SaltLakeUnderGround • Vol. 26 • Issue #317 • May 2015 • slugmag.com

Publisher: Eighteen Percent Gray Chris Kiernan, Gilbert Cisneros, Cody Kirkland, Dean O Hillis, Gavin CONTRIBUTOR LIMELIGHT: Editor: Angela H. Brown Gilbert Garcia, Jake Vivori, John Hoffman, Gavin Sheehan, Henry Managing Editor: Barkiple, Johnny Cowan, Logan Glasheen, James Bennett, James Scott Farley Alexander Ortega Sorenson, Martín Rivero, Matt Brunk, Orme, Jimmy Martin, John Ford, Senior Staff Writer Junior Editor: Christian Schultz Matthew Windsor, Megan Kennedy, Jordan Deveraux, Julia Sachs, Justin Office Coordinator: Melissa Cohn, Michael Portanda, Gallegos, Kia McGinnis, Lauren Gavin Sheehan Russel Daniels, Scott Frederick, Ashley, Mariah Mann Mellus, Megan Digital Content Coordinator: Talyn Sherer, Weston Colton Kennedy, Mike Brown, Mike Riedel, Henry Glasheen Videographers: Peter Fryer, Ricky Vigil, Ryan Hall, Fact Checker: Nic Smith Andrew Schummer, Brock Grossl, Scott Farley, Sean Zimmerman-Wall, Copy Editing Team: Alex Cragun, Candida Duran, Lexie Floor, Perry Shawn Mayer, Stakerized!, Steve Alexander Ortega, Allison Shephard, Layne Decker-Tate, Ryan Dearth, Goemaat, Steve Richardson, Christian Schultz, Cody Kirkland, Slugger Thomas Winkley Henry Glasheen, John Ford, Jordan Community Development Monkeys with Computers: Deveraux, Julia Sachs, Laikwan Executives/Advertising Sales: Adam Fratto, Alex Coulombe, Alex Waigwa-Stone, Maria Valenzuela, John Ford: [email protected] Cragun, Alex Gilvarry, Ali Shimkus, Mary E. Duncan, Nic Smith, Nick Angela H. Brown: Allison Shephard, Andrea Silva, Kuzmack, Shawn Soward, [email protected] Ashley Lippert, Ben Tilton, Carl Now known textually as “Heck Fork Grief,” Scott Traci Grant SLUG HQ: 801.487.9221 Acheson, CJ Morgan, Connor Brady, Farley started at SLUG in 1995 when former Edi- Editorial Intern: Kathy Zhou Marketing Interns: Ben Juell, Dan Vesper, Darcy Wouters-Russell, tor Gianni Ellefsen ran the magazine, and was Digital Interns: Davis Pope, Kolton Smith, Rosemary Saycich, Davis Pope, Dylan Evans, Eric U. the “acting General Editor”—as he puts it—for Julia Sachs, Nick Kuzmack Paige Emond Norris, Erin Moore, Gregory Gerulat, a period of time. Farley has had a long tenure Content Consultants: Marketing Team: Jamie Stott, Jeanine Carmichael, with the magazine, including his authorship of Jon Christiansen, Matt Hoenes Alex Topolewski, Ashley Kinser, Jeremy Cardenas, Jesse Hawlish, the popular “Serial Killer of the Month” column, Cover Illustration: Ben Juell, Carl Acheson, Cassandra Kamryn Feigel, Kathy Zhou, Kendal in which he profiled serial murderers throughout Christian Broadbent Loveless, Cassie Anderson, Janie Gillett, Kenny Tadrzynski, Kristal history, each month from ’95–2000, under the Lead Graphic Designer: