lake City from Vermont in September of 2007. Since then, the 23-year-old has been making a name for himself as the youngest head brewer in the state. … read more
Dear Dickheads – June 2009
LETTER TO THE COMMISSIONER OF THE CHUMP POLICE ( a response to last month’s letter from Dave Amador). … read more