Year: 2014
Local Review: Bird Watcher – The Luna Sessions
In the ghetto, a “Bird Watcher” means something totally different than this sonically adventurous, emotionally distraught collection of songs from these shape-shifting Ogden musicians. I would know because Cincinnati has ghettos. … read more
Local Review: Bellrave – No Heart To Cross
During my first listen, I wrote it off as another over-synthesized pop album and wasn’t looking forward to hearing it again. However, the more I listened to the album and was able to focus on the beats of each instrument, I realized it was actually very creative and well done. … read more
Local Review: Ben Best & Karl Jørgensen – 2
Coming on the heels of a well-received 2012 collaboration, Utah County’s finest sonic pioneers and purveyors of structural, minimal, experimental music regain that same magic in their aptly titled album, 2. … read more
Local Review: Better Taste Bureau – The Better Taste EP
If I ever dedicate my life to douchebaggery and join a frat, this’ll definitely be my go-to jam for hosting Jack Mormon, butt-chugging parties. … read more
Local Review: Bat Manors – Literally Weird
Bat Manors are the latest in the growing tradition of indie whisper-core bands from Provo with punny names who manage to transcend their silly titles with some really great songs. … read more
Local Review: Ben Q. Best – Apricot Exorcist
Though his songs are tinged with a kind of delicate earnestness, Ben Q Best excels most in his ability to craft unique melodic passages that carry the darker themes of this album. His voice warbles and wanes through layers of shoegazey post-rock and quiet piano passages. … read more
Local Review: Baby Ghosts – Maybe Ghosts
For the past two years, Baby Ghosts have been the darlings of the Utah music scene. For that length of time, they’ve been crafting some of the finest, hooks-iest tunes in the West, and they’ve been slinging them relentlessly from gig to gig across the valley and the country. … read more
Local Review: AudioTreats – Vol. 2
I’m stunned by the quality of music that has come out of Utah’s EDM scene as of late. AudioTreats’ Vol. 2 is no exception. This album is a hypnotic tapestry of hip-hop and electronica. Each track is incredibly fluid, and they each fit together in perfect harmony. … read more
Local Review: Andrew Maguire’s Art Project – Artsy As Fuk
“Artsy” is in the eye or—in this case—ear of the beholder. Usually, “art” in conjunction with rock music makes one think of turgid, overblown prog rock, but Andrew Maguire’s Art Project have a punkish garage band energy that’s infectious, awkward and fun—full of “art school confidential” type self-referentiality and fake gossip. … read more
Local Review: Anthony Pena – Apology
The inside cover of this album says, “With my sincerest heart, I am so sorry for who I was.” The music that follows is apologetic and cathartic, yet full of yearning. “Junius” combines upbeat vocal harmonies and emotional bursts of guitar with the lyrics “I never thought I would die right next to you.” … read more
Local Review: Atomic 45 – Wake Up Dead
Atomic 45 = System of a Down + Rise Against + Anthrax … read more
Local Review: Andy Vigilante – Situation Comedy
Andy Vigilante = Bo Burnham + Astronautalis … read more