Greenberg, Jono Martinez, Kolton Starr, Kristyn Porter, LeAundra Jeffs, pen name of St. Feltcher. His favorite was an Joshua Joye Smith, Lindsay Clark, Paige Emond, Lizz Corrigan, Madi Smith, Mame April Fools’ joke about the fictitious Pilar Sofol! Graphic Design Team: Rachel Roller, Rosemary Saycich, Wallace, Matt Brunk, Michael Farley also takes pride in initiating SLUG’s cover- Chad Pinckney, Lenny Riccardi, Sabi Lowder, Skye Galley, Zac Sanchez, Nancy Perkins, Nate age of the Nova Chamber Music Series, and he Freeman Housley, Nic Smith, Nick Kuzmack, Mason Rodrickc, Paul Mason presently writes food reviews. Through grappling Social Media Coordinator: Nicole Stephenson, Rachel Jensen, Ad Designers: Brad Barker, with each review, Farley ultimately finds content- Catie Weimer Randy Dankievitch, RGB Robb, Brighton Metz, Christian Broadbent, ment in the act of writing and forming a critical Devin Wakefield, Dianna Totland, KJ Distribution Manager: Rebecca Frost, Rheanna Sonnichsen, opinion about local restaurants—and we continu- Jackett, Maggie Zukowski, Nicholas Eric Granato Sara Bezdjian, Seeth McGavien, ally adore his poetic prose with each piece. Dowd, Nick Ketterer, Sumerset Bivens Distro: Andrea Silva, Daniel Some Cop Dude, Taylor Hoffman, Alexander, Davis Pope, Eric Granato, Timo H., Trevor Hale, Trey Sanders, Website Developer: Kate Colgan ABOUT THE COVER: May is National Illustrators: Brighton Metz, John Ford, Jordan Deveraux, Julia Tyson Call, Xkot Toxsik Bike Month, and simple tattoo flash inspired Brooklyn Ottens, D. Bradford Sachs, Maria Valenzuela, Michael SLUG Magazine’s Official the cover for SLUG’s third annual Bike Issue. Gambles, Eleora Nelson, Lenny Sanchez, Nancy Burkhart, Nancy Podcast: SLUG designer Christian Broadbent em- Riccardi, Maggie Zukowski, Manuel Perkins, Lucas Goodrich, Ryan SLUG Soundwaves Aguilar, Natalie Edwards, Paul Worwood, Tommy Dolph, Tony Producer: Gavin Sheehan ployed bold line work to evince the geomet- Frame, Phil Cannon, Robin Banks, Bassett, Wesley Peterson, Xkot Toxsik Executive Producer: ric and holistic synergy of the bicycle and its Ryan Perkins, Sean Hennefer, Steve Senior Staff Writers: Angela H. Brown mythos. Take a look at more of his work at Thueson, Timm Paxton Alex Springer, Alexander Ortega, Associate Producers: madetrue.com. Amanda Rock, Ben Trentelman, Alexander Ortega, Christian Schultz, Photographers: Ben Melini, Bob DISCLAIMER: SLUG Magazine does not Brian Kubarycz, Brinley Froelich, Henry Glasheen, John Ford Plumb, Chad Kirkland, Chris Gariety, necessarily maintain the same opinions as Bryer Wharton, Christian Schultz, those found in our content. Content is property youtube.com/user/SLUGMagazine of SLUG Magazine—please do not use without @SLUGMag written permission.

