With titles like “Strategies of Redistribution Regarding Devil Worship in the New World,” it is clear that this six-track album is going to be unusual, maybe even pretentious. … read more
Local Reviews: Bootload Of Boogie
There are times when you can judge an album based on its cover. From the cover art that harkens back to National Lampoon designs to song titles like “Go-Go Ho Sale” and “If You Don’t Love Me (Just Fake It)” and the half-assed attempts at lyric writing, you’d swear Sweaxxy Chogg was made on a dare. It’s as if all three members thought of a bunch of inside gags in high school and then put them to music. … read more
Local Reviews: The American Shakes
Releasing an album in the wake of such a popular local band is going to invite some comparisons to the latter’s work. Brent Dreiling, former pedal steel/steel guitar slinger for Band of Annuals (R.I.P), expands on the classic Americana of B.O.A by steering his alt-country intonations into sugary, ‘70s AM radio hits instead of the dive bar balladeering of his previous band. … read more
Local Reviews: Various Artists
Culled from live recordings from the third installment of the summer series of the same name, Music at Main showcases the breadth of good music in Salt Lake City. … read more
Local Reviews: Yze
I’ll give it up for Out Of Many. This is the second local joint handed to me that I can say I will listen to again. Yze knows what he’s doing, and what the hip hop nerds are looking for. I will even go so far to say that he is one of the best producers in the area. … read more
Local Reviews: DulceSky
Locals DulceSky pack a “doubleplusgood” punch with these nine songs. Although they’ve played the Dark Arts Festival and the packaging is reminiscent of ‘90s industrial, this is straightforward indie rock with a dark, intelligent, politicized edge. Oliver Valenzuela’s guitars occasionally recall early U2, but his vocals are far darker, and at times almost Joy Division-morose. … read more
Local Reviews: Max Pain & The Groovies
Channeling the late ‘60s/early ‘70s groove that once fueled the Human Be-In and the Summer Of Love, Pain and company find a niche between the psychedelic and heavy rock for their own modern movement. The heavy guitar riffs echo out of every track like a continuous wave of reverb, bending and weaving without a break and are accompanied by a cool bass and drumbeat that keep pace throughout. … read more
Local Reviews: Ravings Of A Madman
These guys are having such a good fucking time being pissed off. In the Time it Takes to Hate is a heavy album, in content and sound. It is an exorcism of noise and emotion which can be exhilarating for both the audience and performer, but on occasion, and with sub-par execution, it can also be totally disorienting. … read more
Local Reviews: Subrosa
No Help for the Mighty Ones begins with whispers and it ends with whispers, but there’s a whole lot of darkened and beautiful noise in between. Once this album passes through one’s auditory passages and their individual psyche, they will be changed forever. … read more
Local Reviews: The Heavens And The Earth
Put together with more Moog technology than some may have thought existed, this short five-track electronica EP doesn’t encompass the average “techno club” vibe. Kosmichete was created entirely by Matt McMurray with a touch of mastering from Andrew Glassett (Nolens Volens). … read more
Local Reviews: Holy Water Buffalo
Although this is the debut album from local foursome Holy Water Buffalo, one would be hard-pressed knowing it after a close listen. These Heber boys have done their share of listening to rock records of yesteryear, spinning a polished twist on the prescribed notion of “garage rock.” … read more
Local Reviews: Seven Feathers Rainwater
15 Apple Magicians is the album I always knew Salt Lake City was capable of producing. Aside from being the zeitgeist-capturing masterpiece of all things happening within the burgeoning “New Weird Utah” collective in the past few years, 15 Apple Magicians delivers on every promise hinted at by the insane talent of the Moondial Tape family. … read more
