May 2014
Local Review: Rise In Style – Self-Titled
This six-song album has notes borrowed from a variety of alternative rockers. Opener “Do Away” is a hopeful anthem that strokes the edge of Angels and Airwaves without the excessive reverb. “Revival” has a post-hardcore, At the Drive-In feel, though without as much edge. … read more
Local Review: Mustard Tiger/Satanic Hispanic
This grind/fastcore/powerviolence split comes from two groups who don’t take themselves too seriously. Mustard Tiger, whose name is derived from an insult hurled during an episode of Trailer Park Boys, bring some raw jams to their side—and we’re talking raw. … read more
Local Review: Laughter – Ain Soph Aur
There’s definitely not a lot to laugh about on this gloomy EP from Laughter, made up of a talented trio of SLC musicians. There is a duality in the music presented on the record. … read more
Local Review: Jake Burch – Bloodflower
Jake Burch sings like someone pleading for absolution, as if he’s somewhere in the astral plane, stuck between stations. Burch’s voice can move up the octave scale from a twangy, marble-mouthed drawl to an impressive Jeff Buckley howl in a strained falsetto that pushes the recording into the red in a few quick movements. … read more
Local Review: Echodog – Mine
Echodog reeks with potential. With a short five-track album, these locals know how to play. Each track is rock-oriented, with the exception of “Mine,” which feels more along the lines of acoustic, alternative coffee-shop rock—not that that’s a bad thing. … read more
Review: Ghetto Ghouls – Self-Titled
After surviving the brutal assault of “Peepshow,” I can see the subtle brilliance that makes Ghetto Ghouls something special. … read more
Review: Frances England – Paths We Have Worn
I can see it now: Visions of mommies on Pinterest from all over the blogosphere will pin a picture of this “indie-rocker” girl with all sorts of hashtags littering the title: #cute #seriouslyadorable #indiemusic #fashion! … read more
Review: Faderhead – Atoms & Emptiness
This is a release that invites a personal connection from the listener. There has obviously been some personal growth prior to and during the production of this album on Faderhead’s part—there is a lot of emotion put into the lyrics. … read more
Review: Feel No Other – Self-Titled
Like blind men in a theater, we’re taken through a cinematic story of sounds: Lush vistas of synth and layered orchestrations, courtesy of Brian McKenzie, pillow strong operatic vocals from Claudia Gregory, whose voice is rarely off-pitch and acts as a striking complement to the vast soundscapes. … read more
Review: Dex Romweber Duo – Images 13
Hillbilly garage punk madman Dex Romweber has been tearing up roots music since the mid ’80s when he was in the seminal Flat Duo Jets. Dex knows no fear when it comes to playing rock n’ roll. … read more
Review: Donovan Blanc – Self-Titled
Donovan Blanc are New Jersey natives and the most recent artists signed to the Captured Tracks family. Captured Tracks and New Jersey are known to provide blissed-out guitar work, and Donovan Blanc deliver. … read more
Review: Dead Rider – Chills on Glass
Imagine a funky psychedelic trip where the ‘70s meet the ‘90s, minus the angst. “Blank Screen” is a perfect description of what this band is about: smooth vocals, experimental electronic sounds and a funky rhythmic beat. … read more
