Despite what I’ve read on bathroom walls, I was under the impression that punk was, in fact, quite dead—or at least punk as I was initially introduced to it. In my mind, all the street punx that hadn’t burned out completely had replaced their mohawks with misshapen dreads and converted themselves into freight-riding crustlords. That, or they’d put on Rayban knockoffs and turned into snotty garage rock dudes. … read more
Plan-B Theatre: Borderlands
If you’ve never seen a Plan-B production there are a few things you should know about Borderlands. No one gets shot. No one sings any songs. There’s not really a hero and there’s certainly not a villain. In fact, Borderlands’ cast of four Provoans mostly sit around a used car lot and talk about themselves and their shitty problems. Sound like a good time? Well it is—it really is. … read more
Burzum: The Extended Interview
Few names in metal music—or music as a whole—generate as much vitriol as Burzum or its sole member, Varg Vikernes. What follows is an e-mail conversation with Vikernes on the eve of the North American release of his latest effort, Fallen. *Disclaimer: SLUG magazine does not necessarily agree with, condone, or support certain comments in the following interview, but it is understood that censorship of any kind is a detriment. … read more
Peelander-Z at the Urban Lounge
Seeing Japanese/New Yorkers Peelander-Z play at the Urban Lounge was like witnessing an extra-terrestrial invasion, complete with laserblast guitar riffs and “take-me-to-your-leader” style mispronounced English. Anamanaguchi opened the show, which was fun enough, but Peelander-Z’s goofball antics really made the night. … read more
Callers and Wye Oak @ Kilby Court
It’s a relief to stand in front of a band that isn’t bullshitting you. The unassuming trio from Brooklyn known simply as Callers, not The Callers, are no bullshitters. Even though they don’t look the part, Callers don’t look out of place as they delicately perch themselves on the tiny stage flanked with Christmas lights. … read more
Napalm Flesh – Local Band Spotlight: Muckraker
This week’s metal blog features a quick interview with Salt Lake locals Muckracker, a rundown of this week’s metal happenings, some blog exclusive reviews and a couple of super-short quickie reviews. … read more
Super Moon Rising: SLUG’s SXSW 2011
To say I was excited for a festival that occurs in a place where shirts stick to backs with humidity would be a great understatement. I made my schedule anyway, boarded the plane with much air-phobia, and arrived with no limo waiting. A shuttle ride later and downtown beckoned outside the hotel window with an amazing buzzing from the SXSW. … read more
Beats Antique @ The Depot
Oakland, California’s Beats Antique take world and modern dance music to a different plane. This is a somewhat trite thing to say when it’s been said so many times before, but this time it’s real. I’ve written about Beats Antique before, but seeing them do a full set in the proper environ was not something I was thinking would ever happen in SLC. Thankfully, they made it to The Depot and knocked it up and out. … read more
k.d. lang and the Siss Boom Bang – Sing It Loud review
There is nothing better than hearing k.d. lang wrap that heavenly voice around brand new material, and the ease of how she works so seamlessly with a great band only makes this fantastic album that much more pleasurable. … read more
A Hawk and a Hacksaw
You know those bands that you really like, but then you see them live, and your whole world is rocked sideways by, um, every part about them? This happened to me. A Hawk and a Hacksaw have always kind of intrigued me with their Eastern European jams, but until now, I have not fully appreciated what they’ve got going on. … read more
DJ Loczi
DJ Loczi thinks music is the answer to our problems. Most people would agree with him on that. Music is the language that binds all cultures, subcultures and people of all different shapes and sizes. In a world where music is the unifier, the DJ has all the power. … read more
Dead But Dreaming: Dying Fetus
This week’s metal blog features a review rundown of several recently re-issued Dying Fetus releases as well as a guide to all the metal happenings on this Record Store Day weekend. … read more
