50% of this album is 100% awesome. Where has Phan been hiding? Seriously, Stet is bursting at the seams with covetable musicianship and originality. “Reggae Macabre” could be a chill Mr. Bungle song, where Phan and his friends (there are a lot of contributers on this album) brilliantly fuse jazz and a latin dance feel with enough quirks to keep the listener not just listening, but grinning. … read more
Local Reviews: Armorie
While the arrangements of the songs on Pew Pew feel a little spastic, a little schizo, giving this record repeated listens helps to understand what the band was going for as a whole. I mean, this sounds like a few different guys getting their ideas down on a recording, experimenting with abandon and developing minor themes into entire songs. … read more
Local Reviews: Beta Chicks
When did Cache County become Dance Rock Capitol, U.S.A? If skinny ties, keytars, and tight grooves that follow lock-step behind killer electronic production aren’t synonymous with Logan, UT, The Beta Chicks are on a mission to change that. … read more
Local Reviews: Big Sky Tribunal
Big Sky Tribunal, while often sounding like the unique vision of band leader Brian Oakley, is made up of a veritable who’s-who in established and up-and-coming SLC artists. … read more
Local Reviews: Brian Bingham
Oh local artists, dare to dream! I don’t really buy into the notion that everyone dreams of being a rock star, yet far too many local artists seem to see themselves this way. Local singer/songwriter Brian Bingham seems to have been bitten by this grand illusion bug and instead of simply singing in his own voice, does that very annoying American Idol audition trick where he tries to sing as though someone else. … read more
Local Reviews: The Devil Whale
In a year where many prominent SLC bands have either broken up or gone on lengthy hiatuses, The Devil Whale soldiers on, releasing a six song EP full of their strongest material to date. … read more
Local Reviews: DropSideNine
There is some serious pain and anguish on DropSideNine’s debut EP. A Perfectly Orchestrated Breakdown definitely lives up to its name. The vocals on this record are mixed so high that it sounds like vocalist Brandon Larsen is sitting on my lap bouncing on my taters while the other member of the band, Scott Peterson, donkey-punches me. … read more
Local Reviews: Junior Bellows
Ever since The Hold Steady took back the term “bar rock” from the 40 year old denizens of dive bars countrywide trying to score with blond meth-head versions of cougars, I have been struggling to think of a catch-all phrase that describes not only the venue where you are most likely to hear this unbearably bland rock ‘n’ roll, but also the crowd that would pay good money to be assaulted by this incredibly boring version of ZZ Top. … read more
Local Reviews: Lo-Fidelity
Jazz anyone? Hip Hop? I’m not talking about the norm mix here. I am talking about the good stuff, the stuff that really surprises you—it reminds you of how awesome music can be when approached with the right attitude (i.e. Ratatat minus the hype). … read more
Local Reviews: The Love Astronauts
Oh, this album is a-hoppin’. Who knew ska could reach outer space! Well The Love Astronauts did of course, with ska-groovin’ keyboard and up-strokes followed by sax to trombone. … read more
Local Reviews: Mantra Monsta
This release starts off strong with a song that sort of sounds like a noise interpretation of Devendra Banhart’s “Fall,” but it quickly degrades into an unintelligible mess. For the most part, it sounds like something one would record with friends after getting drunk and playing instruments you are completely unfamiliar with. … read more
Local Reviews: NSPS
This six song, six music video, limited Record Store Day release is a thing of its own. With ups and downs and spring-de-loop noises topped with vocals that linger between talking and trying to sing, it’s an accomplishment to simply get through the album. … read more