4 SaltLakeUnderGround slugmag.com 5 TO THE HOUSEWARMING PARTY

EAST LIBERTY TAP HOUSE East Liberty Tap House’s Hand Cut Fries, Sloppy Lamb and Elk Chili make for a hearty By Heck Fork Grief • [email protected] meal with a beer.

850 E. 900 S. SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH 84105 T. 801.441.2845 OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK NOON TO MIDNIGHT

EASTLIBERTYTAPHOUSE.COM

East Liberty Tap House sits at the sunset end of 9th East and 9th South. It started as rumors—initially conceived

as a neighborhood bar, a symbol of Salt Lake’s Sherer Photos: Talyn progress. Here it is, not a full bar, but a tavern tucked inside a bright, tightly furnished, little restaurant. A tavern just serves tap beer, which is the stuff you can buy at the grocery store strength-wise, but the choices, like the food here, are better than average. We drinkers can have a beer in the tavern area without buying food. The majority of the tables are in a more traditional restaurant area where you must buy a bite to get a drink.

This restaurant is not one person’s lifelong dream—it is The Cheddarwurst Corndog The first time I tasted it, my a new business from Scott Evans, who brought you Nuggets ($8) offers a bad-for- thought went, bite by bite: Pago, Finca and the new Hub & Spoke Eatery. He’s a you-but-so-good option for those 1. “Wow …” 2. “No. ...” 3. busy man, and ELTH feels the lack of concentration. It who miss going to amusement “Really?” 4. “Yes.” It stayed in the has not arrived with an already beating heart and a parks and state fairs. Crispy and loud “Yes” category from then on. full sense of itself. That’s OK. Though it is still a little corn flavors break down the oily savor of wobbly on its feet, time will shake that “new, out of sausage, and the house horseradish mustard keeps Several people have mentioned the Sloppy Lamb the box” feeling. The food, though, is confident, made me eating more. ($10) with tremendous enthusiasm. It’s an exciting from locally sourced and select-imported ingredients. idea, comfort and foodie all in a bun—locally sourced The menu is bar food with a twist, which is reasonably The Hand Cut Fries ($3 small, $5 large) are old-school lamb, ground and topped with chèvre and flavored priced and pleasantly surprising. The space is fairly and served on a mesh-edged tin. They also come on with rosemary and honey. The flavor of lamb meat is spartan with white walls, wood accents and orange a larger baking sheet as a side with sandwiches. For distinct and quite enjoyable, and it is not comfort food: Eames-style chairs. It looks like a set for a mid-Century, me, they say Wyoming diner, 1975. They’re definitely The flavors are too intense to glide over. The Sloppy guy-themed fashion ad—not quite sussed-out, not fresh-made, definitely American and perfect with a Shrooms ($10) should be, pardon the pun, beefier quite inhabited. The beer selection is small, but full Wasatch Chocolate Rye Stout. than it is. Like its lamb twin, it, too, is a good idea, but of a rotating cast of always interesting choices—add it eats fast. Mushrooms are often fascinatingly flavored wine and a selection of house cocktails, and the The Elk Chili ($4 cup, $10 bowl) is the star of the and meaty, but here, they are not. housewarming party starts. show, but eat it after a minute, and then quickly, because it is at its very best when it is very hot but The Trout Tartine ($12)—an open-faced sandwich with The Pickle Plate ($3) is small but super potent. also needs the bed of crisps to sop a bit. It’s served a generous steak of salmon-colored trout draped with Cucumbers, cauliflower and beets share a Gameboy- over Fritos like a rich man’s Frito pie, rich and deep, celery root and hardboiled-egg slices—is a success. sized dish with spills of spice and brine. The beets and emphasizes the smoulder of chilli peppers rather Simple and sunlit with inland flavors, it suggests the finish peppery but slightly sweet, as do the cauliflower, than their flame. There are no beans here—just a lime familial earthiness of the fresh asparagus with butter with mustard seed and fennel singing along. The crema, cheddar, scallions, Fritos and a big fistful of and eggs on toast that I ate in Minnesota as a child. cucumbers recall my grandma’s fresh bread-and-butter delicious elk meat in some of the most thoughtful chili The trout doesn’t taste of fish at all, and the light pickles from long ago. in town. The elk is New Zealand–farmed, and it is not saucing of peppery aioli with chopped celery root has gamey in the slightest. It makes me terribly hungry just charm that butter just imagines. Additionally, the trout The Beer Cheese Soup ($5) is a bright bowl of good, thinking about it. is wild-caught from Idaho. spicy fondue, eaten with a spoon, and is quite spicy and flavorful. The Mac and Cheese ($8) is a little ho- A cup of the Elk Chili with a half Chop Salad is the This summer, you might well wander from the Tower hum for my needs, but for half a buck more, get the best lunch I’ve had this season. The Chop Salad ($7 Theatre or Liberty Park to East Liberty Tap House for a poblano version ($8.50) with onions and peppers— half, $12 full), with its emphasis on beets, egg and fun bite and some cold beer. I know this little place is it’s both spicy and satisfying. avocado, is sprightly and light in spite of itself, and going to be busy every night through what looks to be the house dressing is original beyond comparison. a long, hot summer. 