Issues: Issue 228 - December 2007
Local Reviews: Spitsofrantic
Perhaps because my expectations were so low, this album was sort of enjoyable. Spitzo has a solid, balanced, if simple flow. His doubles are well timed-he knows his verses. The record’s frenetic trip-hop-acid-gangsta production fits surprisingly well with it’s dystopian theme. … read more
Local Reviews: The Upstarts
Finally, a band that proves that Utah ska doesn’t need to be the realm of high school band nerds with a Reel Big Fish fetish! The Upstarts deliver some seriously awesome ska, chock full of soul and a whole heap of energy. … read more
Local Reviews: Various Artists
Giving SLUG’s Death By Salt recordings a run for the money as “Best Local Compilation”, Slowtrain presents a well produced record of previously unreleased tunes by some of Utah’s favorite alt-country or acoustic soloists. … read more
Local Reviews: The VCR Quintet
The freshest and most exciting stuff to come out of Salt Lake is the local noise scene. 2006 saw the amazing album by The Tenets of Balthazar’s Castle (a top five of Andrew Glassett) and 2007 is set with a new release by The VCR Quintet. … read more
Local Reviews: All Systems Fail
All Systems Fail is one of the best local punk bands in Utah. They’re also one of the most underappreciated punk bands in Utah. If you’re unfamiliar with this band it’s time to get acquainted. … read more
Local Reviews: Cavedoll
More of a collection of B-Sides than an album, Songs That Would Not Behave-both volumes 1 and 2-cover the genres, styles and sounds of every project Cavedoll’s solo member, Camden Chamberlain, has ever been involved in. … read more
Local Reviews: Fews & Two
Fews & Two are a young band, but this 8-song EP is a light of hope for all fans of Jamaican-influenced music in our fine state. Fews & Two’s steady, heavy rhythms, smooth, jazzy horns and sexy female vocals bring to mind visions of smoky bars, full of people swaying, stomping and sweating the night away. … read more
Local Review: Larusso
You know that proud feeling all parents get watching their kids grow up to be successful functioning adults? That’s how long-term Larusso fans will be feeling once they get their hands on the newest release. While the band has always done well at their live shows, their previous recordings never seemed to capture them adequately. … read more