Authors: Jory Carroll
White Rabbits with Gull @ Urban Lounge 03.20
One thing I’ve learned about going to shows at the Urban Lounge is not to show up too early. The doors usually open around 9 p.m., but the music doesn’t start till somewhere around 10 p.m. If you’re not careful, you can easily down several drinks before the music even starts, just because you feel the need to do something besides standing around and glaring at the band’s equipment on stage. So I was pretty surprised when I opened the club’s door about ten minutes before 10 p.m. to find the place sparsely littered with only 30 or 40 people. … read more
The Dunwells @ Kilby 03.25
For whatever reason, there was a very small turnout to see The Dunwells, a five-piece group from Leeds, England. The handful of people who did show up for the show, however, witnessed some of the finest harmonies to bounce off the cheap, makeshift walls of Kilby Court in a long time. … read more
Deer Tick @ Urban Lounge 05.10
The intense, raspy voice of Deer Tick’s John McCauley is a good analogy for Thursday night’s show at the Urban Lounge. At times, it’s a bit rough and you wonder how long before his vocal chords finally give out and the shit hits the fan. But, for the most part, it never did. Even though McCauley seemed a little unhappy with his guitar at times, calling it an asshole at one point, Deer Tick delivered a memorable set in all its ragged glory. … read more
Here We Go Magic @ Urban Lounge on 05.23
Ever since I first heard Hospitality on the radio months ago, and most recently on NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert, I’ve become increasingly fond of their pop sound, especially with the distinct voice of Amber Papini. With that said, the fact that Here We Go Magic were headlining this show was an added bonus, since I haven’t seen them live before but heard they put on good show. … read more
Dead Dad @ Tower Theatre 09.21
For such a heavy topic, this film really impressed me, not only by the great acting, but also by a smart script that keeps the story sincere and heartfelt, but also mixes in clever bits of humor throughout to take the edge off. … read more
Children of the Stars @ Tower Theatre 09.22
I don’t think this documentary was intended to be a comedy, but the members of the California cult, Unarius, are so fucking crazy, you can’t help but laugh at times. … read more
Intro @ Tower Theatre 09.22
It only seems right that for a man of few words, such as David Williams, a documentary of the local musician would feature the same. … read more
Better Than Something: Jay Reatard @ Brewvies 09.22
This film is a great documentary of Reatard’s life, showing his transformation from a wild 19-year-old punk, to a 29-year-old man coping with a relentless lifestyle of touring and recording. … read more
Beehive Spirits Film Review
For only being a 30-minute documentary, this film does a great job cramming the history of booze in the state of Utah, as well as highlighting what’s going on in the present day. … read more
Training For The Apocalypse Film Review
Most people with common sense will simply laugh off the Mayan calendar and its prediction of the apocalypse on December 21, but this 55-minute documentary does a great job exploring the minds of those who truly believe the end is upon us. … read more
Exclusive Slamdance Interview: Diamond On Vinyl Director J.R. Hughto
The Slamdance Film Festival is well-known for showcasing flicks from first-time directors, but the festival is launching a new program this year called Beyond, which features films from directors with one film already under their belt. One of those directors is 34-year-old J.R. Hughto, whose sophomore film Diamond on Vinyl debuts at this year’s festival. … read more
Slamdance Film Review: Between Us
Originally an Off-Broadway play, Mirvish’s film adaptation of Between Us remains an intense drama with lots of dialogue and not much else. But, thanks to a surprisingly strong cast, which includes Julia Stiles and Taye Diggs, Mirvish transforms this film into a captivating tale of two couples dealing with their evolving lives and marriages, and how the tables can turn in just a few years. … read more
