Year: 2013
Local Reviews: Blinded By Truth
This five-song EP from local punk outfit Blinded By Truth conjures memories of adolescent summer nights full of everything but responsibility. The songs are pretty traditional in their makeup for the most part, definitely following in the footsteps of giants like NOFX with the harmonizing vocals and driving guitar chords. … read more
Local Reviews: Clocks
This album must have been recorded in the Cave of Time from the Choose Your Own Adventure book series. It features a number of disjointed sounds, instruments and samples that jump in and out of subdued feedback modulations. The album never bothers to move beyond this, ahem, timeless configuration. … read more
Local Reviews: Discoid A
Maybe it’s the band’s name or the crudely drawn anarchy symbol sharpied on the CD-R, but I assumed this would be Discharge-worshipping, anarcho punk of the crustiest breed. I was pretty far off the mark, as it’s 16 short tracks of obstinately lo-fi acoustic punk that falls somewhere between the vocal style of Lou Barlow and Chris Dodge. … read more
Local Reviews: Disforia – Our Time Defined
Local power metal outfit Disforia’s first full-length album, Our Time Defined, is a well produced and sharpened collection that surprises with its organization and wide use of instruments. The strongest song on the album is “Of Wolves And Men”—it has a wonderful intro with faded, ancient vocals dancing over distortion and heartbeat-drumming. … read more
Local Reviews: Exer Ovu
I’ve listened to a few Exer Ovu releases now—this dude, Derek Griffith, has seriously put out a shit ton of CDs—and I still can’t quite figure out what to make of any of it. One thing’s for sure, though: He loves making music, and his passion shines through in this album. … read more
Local Reviews: The Folka Dots
The face of folk is changing forever. Elements of rock, reggae, electronica, psychedelia and any other conceivable musical movement are successfully blending into traditional acoustic songwriting. … read more
Local Reviews: In Dreaming
Having met the individual members of this band several times over the years, I can say with authority that In Dreaming are some of the hardest working and nicest dudes you’ll find in Provo. The Pathless Sounds, their debut full-length album, proves that they are also skilled at composing some of the most individualistic and difficult-to-categorize music around. … read more
Local Reviews: Joel Brown
It’s not my place to complain about or bash on religious music. If you enjoy a good gospel number or a rock anthem about heaven, so be it. However, much like the dreaded Parental Advisory label, Christian albums should come with a sticker shaped like a cross so you know what it is. … read more
Local Reviews: Dani Lion
Dani in the Clouds is a fast-moving and euphoric first release from recently formed pop duo Dani Lion, consisting of producer Daniel Fischer and singer Lauren Hoyt. … read more
Local Review: The Devil Whale
There’s nothing not to like on the Devil Whale’s sophomore release, Teeth. Once again, the SLC favorites put out a disc full of pleasant but knotty country-rock. Brinton Jones’ vocals are expressive but unassuming, and the production has just the right amount of polish. … read more
Local Reviews: Exer Ovu
“Where was this recorded, and who recorded this?” is the first thought in my mind as I listen to Exer Ovu’s latest effort. I’m not even sure what I’m listening to for the first few songs. What I can make out is that the band consists of a guy and a guitar, and that’s about it. Most of it sounds like that point on acid when you’re jamming with your friends and you think you’re awesome, but really it’s just erratic noise. … read more
Local Review: The Old World
The Old World is an album that catches a group of skilled musicians halfway through a transition from a power pop band to a ballad-brandishing folk rock ensemble. Though each song on the album displays their prodigious aptitude for their instruments and is entertaining in its own right, as a collection, the album is a bit sporadic. … read more