6 SaltLakeUnderGround slugmag.com 7 8 SaltLakeUnderGround slugmag.com 9 Porch to Porch are an upbeat, folky bluegrass Two years later, Porch to Porch have played at folk drinking songs,” says Gray. Glauser says ensemble with fast-picking fingers and a wailing plenty of local shows and on plenty of porches, there is a slightly dark tone, but mostly a “humor, harmonica. They live by their motto, “For the naturally evolving to playing outside at places laughter, let’s eat, drink and be merry because (L–R) Devin love of music,” which harmonica player and like Snowbird, Willow Creek Country Club and tomorrow we could die, who the fuck knows” Lee (banjo), designer Willus Branham penciled into La Caille. “Maybe we can go to different states kind of way. “Yeah!” says Harris. Callie Reed their band logo five years ago. They’re a big, around the country and find local musicians like (violin), Matt happy, whiskey-drinkin’ family who dedicates we have here, interview and play music with Their Salt Lake–inspired EP is an entirely Conlin (bass), their Wild Western project to spreading good them and also go to random peoples’ porches,” collaborative effort, which is a blend between vibes, jamming and going right into the crowd. gray says. “Hopefully, we can play [their] favorite new and old songs, devoid of all egos. “No Jennifer E. Yurth The band is fearlessly dedicated to connecting song and bring a smile to [their] face—we’re all one person writes anything, and we all sing (vocals / guitar), with people, and it’s no surprise they found about smiles, man.” the songs,” says Glauser. There’s no “lead Mike McGinn each other. “We are the tightest, loosest band singer,” although one can easily pick out the (mandolin) you’ve ever heard, and I try to go out and Gray says it’s all about the human connection, low, booming bluegrass voice of Harris on tracks and Noel Black talk with people in the middle of a song, with while Chapman says, “Whether it’s with other like “Freedom.” There are three solo-instrument (guitar) are Six the harmonica,” says Branham. They once musicians, audiences or in our group, on the players. “Some songs just spark from Big Nick Feet in the Pine. sang “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” for a porch, having fun, there’s something special about playing the bass,” says Glauser, “and Benjo Hawaiian man at Cliff House that ended in sitting in a semi-circle outside and being able to wrote the song ‘Just a Ride,’” which is meant to tears. “He hugged us and said that his wife hear, see and feed off each other, in contrast to showcase the banjo with Lund’s fiddling frenzy. had died, and they played that [song] at her playing in bars, standing in a line.” The band is all funeral,” he says. “It’s those moments where I’m about improvisation and respecting whomever’s The EP was recorded at Rigby Road Studios like, ‘This is why we play music.’” “feelin’ it” by returning to the same loop or hook with Joel Pack, who selected Porch to Porch at the end. “It’s great that we have no electric for First Friday, where they recorded the track It began at age 16 when guitarist Marc instruments in the group,” Chapman says. “We “The Wasatch Fault” for free onto a disc to share Glauser and Branham began playing in can always throw it down organically.” Though with the public. The experience with Pack was the basement, and then later at clubs around being an all-acoustic band, bars and clubs so positive that they finished their five-track EP at the Salt Lake Valley once they were of age. struggle with having to mic everything. “Urban Rigby Road Studios and are currently working on Guitarist DJ Gray played in a reggae band Lounge, though...” Glauser says. “Ryan Landry, their full-length album there, which is expected to at the time. “DJ opened up for Eek-A-Mouse that guy has us on lock down.” hit the streets in January 2016. They affirm that … We said, ‘Wait, didn’t we play little league Pack knows his shit, and brings a lot of helpful football with that guy?! That’s DJ Gray!’ We These local porch rats sing songs about living in knowledge to the production process. had the whole crowd chanting DJ GRAY!” says the valley, about “this wacky, weird, wonderful Glauser. High school homie and bassist Nick place we live in,” says Harris. Porch to Porch Porch to Porch are focusing on finishing their Harris, or “Big Nick” (also in Filth Lords), practically bleeds salt, too. “I might be biased, full-length album, playing new venues like The had been playing with Benjamin “Benjo” but this is the best city,” Glauser says. Branham Depot and opening for some bigger-name bands Chapman (banjo, guitar) and Anastasia explains how Utah, specifically Salt Lake, isn’t like Old Crow Medicine Show and John Lund (fiddle), who eventually opened for Porch well-represented in the music industry—there is Prine. Together, they’ll keep representing Utah to Porch. After one collective porch session, more to Salt Lake than people think. So, Branham and continue to connect with people and love everything felt right. “Music brought us all back decided, “Fuck, let’s rep SLC!” and so they do on the hell out of playing music. Make sure to check came together over a love for the banjo. After a erally put into bluegrass—we don’t neces- together,” says Harris. tracks like “The Wasatch Fault” from their self- them out at soundcloud.com/porch-to-porch and few band members came and went, fate brought sarily agree with