The Arcadians has a pretty sound overall, with a lot of the focus on the vocals, but there is not a lot of substance to latch on to. My biggest complaint about this debut album from this Provo group is that it lacks originality. … read more
The word that best describes this album is “raw.” It’s safe to say that Wildcat Strike’s debut release is nothing short of original. Psychedelic and folk influences are present. There’s even a tinge of blues, but with raw talent, this band has melded their own form of rock. … read more
If you listen closely, you can hear the faint sound of moans and groans of San Diego’s local residents as hoards of costumed basement avengers and their parental supervisors waddle their way toward the San Diego Convention Center. In the next wee … read more
These guys are extraordinarily talented young musicians, and I had the great pleasure of witnessing them firsthand at a live show this past year. Musically, they are dedicated to beautiful, progressive rock songs, and they jam till they’re done—all the songs on the album are over four minutes long, and about half are over six. … read more
Evoking a bitter age of strife in a war-torn fantasy realm, Echoes of Battle shows an impressive amount of maturity for a debut release. With a tasteful mix of thoughtful orchestral arrangements and dynamic black metal sorcery, members Mortal Sword and Shield Anvil pay lyrical and musical tribute to Steven Erikson’s dark fantasy series, The Malazan Book of the Fallen. … read more
After covering Color Animal for July’s edition of Localized, at which point in time they had not recorded anything yet, I was eager to hear their debut album. Despite having to wait a few extra months, this seven-song mini-LP with a great blend of psychedelic and garage/surf rock was worth it. … read more
This album is defined by its lush instrumentation, dripping with cosmic flair. The guitar rhythms are jangly with just enough feedback, and occasionally angular enough to border math rock. … read more
Harmon’s Heart album is worth a listen for anyone who pays attention to Exigent or is willing to unplug from the local hardcore scene for a few songs. … read more
Cannonball Lessons is the second release from Salt Lake avant-garde duo, it foot, it ears. This five-song EP adds to the band’s catalogue a handful of stripped-down musical miniatures, which are at once endearing and exasperating. … read more
Having recorded this album as a two-piece, (pre bassist Elliot Secrist), Mike Cundick and Jarom Bischoff exhibit their impeccable knack for creating rock songs that are both virtuosic and passionate without lapsing into cheesiness. Opener “Nah Dude” pulsates with a riff that sounds like it is finger-picked, oscillating betwixt the lower and higher strings, which moves in a consistent, choral way, which explodes into erratic strumming. … read more
Based on the DC Comic series created by Warren Ellis and Cully Hamner, RED (Retired Extremely Dangerous) follows a team of former government agents who have been targeted for termination due to the secrets that came with their ex-employer. … read more
Set in a tropical locale populated by mysterious and beautiful creatures and poised midway between documentary and feature cinema, Alamar remains strikingly free of sensationalism. … read more
