Month: August 2014
Deer Tick @ Urban Lounge 08.13 with T. Hardy Morris...
Snapping out of our dream state rather severely, we were given an instant dose of adrenaline-fueled, ragged kegger rock that we had been expecting. Croaking of loves lost, alcoholism and a complete lack of sympathy for the human condition, McCauley’s stage presence was as big as the ideas he sang about. … read more
“The Love Gets Higher …” Erasure’s “The Violet Flame” Reviewed
I take it as a positive portent that the day I received the new Erasure album promo to review, I was on an obsessive cycle of listening to its first single, the anthemic “Elevation.” … read more
A Taste of Mexique with Chef Carlos Gaytan
You might recognize Chef Carlos Gaytan from his stint on Top Chef. Trained in French cuisine, he used that skill to revitalize Mexican gastronomy. His restaurant in Chicago, Mexique, has recently earned a prestigious star from the Michelin Guide, the only Mexican restaurant to do so. It was a once in a lifetime treat to have Gaytan cook for us, since my husband has sworn to never leave the West. … read more
Ex-Cult @ Kilby Court 08.16 with Zig Zags, Swamp Ravens,...
After the first number is concluded, he comes off stage, and approaches an audience member who has a joint in hand. Taking the little doobie, he glares at the spectator while taking a hit. Returning to the stage, Shaw shares his prize with the band. Very cool and charismatic with no fucks given, Ex-Cult jumps right back into where they left off. … read more
Cosmonauts @ The Shred Shed 08.15 with Beat Hotel, Breakers,...
The world seems to be going to hell in a hand basket with the greats getting one-way tickets out of here. To find some relief from these epic bummers, the path to temporary salvation seems to include finding a bar to crawl into or checking out a Rock n’ Roll gig. Luckily for me, I am able to do both. … read more
Das Energi Festival @ The Great Saltair 08.16
Ah, raving at The Great Saltair. There’s nothing quite like it. Whether you’re a dedicated EDM fan or just a fun-loving bro there’s something for everyone whenever a big V2 production rolls around. For this years’ Das Energi Festival, V2 promised to deliver their biggest production to date. … read more
Gravytrain on Biscuit Wheels: Blue Plate Diner Video Premiere 08.17...
A restaurant producing a skate video is a strange idea to wrap your head around, but it totally makes sense when you look at the crew that works there. “Every skater who has a full part in the video also works at the diner,” Joe Mandl, co-owner of Blue Plate Diner let me know at the beginning of the night. … read more
Corrosion Of Conformity @ In The Venue 08.21 with Lord...
Going to a show with no real expectations of anything of particular grandeur is interesting, because it can lead to some awesome experiences when you witness something amazing when you weren’t expecting anything at all.
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Roots, Radicals and Rockers: Jake Burns of Stiff Little Fingers
It’s been busy year for Stiff Little Fingers—they’ve completed their latest album No Going Back, toured the world, played the Rebellion Festival and are about to hit the salty shores of Salt Lake City as a part of Offspring’s “Smash 20th Anniversary” tour. How are things going for the gang? Well according to Jake Burns, “Fantastically well, actually.” … read more
Run On Sentence: Feelings & Freedom
Folk is, by definition, the carrying of culture. Dustin Hamman of Run On Sentence instinctively understands this—whether he’s at a hot springs ranch or a film festival, he internalizes experiences to translate into his music. His storytelling is second nature. … read more
Punk Rock Summer Nationals 2014 @ The Complex 08.26 with...
The Complex seems to have the edge when it comes to booking big-name punk acts. In the last year alone, Salt Lake has been graced by the likes of Adam Ant, Screeching Weasel—via the SLC Punk 2 film—and even Black Flag. Of course attending these gigs provides a hefty dent in the wallet, but it’s arguably worth the nostalgia, or in tonight’s case, a possible once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the legendary act, Stiff Little Fingers. … read more
Punk Rock Summer Nationals 2014 08.26 @ The Complex with...
On Aug. 26, The Punk Rock Summer Nationals tour featuring The Offspring, Bad Religion, Pennywise and Stiff Little Fingers stopped at The Complex in Salt Lake City. Two SLUG writers, Eric U. Norris and Nick Kuzmack, offer their unique perspectives of the show. … read more
