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God’s Revolver
Banned from almost every live-music venue in their hometown of Provo,
God’s Revolver love to prank and practical joke with all forms of
authority. Yet, despite their antics, one fact remains the same—these
boys breed a brand of greasy rock and roll that demands respect. I’m
talking about hardrocking, paint-peeling guitar shredding, topped-off
with raspy vocals that Wendy O. Williams would be proud of. Hold on to
your Canadian Host and lock up your daughters, word on the street is
that God’s Revolver will be releasing a new album this year that is
bound to take them on the road again, spreading their own religion of
sludge-rock across this fine country. (Angela H. Brown, SLUG Magazine)
Jezus Rides A Riksha
Jezus Rides A Riksha have experienced more turnovers than the Utah
Jazz—or in what you might fill with your average Granny Smith apple (in
regards to recent guitarist shuffling)—but the band has persevered
throughout the years to become an institution of Salt Lake City’s
hard-rock scene. Hell, they even survived an appearance at the 1998
Milwaukee Metalfest. In their decade-plus career, JRAR have delivered
consistently solid recordings including their most recent release, Last Reach for the Sun, featuring
10 hard-hitting tunes. Their music packs a powerful, aggressive and
melodic punch that in a live setting pummels your senses extra good.
(John Forgach, KRCL)
Laserfang
These electro-organic rockers have a knack for roping you in with their
lie-in-wait tuning then—without warning—totally snowglobe you, leaving
you reeling in the wake of their refrain. (Circus Brown, KRCL)
Le Force
Instrumental metal duo Le Force are endlessly inventive with a limited
palette; with just guitar and drums, they’re more brutal (and tuneful)
than most so-called “full” bands. The precise blend of Chris’ intricate
six-string layers and Jud’s primal percussion bring brilliantly titled
songs like “Victory Runs Through Our Blood Like Ice in the Caves of
Midnight” and “We May Belong to You ... But Our Souls Belong to Satan”
to full cinematic life. (Bill Frost)
Libbie Linton
Libbie Linton released one of the best local records of 2009—and that’s not even her headlining achievement. Bird Wings in the Bleak packages
her unique songwriting and incredible voice better than her debut EP.
But her major accomplishment is onstage development; she’s delivering
her songs with the conviction they deserve. (Dave Morrissey)
Linus Stubbs
Linus
Stubbs maintains a low profile, but on the underground circuit his
beats are in high demand. The Ogden-based producer’s resume is covered
in collaborations with multiple emcees, from Utah to Canada and
thereabouts in between. Most recently, he teamed up with Task for Urban
Life of the Suburbanites, and is working on a followup LP while
recording projects with The Numbs and California’s The Moon Blazers. He
also produced tracks on the new Smash Brothas album and made beats for
emcees on the upcoming “Alive and Well Tour.” Also, Linus never sleeps.
(Jamie Gadette)
Musclehawk
The
electro/thrash power-punch duo known as Musclehawk consists of Greg
Bower and Josh Holyoak. They are definitely on the front line of
today’s electronic music scene. Whether it be throwing down their own
original dance-floor bangers or some of the best remixes I’ve heard on
a local or international level, Musclehawk are gonna make you move!
After a live show, you’ll be sweaty, sore and wanting more. (Chase
Loter)
Naked Eyes
With
their do it yourself/don’t give a what attitude, The Naked Eyes have
been one of my personal favorites over the past few years. Originally a
trio out of Ogden, they now reside in Salt Lake City, where they just
recently added Dirk Row to form one of the finest quartets around.
Looped-out, dronelike guitars paired with lyrics that get bellowed as
if they came from some possessed spirit from an ancient age. All in
all, it’s damned good rock music with no gimmicks! (Chase Loter)
Palace of Buddies
Nick
Foster and Tim Meyers produce cute, danceable music that is at times
slightly reminiscent of Vampire Weekend, only more electronic. Oh, and
you don’t have to slap on a pair of Capri skinny jeans to enjoy them.
(Circus Brown)
Paul Jacobsen
Paul
Jacobsen writes incredible songs that are accentuated by a small group
of the most tasteful musicians around. Seeing him perform last year was
nothing short of miraculous. Do yourself a favor and set aside a few
bucks and an hour of your time to see Paul Jacobsen. It’ll change your
life. (Chris Brozek)
Plastic Furs
Thick,
loud psych-rock that’s equal parts relentless and soothing—Plastic Furs
(formerly The Furs) are at the forefront of Salt Lake City’s budding
psychedelic scene and are not to be missed when they take the stage.
(Chris Brozek)
Separation Of Self
Separation
Of Self formed in 2004 and has made every reasonable effort since then
to prove they’re a local band poised for big things. Notable
accomplishments include the pending release of their third full-length
album, Desire Create (due in early spring 2010), and winning an
all-expenses-paid, 45-day national tour in 2007. Everything S.O.S.
does, from their songwriting to merch—even something as simple as their
methodical, business-like approach to sound-checking before each
show—demonstrates this band is seasoned well beyond their “local”
status. (John Forgach)
|
Nolens Volens Nolens Volens—aka Andrew Glassett— crafted his 2009 self-titled release at Blake Henderson’s (TaughtMe) San Francisco studio, playing all of the instruments save for a music box manned by Black Chandelier’s head designer. Arguably, it’s his most accessible album to date—the type of record that complements rainy-day strolls, its layered rhythms and sampled voices slowly seeping in until your head gently bobs. “It’s kind of my pseudo-attempt at being sentimental,” he says of the collective nine tracks, each dedicated to one of his family members. “I learned that I don’t really know my family that well—and I’m OK with that.” (Jamie Gadette) |
Tiny Lights
You
won’t find Tiny lights in the bin of your favorite indie record store
or anyplace online; however, front man Matt Hill intends to change that
this April with the band’s debut release. Until then, the only way to
enjoy these contemporary shoegazer rockers is to see them play live.
Using a minimal drum kit, beat-maker Mike Gonzales plays while standing
with mallets and tambourine. Three guitarists layer impromptu and
atmospheric effects on top of clean bass lines and soft, melodic
vocals. The result is a wonderful droned-out hypnosis—sending the
listener into meditation. (Angela H. Brown)
Tolchock Trio
Why
Tolchock Trio doesn’t have a record deal with Sub Pop yet is beyond me.
These guys create music that is light years ahead of most major
releases I put out on the shelves each week. Tolchock turns out rock
& roll that’s smart, creative, catchy, and lasting. They may just
be the best band you’ve never heard. (Anna Brozek)
