Authors: Nick Kuzmack
Allah-Las @ Urban Lounge 06.19 with Pest Rulz, Super 78
Allah-Las’s presence on stage invokes unanimous cheers from the assembled onlookers. They produce an aura that is calm and cool, giving their demeanor a sort of relaxed but charismatic feel. Their style incorporates a very vintage sound with clear influences of ‘60s rock n’ roll combined with the strong elements of psych-garage rock. … read more
Punk’s Dead? An interview with Director James Merendino and a...
The cult-like following behind James Merendino’s film SLC Punk! is somewhat legendary among those who participate or are even aware of the subculture. Even during my travels, whenever I mention that I live in Salt Lake City, two things are always asked. One—Am I Mormon, and two—is SLC like the movie? Needless to say it has become a classic. … read more
Punk’s Dead Concert Shoot With Indiegogo Fans @ The Complex...
Many have traveled from all over the states and even internationally to take part in something inspirational for punks. If anything, the showing of support proves that punk is not dead. Not even close. The camaraderie around this event is impressive to say the least. Even if this film is controversial for some, this gig helped put Salt Lake City back on the map for punk rockers. Exactly where it should and always be. … read more
Diabolical Records Celebrates Two Years
On July 5, Diabolical Records celebrates its second-year anniversary. Their existence in Salt Lake City has made a remarkable impact on the music scene—both as a record shop and the hottest new all-ages music venue. Diabolical Records first opened its doors at Granary Row in 2013 and quickly attracted a following, and after Granary Row
Prelude to Invasion: Questions for Another Ska Revival.
Blazing a checkered trail through North America, the Ska Revival Tour is about to land on the salty shores of Salt Lake City on August 6th. While ska music has not died out, this revival tour seeks to shine a spot light on an otherwise overlooked and perhaps under appreciated genre. … 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
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
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
Jessica Hernandez and the Deltas @ Urban Lounge 08.27 with...
This week has not been short of good gigs, having caught Stiff Little Fingers the night before, one might think that’s enough. But it isn’t. A month prior to tonight’s venture into the dimly lit venue, I looked up Jessica Hernandez and the Deltas via the Urban Lounge site. Thinking that a band having the name Deltas in it, they must be cool, I checked out their music video for “Caught Up.” My initial reaction was along the lines of “right, I know what I’m doing.” Though, I will confess to my eagerness to check this gig being somewhat considerable, as again I’m early and sipping my drink, waiting for the gig to kick off. … read more
Monorchist @ Diabolical Records 08.29 with Creature Double Feature, Coyote...
I’ve already spent 45 minutes listening to various 45s at Diabolical Records and I need to go into temporal exile from the lures of an addicting habit. My exile is brief—I come back to find that things are still not yet underway. But I find that the members of Monorchist are tailgating in the parking lot. After introducing myself, I am invited to join them in some pre-gaming before their big comeback gig. … read more
Uncle Acid and the Deadbeats @ Urban Lounge 10.04 with...
The month of All Hallows’ Eve has come upon us, and what better way to kick this off than to witness Uncle Acid and the Deadbeats blast out their fuzzed, psych-induced ’70s-style heavy metal that arouses nostalgia for the early years of Black Sabbath. … read more
