Music
Review: Mark Rogers & Mary Byrne – I Line My...
For a soothing retreat, I Line My Days Along Your Weight by duo Mark Rogers & Mary Byrne dabbles in the bluesy twang of older folk songs, with a fresh take that gives this album a timeless appeal. … 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
Review: Myrkur – Self-Titled
Myrkur—Icelandic for “darkness”—is making waves in the black metal community. All we know of this mysterious act is that a single Danish woman has created a gorgeous atmospheric black metal album, which is apparently controversial, because what would black metal be without its constant bitching about authenticity spiced with a little misogyny? … 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
Review: Obscure Burial – Epiphany
This is a neat, little release from Finland’s death dealers, Obscure Burial. Epiphany can be considered a demo, both in its rough production, length and the grim cover artwork, yet it could stand up to many of the studio albums from major labels that I’ve heard this year. … 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
Review: Oscillator Bug – Bursts of the Million
Oscillator Bug’s Zaid Maxwell is offering a disturbing dose of “new” with his debut album. Befitting its name, Bursts of the Million is equally full of carnival-like synth explosions—some messier than others—and jagged guitar licks. … read more
Local Review: Braeyden Jae – Heaven House
SLC native and ambassador Braeyden Jae has created an album full of near-perfect textures. The timbre of all-encompassing waves drone, and obscured melodic passages peer out of cavernous, swelling sounds. … read more
Review: Peer Group – Rhetoric and Hands
The recent release of these Peer Group recordings was a long time coming. These songs were recorded in December of 1981 in southern California, making it contemporary to bands like Black Flag and Redd Kross. … read more
Local Review: George Charles Nelson III – Little Engine
Sweet Salt Records was founded last fall by Tom Bennett, a transplant from North Georgia’s Piedmont region and singer/songwriter “in his own write,” to borrow a phrase from John Lennon.
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Review: Pawns or Kings – Pomme De Terre
Pawns or Kings is a group of indie folk Missourians, who appear to be in the melting pot of words—or languages, that is—nestled away in the Midwest. The French-titled album, Pomme De Terre, is accompanied by sets of instrumental songs, catchy folk tunes, and Spanish lyrics on tracks like “Wandering.” … read more
Local Review: James Junius – moth,wing,dream
A fluttery work of ambience, moth,wing,dream, evokes images of a flickering light in a cabin or a midnight walk through a cemetery. It could be a soundtrack for a horror film with its hushed chords and sci-folk vocals. “Lake Days” is composed in the style of Morrissey, with simple synth guitar and repetitive, gloomy lyricism.
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