THURSDAY FEB. 20
Hellfyre Club
The latest compilation by Los Angeles progressive rap and beat record label Hellfyre Club, Dorner vs. Tookie- released in November 2013-is one weird hip-hop gumball machine. Its overall feel is challenging and surreal, with lyrics often not quite matching up with the beats, dreamy synths, references to both religion and Japanese cartoons, and razor-sharp wordplay that crackles with intricacy and self-awareness. At tonight's show, Hellfyre Club emcees Busdriver, Milo, Open Mic Eagle and label founder Nocando will perform, with local rapper Burnell Washburn starting things off. (Kolbie Stonehocker)
Kilby Court, 741 S. Kilby Court (330 West), 8 p.m., $12 in advance, $14 day of show, KilbyCourt.com; limited no-fee tickets available at CityWeeklyStore.com
FRIDAY FEB. 21
Royal Teeth
In
the music video for "Wild," the popular single by Louisiana
indie-pop/dance five-piece Royal Teeth, there are more meaningful glances
between the lead vocalists than in an episode of Downton Abbey.
But that's because Gary Larsen and Nora Patterson just have undeniable
chemistry, especially when they sing together as beautifully as modern
musician versions of a happy Lady Mary and Matthew (RIP). "Wild"-from Glow,
released in summer 2013-begins with spacey, bouncy synths and rolling
guitar chords before giving way to sparkling indie pop that crackles
with electric youth and energy. For good reason, Royal Teeth is getting
noticed: Billboard mentioned the band on its Bubbling Under blog,
which showcases artists on the verge. Chappo, Ocean Commotion and Just
Hooligans will open. (Kolbie Stonehocker)
Kilby Court, 741 S.
Kilby Court (330 West), 8 p.m., $10 in advance, $12 day of show, KilbyCourt.com; limited no-fee tickets available at CityWeeklyStore.com
Donnie Bonelli & Drew Danburry Double Album Release
This local double-header album-release show is not to be missed, as rapper Donnie Bonelli and singer-songwriter Drew Danburry are both coming out with monumental projects. Bonelli's Shakeface is his debut album, with tracks about topics that range from deeply personal to fun and silly, delivered with the trademark honesty and humor that House of Lewis emcees are known for. Speaking of silly, the promo video for the album and its titular track is nothing short of amazing, as Bonelli, contributor Atheist, an English bulldog and others shake their faces in black & white, slow-motion glory. Danburry, through his For All the Girls side project, is also releasing the album 70 Love Songs, which actually does include 70 songs, each dedicated to a specific female muse. Every song features a cameo from a guest musician or band, many of them local, giving the album a feel that's extremely eclectic, with touches of rock, electro-pop, indie rock and more, all linked by Danburry's voice and storytelling. Some of those guest performers will also play tonight, such as Atheist, Mimi Knowles and members of Polytype, Bat Manors and Coral Bones. (Kolbie Stonehocker)
Muse Music Café, 151 N. University Ave., Provo, 8 p.m., $5 in advance, $7 day of show, MuseMusicCafe.com
Com Truise
It doesn't seem far-fetched to imagine electronic producer Seth Haley, aka Com Truise, creating tracks inside a giant keytar floating in space. His synth-based production is layered with lush analog textures and '80s-inspired backdrops-the sort of sounds that belong either in an Isaac Asimov short story or a VHS copy of Jane Fonda's Workout. Either way, the New York-based producer's latest release, Wave 1, is '80s sci-fi to the core and seems to be made specifically for Vicki from Small Wonder. However, Haley claims the EP is about a synthetic astronaut on a mission to an Earth-like planet, each track describing a different leg of his journey- which is equally rad. Phantoms are also on the bill. (Colin Wolf)
The Urban Lounge, 241 S. 500 East, 9 p.m., $10 in advance, $13 day of show, TheUrbanLoungeSLC.com; limited no-fee tickets available at CityWeeklyStore.com
Walk Off the Earth
Walk Off the Earth brings a unique, avant-garde five-piece musical harmony to the newage indie scene. After their five-people-play-one-guitar rendition of Gotye's "Somebody That I Used To Know" and other low-budget videos went viral on YouTube, these Burlington, Ontario, natives captured the attention of fans around the world. Their collection of innovative covers and original works-full of haunting harmonies-has garnered the quintet enough credibility to release their first album, R.E.V.O., with hit song "Red Hands." Parachute and Camera2 start the night off. (Ana Bentz)
In the Venue, 219 S. 600 West, 9 p.m., $20 in advance, $25 day of show, InTheVenueSLC.com
SUNDAY FEB. 23
Lord Huron
This Los Angeles-based solo project turned five-piece band hasn't come out with any new material since their latest full-length album, Lonesome Dreams, in 2012. But if you're starved for some new Lord Huron, the titular track's accompanying music video, which came out less than a year ago, will at least provide a new-ish visual side to the folksy tune. The color-washed video opens with band founder Ben Schneider alone and adrift at sea and subsequently washing up on an unknown beach. He sets out to explore the mysterious island, encountering ghosts and a character called Admiral Blaquefut. The adventurous feel pairs well with Lord Huron's dreamy, wanderlust-edged Americana music that's reminiscent of Fleet Foxes and Of Monsters & Men. Superhumanoids will start things off. (Kolbie Stonehocker) The Urban Lounge, 241 S. 500 East, 9 p.m., $15, TheUrbanLoungeSLC.com; limited no-fee tickets available at CityWeeklyStore.com
TUESDAY FEB. 25
Nicki Bluhm & the Gramblers
The pastel geometric cover of the latest fulllength album from San Francisco six-piece Nicki Bluhm & the Gramblers-released in summer 2013-has the look of a well-loved homemade quilt, something your mama would hang on the clothesline on a sunny afternoon. That familiar barefoot-in-thegrass breeziness perfectly suits the band's sound, which is a warmly vintage blend of rock, country and soul. Nicki Bluhm's voice is a showstopper, with the effortless beauty of Jenny Lewis and the soulful power of Neko Case. And the Gramblers-which include Nicki's husband, Tim-give that voice the perfect instrumental home, with bluesy guitar, backing harmonies, catchy percussion and piano. Dead Winter Carpenters are also on the bill. (Kolbie Stonehocker)
The State Room, 638 S. State, 8 p.m., $15, TheStateRoom. com; limited no-fee tickets available at CityWeeklyStore.com