that, but that’s what we’re titled EP, released this past March. There’s a lot catch the train to Urban Lounge on May 15! Localized these six talented musicians together, and they lumped into. It’s usually pretty dark lyrics, even of relatability and humor in their lyrics—“they are By Lizz Corrigan began pursuing their true vision for Six Feet in the though it’s happy-go-lucky music,” says Lee. As [email protected] Pine. Mike McGinn first listened to the band’s Reed puts it, the lyrics aren’t the “everyday story Photos: Russel Daniels EP and joined shortly after, bringing a new ele- that I drove my truck to the gas station with my ment to the band with the mandolin. As one of dog in the back” type. The band is dedicated to the other newer members of the band, Reed ex- a narrative project that tells stories about trains, This month’s Localized is going to be one hell of plains how easily the band allowed her to catch drinking, massacre and murder—characters a musical showdown. Kaleb Hanly will open on to the dark and flowing rhythms while adding seem to come to life through the haunting rise and set the scene for a night of untamed folk and a new feel with the fiddle. “I grew up playing and fall of Yurth’s vocals and the thumps and bluegrass. Following, Porch to Porch will heat mainly classical,” Reed says, but “bluegrass or a strums during instrumental breaks. up the stage with their wild riffs, foot-tapping har- fiddling vibe is a way to say something I’ve never monica and bending elbows. The night will end said before. ... These people are so great and Finding inspiration and possibility in shows and in a Western frenzy by Six Feet in the Pine, who consistent at what they do.” Since the previously films, Lee says, “It is a really big goal to get [our aren’t your average church-goin’ folk, though released EP, Reed, McGinn and Conlin have music] used in something like Hell on Wheels or they’re serious cowboys, strummers and pluck- joined, but this band is definitely sure of where Dead Wood. Shows like that, for me, are some ers. Stop by Urban Lounge May 15 at 10 p.m. they’re going. “This is ‘the band,’” says Lee, and of my biggest influences for the songwriting.” The for just $5, sponsored by Uinta Brewing Co., with assurance, Reed agrees: “We’ve arrived,” dark tone is somewhat Tim Burton–esque: Reed KRCL 90.9FM and Spilt Ink SLC. she says. The next step for the group is to finish says, “I can almost see Tim Burton producing these their full-length album. stories. They are dark and a little twisted.” Some- Six Feet in the Pine look like they just stepped out times, though, the music speaks for itself. Yurth of a Western saloon in the 1920s—but not in a The anticipated full-length album is coming out describes accounts of standing outside and listen- steampunk kind of way. “There’s some real ca- in late May 2015, which will include the three ing to the band play through the glass, vocal-less. maraderie to [dressing up],” says fiddler Callie tracks on the EP. The new album is “[a] little bit of “[The songs, musically] are stories within them- Reed. Utah influences everything from their out- what the EP was,” says vocalist Jennifer Yurth. selves,” she says. “I can totally see the songs in law outfits to the music they play, drawing Utah’s “Those [EP] songs are going on the album, but an old, black-and-white, stop-action 1920s film.” Western setting and heritage into their musical (L–R) Benjamin are being totally re-recorded with all the new style and fashion. Chapman (banjo, members. It’s going to sound completely differ- Right now, most of the band’s time is dedicated guitar), Marc ent. It’s going to be reborn. It’s going to be awe- to finishing the full-length album. When they When the weather is nice, they jam on the front some.” The full-length introduces a new sound, aren’t in the studio, they play shows around the Glauser (guitar), porch in the rolling hills of the Avenues. “It’s part with the high tone of the strings on the mandolin, Salt Lake Valley at venues like The State Room, Nick Harris (bass), of bluegrass,” says guitarist Noel Black. “On an essential bluegrass sound that didn’t exist on In the Venue and Bleu Bistro, and have opened Anastasia Lund the porch, outside with your neighbors—it brings the original EP. “We usually have a spray bottle for bands like Mountain Standard Time. The (fiddle), DJ Gray people together.” Porch playing is both commu- to cool down [Mike’s] fingers,” Lee says jokingly. band is hoping to jump on the festival wagon nal and practice, explains Devin Lee (vocals (guitar) and Willus The standup bass adds to the dark, groovy vibe, in the latter half of 2015 and tour around other and banjo). “People come and sit down with Branham (harmonica) with its low, drawn-out plucks and bows. core Western states (e.g. Colorado, Nevada, their kids,” he says. “It really prepared us for the are takin’ over Salt Wyoming, Idaho and Arizona) after the full- stage, to get up in front of people.” Lake one porch Resisting the pigeonhole to be entirely labeled length drops. In the meantime, keep up with Six as “bluegrass,” Lee says, “I like to put the word Feet in the Pine on Reverbnation and “stomp by” at a time. Six Feet in the Pine began with a KSL.com ad ‘dark’ in front of bluegrass,” also suggesting the Urban Lounge on May 15! success story, when Lee and Matt Conlin (bass) term “blackgrass” as more fitting. “We are gen- 10 SaltLakeUnderGround slugmag.com 11 SECONDHAND SOUL The

