This year, while spitballing ideas for a beer column, I realized that there was one thing that I’ve actually never done with regard to beer, and that is drink a nonalcoholic one. I thought that it would be helpful to review some sans-fun suds for the Beer Issue. I don’t quite know whom this helps, because the first thing I realized is that I know absolutely no one that drinks this shit. … read more
Eleanor Coppola’s narrative-film directorial debut, Paris Can Wait, is a stale jaunt through French terrain by way of a Peugeot convertible, exorbitant dinners and flat—mostly nonexistent—romance and comedy. … read more
Ever wonder what Clutch would sound like if they returned to their roots, yet still retained some of their modern sound? That’s the biggest vibe I’m getting from Salt Lake City’s Breaux on The Brown Bag EP. It has almost become cliché to say, “This band defies genres,” but in all honesty I really haven’t come across a band like Breaux. … read more
You could play this record for someone and they’d wonder what classic 80s hard rock band it is until you told them that the members of this band were probably just small kiddos in the 80s. The band isn’t out to re-invent the notion of what hard rock is, I could cite influences until the cows come home, but that doesn’t really matter. … read more
While I still stand firmly by my assertion that most local punk rock sucks, I’d be lying if I said this release is anything but awesome. Recorded live in the Dubbed band room, this split finds two of Utah’s finest punk bands at their best, even if they are a little drunk (Dubbed) or a little rough around the edges (Bombs & Beating Hearts). … read more
The split album has always been a good way to discover new music that associates with projects you may already enjoy. This highly limited release is no exception, and contains one track from Salt Lake’s Eagle Twin and Night Terror. Eagle Twin’s contribution is, as always, driven heavily by excellent drumming and a great deal of dirty feedback, while Night Terror submits a strong-but-short piece of horrifying noise. … read more
Nolens Volens is Andrew Glassett. Andrew Glassett is a damn fine musician who just released his eighth album, Nolens Volens. Word on the WWW is that Nolens Volens was distilled directly from the Glassett family bloodline, each song representative of a member of Andrew’s family. … read more
Oh. My. Gawd. Brandie Frampton is, like, such a superstar!! She sings about things that I just really, like, relate to! Things like, you know, butterfly tattoos, and boys! Ugh, boys are 2 lame!!! She’s 16 and from Lindon, so she totally relates to my problems, lol! I mean, when u r 16, u know so much about life!! … read more
As a solo artist, Madrid possesses what many lack. He’s got an ear for classics. It’s not always easy to entertain an audience with just a guitar, piano and buttery vocals. This album should be a lesson to other aspiring musical locals – it proves that simple can be beautiful. … read more
Sounds from the Canyon is Revideolized’s (a one man project) third album and one highly enlightening concept. The album was recorded in “The Canyon,” also known as Butterfield Canyon. The music, at first glance, could be described as easy listening, but it morphs from that genre’s simple, sterilized, happy, soothing sounds to a darker atmosphere, heightening senses, with ambient and haunting excursions. … read more
Sometimes I think bands are making music for the sole purpose of driving people to stand closer to speakers, with the result of never hearing anything again. Sadly, my dinky computer speakers are not that powerful. … read more
After seeing Secret Abilities live, I can at least say they are consistent with their music. Most bands excel in one setting or the other. Secret Abilities are the same talented blah live or recorded. From crazy dance riffs in “Can’t Stop” to a disgustingly sweet “Love and A Parking Lot.” … read more
