Contributor Limelight: Shawn Mayer

Contributor Limelight: Shawn Mayer
By

One of our go-to action sports writers since 2007, Shawn Mayer has covered everything from surf movies and local snowboard manufacturers to skate legends like Tony Hawk and Stacy Peralta. … read more

Local Reviews: American Hitmen

Local Reviews: American Hitmen
By

Listening to American Hitmen is like jumping into a Hot Tub Time Machine. Instead of going all the way back to the ’80s, this time travel adventure sends you back to the early ’90s when rock bands still had all the flash and machismo of spandex-rocking ’80s metal bands, but were also starting to embrace a little bit of a dark, moody, creative side.  … read more

Local Reviews: Chainwhip

Local Reviews: Chainwhip
By

The Salt Lake punk scene’s own Critter fronts Chainwhip with his screechy vocal assault, accompanying a cacophonous mix of thrash and crusty hardcore. As with most demos from a local hardcore band, the lo-fi recording quality stands out at first, but only becomes more and more charming and appropriate as the release claws along.  … read more

Local Reviews: Daisy & The Moonshines

Local Reviews: Daisy & The Moonshines
By

This band has three things that make them dangerously worthwhile: class, soul and groove. It would be difficult to listen to their music and not feel engaged in some way or another—whether it be to the visceral, bluesy feel (such as in the song “50’s Kill Off!”) or the genuine lyrics that thread the album together.  … read more

 
 
Local Reviews: Max Pain and the Groovies

Local Reviews: Max Pain and the Groovies
By

Tortilla Gold, the latest release from the Groovies, is seven tracks of jangling, bluesy rock n’ roll. This band plays a great live show, always getting the crowd thrashing around. Fast rockers such as “Electro Cosmic Chronic Jam” and “Doin Time” capture that energy, while the slow groove of “Piano” and “Good Olds Blues” show a more melodic, tightened-up side of the band. … read more

Local Reviews: Summerteeth

Local Reviews: Summerteeth
By

Summerteeth’s recent release is a conglomeration of swirling hooks and high-neck diddles played through synthpop keyboard. The EP has an early ’00s indie rock influence that plays out well with its lo-fi guitars, discordant vocals and simple chord progressions.  … read more

Local Review: Visions of Decay

Local Review: Visions of Decay
By

Visions of Decay = old Norma Jean + Chariot vocals + sludge and groove … read more