Story of Photos: John Barkiple The Ogden Bicycle Collective

By Sean Zimmerman-Wall [email protected]

Nestled in an unas- suming neighborhood of single-story bungalows on Ogden’s east side sits a low-level brick building with (L–R) Ogden Bicycle Collective Director Clint Watson and volunteer Dustin stunning views of Mt. Ogden and the Wasatch Front. Eskelson help empower disadvantaged Ogdenites with OBC’s programming. This is the new home of The Ogden Bicycle Collective (OBC), located on the quiet corner of 936 E. and 28th Street. The location is just blocks from the bustling trail- involved in the cycling community. “I saw working since inception,” says Watson. In March of 2015, heads of 27th Street and 29th Street, where members for the Collective as a way toward self-improvement,” Watson was brought on to oversee the final stages of the vibrant mountain bike community congregate says Eskelson. He logged 20–30 hours a week for the of renovation and has led the OBC into a new era. spring through fall. There are also road cyclists who OBC as a “stellar volunteer” on top of his full-time job. His roots in the cycling community run deep. A Utah pass through the wide streets on their way toward the By April 2013, he was promoted to Shop Manager native, Watson served on the Salt Lake Bicycle Collec- dedicated bike lanes of downtown Ogden. The em- and helped establish clear expectations for the OBC tive Board of Directors during the early 2000s while ployees and volunteers have a grand vision that, one to become more organized. However, in an unfore- he was a student at the University of Utah. His tenure day, this will become a hub of activity within the bike seen turn of events, the OBC was asked to leave their lasted nearly a decade before he was hired as the community and a melting pot for all types of riders. space on Wall Avenue in Ogden. Without a home, Director of the Boise Bicycle Project in 2012. He contin- the proverbial wrench in the spokes brought them to a ued to hone his skills in the nonprofit bike world and “We are just like a bike shop in a lot of ways,” says grinding halt. Undeterred, the staff searched far and was eventually enticed to return as Director of OBC. Clint Watson, Director of the OBC. “We sell refur- wide for a new space to get up and running again. “It bished bikes, we help fix bikes, and we have store was kind of a bittersweet relocation,” says Eskelson. With Watson at the helm and Eskelson contributing hours. But we do differ because we aim our services several hours a week as a volunteer, the OBC has a lot at economically disadvantaged communities.” As Seeing the potential in a dilapidated, abandoned in store for the remainder of the year. They are orga- with other collectives, the overarching goal of these building in east Ogden, the OBC moved forward and nizing a bike/gear swap on May 2, and on May 30, nonprofits is to provide access to bikes, maintenance was able to purchase the current property outright. In they will be sponsoring a children’s bike giveaway. and repair by making it as affordable as possible. December 2013, the OBC took ownership and began They aim to give away 100 bikes to deserving kids Bicycles are a symbol of independence that enables the long road toward establishing their presence in from the Ogden community. In 2013, the OBC donat- their user to lead a more productive life by serving a new neighborhood. The space between the walls ed 400 bicycles to children from around the area— as a transportation and fitness tool. Two of the main had been completely gutted by tweakers who stole this year, they hope to increase that number to 500. demographics that the OBC serves are children from the copper wiring and piping. “We moved in and low-income families and the homeless. Established in knew we had thousands of small projects [to do] to Additional programs will include Earn-a-Bike, where 2009, the OBC has worked directly with these commu- get the place habitable,” says Eskelson. The Ogden local George Washington High School students nities by delivering various programs aimed at allow- community—including numerous businesses and indi- spend six weeks working on a bicycle that will be- ing individuals to develop a sense of ownership for viduals—immediately stepped up to assist in donating come theirs to keep. The OBC will also be donat- the bikes they obtain. “We don’t do repairs for you; materials for renovation and volunteering many labor ing “goodwill” bikes to other adults, refugees and we teach you and empower you to maintain your own hours to complete the myriad projects set before them. veterans from the community. These initiatives are bike,” says Watson. Now, the building sports a new roof donated by Ken- funded nearly 50 percent by sales from their shop, drick Brothers Roofing. The volunteers also replaced another 25 percent from events and fundraisers, Founder Josh Jones and a small group of mechanics every window, the gas line and doors. Currently, they and the final 25 percent from donations and grants. and volunteers laid the initial groundwork that would are hustling to complete the build-out, which includes Volunteerism is of course the backbone of any bi- become the foundation of the OBC. Their original store space, six DIY workbenches, a classroom and cycle collective, and Watson encourages people to programming was done in earnest, but they needed a bike wash. get involved by visiting OgdenBikeCollecitve.org for a more focused sense of direction to make the leap more info. The wheels are turning quickly now over toward sustainability. In 2010, OBC volunteer and for- “Buying a building and hiring a full-time Director are at the OBC, and its future is looking bright. mer Shop Manager Dustin Eskelson was a fervent the biggest changes the Collective had undergone road bike racer looking at a way to become more

