Issues: Issue 281 - May 2012
Local Reviews: Black Cum
According to the Black Cum “manifesto,” they don’t write songs, practice or do second takes—they just get fucked up, press record and play. I’ll give them props for apparently adhering to these self-imposed rules. This double-cassette release (with a nifty little patch included) is an…interesting listen, but I don’t exactly get the feeling they give too much of a fuck what some old, washed-up hack like me thinks about their releases. … read more
Local Reviews: Blue Moon Bombers
No matter how many times I’ve heard aggressive rockabilly music, whether it’s psychobilly, punkabilly, neo-rockabilly or whatever, it’s still an entertaining idea. The Bombers don’t seem afraid of going after full psycho or pulling it back to a more traditional feel. The guitar work is a heavy presence and is very well played as the drums and upright bass thump and bang out solid rhythms. … read more
Local Reviews: Enemy Octopus
This Salt Lake City alt-rock quartet definitely has an affinity for Rage Against The Machine. Hitting new topics like the economy as well as the basics (corporate greed, war and government controversy), Enemy Octopus performs a tight set on the short, self-titled EP with vocals on four of the six tracks, the bookends being instrumental. … read more
Local Reviews: Fictionist
You may recall that Fictionist had a flirtation with Rolling Stone Magazine and made it to the third round of their cover contest. This is their first release since said 15 minutes of fame, and their third total. While listening, I perceived swells of darkness against opposing waves of hope—there’s no doubt that this EP is an emotionally driven work of rock n’ roll. … read more
Local Reviews: The Anchorage
Welcome to emo-ska! This is a fun/hate romp through two genres, which actually works for locals The Anchorage. Lyrics about pointing fingers at the lazy, the runaways, the suicide-attempters and those who aren’t facing reality in general, meet a wall of happy horns. … read more
Local Reviews: Baby Ghosts
A little bit of video game effects, some shred-tastic guitar playing, frantic drumming and vocals that alternate from melodic to scream-y—voila! Baby Ghosts are born! The songs are fun, upbeat and punky—it’s the kinda music that would have the crowd jumping along in no time. … read more
Local Reviews: Spirit Master
Notwithstanding their lack of prior coverage and how their name sounds like it was loaned from a Dungeons & Dragons manual, Spirit Master is definitely an interesting act when contrasted with the current local music scenes. Locals might recognize band member Brent Dreiling from Band of Annuals and The American Shakes, but needless to say, comparing those with this record is comparing apples to oranges—engrossedly psychedelic oranges. … read more
Local Reviews: Sea Gown
It’s a very taut rope to walk when trying to craft a successful downtempo/techno-pop crossbreed album. Electronica one-man-band Peter Densmore tests his sense of balance with his project, Sea Gown. … read more
Local Reviews: Still Sea
Local post-punk/hardcore (goddamn, genres are stupid) outfit Still Sea has just released this five-song EP, and it is a delicious foray into stripped-down, raw, time-changey goodness that’s always one step to the left of the line. … read more
Mike Brown’s Monthly Dirt: Natturday!
For those who don’t know, Natturday is the unofficial last day of the year at one of my favorite places on this big stupid Earth, Brighton Resort. Natty Light hosts a beach bash and turns the resort into a tailgate of legendary proportions. The first time I discovered Natturday was a few years ago when I was asked to judge a bikini contest. It was great: I sat there and was fed beers while half-naked girls tried to win stupid prizes by dancing around in the snow. … read more