Someone should have told American Attic that they’re a bit late for the pop punk genre, which peaked over a decade ago. One should never judge a book or an album by its cover, but in this case, the cliché black shirts and poses by the band members are appallingly indicative of American Attic’s content. … read more
Local Reviews: Blinded By Truth
This five-song EP from local punk outfit Blinded By Truth conjures memories of adolescent summer nights full of everything but responsibility. The songs are pretty traditional in their makeup for the most part, definitely following in the footsteps of giants like NOFX with the harmonizing vocals and driving guitar chords. … read more
Local Reviews: Clocks
This album must have been recorded in the Cave of Time from the Choose Your Own Adventure book series. It features a number of disjointed sounds, instruments and samples that jump in and out of subdued feedback modulations. The album never bothers to move beyond this, ahem, timeless configuration. … read more
Local Reviews: Discoid A
Maybe it’s the band’s name or the crudely drawn anarchy symbol sharpied on the CD-R, but I assumed this would be Discharge-worshipping, anarcho punk of the crustiest breed. I was pretty far off the mark, as it’s 16 short tracks of obstinately lo-fi acoustic punk that falls somewhere between the vocal style of Lou Barlow and Chris Dodge. … read more
Local Reviews: Disforia – Our Time Defined
Local power metal outfit Disforia’s first full-length album, Our Time Defined, is a well produced and sharpened collection that surprises with its organization and wide use of instruments. The strongest song on the album is “Of Wolves And Men”—it has a wonderful intro with faded, ancient vocals dancing over distortion and heartbeat-drumming. … read more
Local Reviews: Exer Ovu
I’ve listened to a few Exer Ovu releases now—this dude, Derek Griffith, has seriously put out a shit ton of CDs—and I still can’t quite figure out what to make of any of it. One thing’s for sure, though: He loves making music, and his passion shines through in this album. … read more
Local Reviews: The Folka Dots
The face of folk is changing forever. Elements of rock, reggae, electronica, psychedelia and any other conceivable musical movement are successfully blending into traditional acoustic songwriting. … read more
27 Club Performer: Klaus
My best friend’s parents were a couple of hippies and were always playing music in their home. Janis was someone I frequently heard playing while I spent time there. The power and grief in her voice continues to be a source of inspiration. … read more
27 Club Performer: Luna Slipstream
Jim Morrison was a bad boy in tight leather pants. He WAS shock value. He set the bar higher for all rock stars. … read more
Local Reviews: In Dreaming
Having met the individual members of this band several times over the years, I can say with authority that In Dreaming are some of the hardest working and nicest dudes you’ll find in Provo. The Pathless Sounds, their debut full-length album, proves that they are also skilled at composing some of the most individualistic and difficult-to-categorize music around. … read more
Local Reviews: Joel Brown
It’s not my place to complain about or bash on religious music. If you enjoy a good gospel number or a rock anthem about heaven, so be it. However, much like the dreaded Parental Advisory label, Christian albums should come with a sticker shaped like a cross so you know what it is. … read more
27 Club Performer: Aaron Ray aka Sissy Riot
The first time that Nirvana resonated with me would have been some time in middle school when I was reading a back issue of Guitar World magazine of my oldest brothers. The person interviewing Kurt Cobain was hassling him a little about the couple of times he had worn dresses on and off stage, Kurt was having none of that and simply said “I’m not gay, but I wish I were gay, so I could tell all the homophobes to go to hell.” … read more