slugmag.com 13 JANET MOCK The Storyteller Who’s Writing History By Taylor Hoffman • @taylorcheckers

a New York Times best-selling author, As pop culture television host and Beyoncé expert, Janet Mock is one of the leading trans rights activists of today. Mock’s 2014 memoir, Redefining Realness: My Path to Womanhood, Identity, Love & So Much More, prompted a larger conversation about identity and how trans women can talk about their own experiences without fear. Now, her voice is being heard and can be found on bookshelves and across social media. This June 4–7, Mock will

be Grand Marshal at the Utah Pride Center’s 2015 Tredwell Photo: Aaron Utah Pride Festival, where she will work with Utah’s LGBTQ community to further the conversation about inclusivity and authenticity.

Since Mock first told her story in a Marie Claire article in 2011, in which she describes her early life and transition, she’s been an advocate for those who don’t feel as though they fit in the strict social status quo of cis gender expectations. More than a list of credentials, “I would describe myself as a storyteller,” she says. “I hope, through living my own truth and sharing my truth, that I encourage others within and outside our community to help share their stories and truth.” By sharing her personal story, Mock urges others to break the silence, to join her in a chorus of sisterhood and write themselves into history with her. “We know the power of the written word extends our lifetimes,” she says, “so I hope that some little girl from the future will be able to have access to the story and As the Grand Marshal for the 2015 Utah Pride Festival, author and pop culture icon Janet sees herself and realize that she deserves a voice and deserves to be seen.” Mock will open a dialogue about visibility for all voices in the LGBTQ community.

“Realness” and womanhood are two of Mock’s story, according to our system that largely privileges to educate themselves and “speak up in spaces in focuses from Redefining Realness and are part of whiteness, will likely go with the story that would which conversations could be transphobic, racist or her philosophy for helping others find themselves reach a larger audience.” Mock says that trans homophobic,” Mock says. She feels passionately and their voices. Mock views womanhood as a visibility in pop culture is “pushing us to have a that advocates for progress and inclusivity must kaleidoscope that “looks different for all of us,” larger cultural conversation around what it means “work with people in coalition, partnership and she says. Furthermore, these terms are tools for to be different and to speak across difference to solidarity. Moreover, advocate and educate for self-discovery and self-definition. Using a term that live as someone who is trans, of color, or both.” marginalized people who are always tasked of is rooted in LGBTQ communities of color, Mock Additionally, Mock believes that we must provide doing that work.” says that “‘realness,’ for me, is all about ‘what support to those who are suffering and remind is authentic to you is what the truth is.’ That’s the them that “nothing is wrong with you, [and] how This year, the Utah Pride Festival has the great honor realest thing—whatever you say is real for you. … you know and who you see yourself to be is correct of having Janet Mock as their Grand Marshal. The For me, it wasn’t so much about wanting to blend in and right.” Pride movement, which originates from the trans- or pass as something [that] people said that I should and queer-led Stonewall Riots in 1969, is now be, but more about my own lens and definitions and In 2012, Mock created the campaign #GirlsLikeUs celebratory in nature. Mock hopes “that one day, what that means for myself.” on Twitter, which she says is a space that she felt the parade and these Pride movements realize and trans women needed “to feel a bit safer so they anchor themselves in that resistance,” she says. Though media coverage of trans suicides and could connect and release themselves from the Mock accepted the invitation and hopes to bring murders tends to be biased toward whiteness isolation that comes from a culture that says we people on the right side of history by focusing on and privilege, pop culture is making progress in shouldn’t step outside of our homes, shouldn’t be people embracing who they are and ensuring that representation of gender identity and race in the seen. I wanted this safe space to be created for everyone has a right to their authenticity and right forefront of the mainstream media. On MSNBC’s trans women to connect with one another, [and to] to live openly, freely and safely. So POPular!, Mock invites people to talk about share their resources and their stories.” Thousands these issues. “Whiteness is something that’s more of trans women use the hashtag, and it has become Follow @janetmock on Twitter and at janetmock. privileged in the mainstream media landscape,” “a space of celebration and a space for sisterhood,” com. For more information on the Pride Festival and Mock says, “so if there’s a trans woman of color Mock says. In addition to helping each other, Mock the Utah Pride Center, visit utahpridecenter.org. For who is murdered versus a young, [white] trans advises that LGBTQ allies––those in the majority more resources, please visit translifeline.org and woman who commits suicide, the more ‘tragic’ with privilege––should use their social advantages teaofutah.org.

14 SaltLakeUnderGround slugmag.com 15 Bikes, RideJake Matsukawa Skidding Damn the Streets It By LeAundra Jeffs • [email protected]

he first thing I saw as I approached Coffee In February, Matsukawa first organized the Pain on flurries of freestyle riders in the city. From a clutter Garden Downtown was a cluster of messy- Main, a 3-year-old adopted child that friend Micah of chaos, Matsukawa and the rest of the Krew seam T haired miscreants gathered around a literal pile George started in 2012. “The Pain on Main is a drag together imaginative and experimental footage that of bikes. From my experience over the past four years, race with one-on-one sprints down a strip of Main could only be birthed through freedom from planning I know that that’s a sign that you’re about to have a Street just past 900 South and two people bracketed and expectations. “It’s very raw, documentarian good time. Jake Matsukawa of 3Bs Krew has at a time,” says Matsukawa. “Originally, it was just style,” he says. “Once we have a fat sack of clips, been thrashing around the city for seven years, and the two fastest people in town racing each other to we just make it work with the music or the theme that his reckless and punked-out style goes to show that the see who won for bragging rights, but now we want we’ve chosen. A lot of the time, it feels like we don’t more times your crank makes a revolution and the more as many people to enter as possible.” After more than know what the fuck we’re doing out there, but we times your middle finger goes in the air, the better you 40 people of wide-ranging skill sets and biking styles get back to watch the footage and realize it actually know your city. I sat down with Matsukawa, track and showed up for the 2015 Pain, we can look forward to worked out.” fixie rogue and one of the original organizers of the more spring drag races in the future. 3Bs Krew, to see how the mastermind has launched their races and footage collection. While 3Bs is tied together by their love of fixed gears Alleycats have transformed over time to spandex and track bikes, their relative styles and setups vary endurance races. Matsukawa has a passion for widely, as well as their approaches to filming from 3Bs Krew, which started out as a partnership between keeping the old-school spirit of alleycats alive, most one shot to the next. In their films, punk or rap music Matsukawa and friends, is a group of cyclists who recently with ABC, which features classic alleycat is overlaid with a mix of fast riding and tricks, and compete and film together, but even more so is, an elements like shortcuts, fixed gears and reckless is often offset by scenes of members hanging out or amalgamation of friends who ride fixie freestyle control. “[ABC], was a three-day weekend, and each partying, giving you a sense of what they’re like as and track in the city. A compact group of kindred day, there was a different race,” Matsukawa says. people. This versatility and unusual style shows in their spirits has spawned a giant family in Salt Lake that “Start at point A, race to point B, and back to point psychedelic and crude editing. is overlapping and collaborative. Unlike other crews, A.” After he accumulated a massive collection of local 3Bs pulls in riders from outside their core group, or and international sponsors, Matsukawa gathered their from other groups like FOAD, to film with them. 3Bs relative patches and got ahold of Velo City Bags to For a Krew intent on coordinating races in the city Krew’s acronym has proven fluid over time, changing tie the prize package together. “As always, Nate and filming wildly swift rides, their mentality is neither as the size of the group became larger. “Originally, it Larsen at Velo City Bags came through,” he says. condescending nor exclusive. “You shouldn’t have to was ‘Badass Brakeless Bastards,’ but we hang out with “We had companies from all over the world give us race to ride a bike like us,” Matsukawa says. “Riding road bikers and mountain bikers,” Matsukawa says. patches, and we put the patches on the prize bag, is about expressing yourself—the competitive stuff “Then it was ‘Booze Buds Bikes,’ but we got straight- which made it super custom.” The most noticeable should come second. People around the world watch edger friends who are really chill and good homies. If thing about 3Bs races is their creativity, which will be our videos and think that we’re doing criterium races, you want an official one now, it’s just ‘Burritos Burritos translated into more races this year, such as a possible but we have the opposite mentality. We just go out Burritos,’ because everyone loves burritos.” Free Slurpee Day ride on July 11. and shred. We don’t think about it and we don’t plan it—we just document what we do.” In the end, as Matsukawa so simply and eloquently says, the most Every few weeks, the 3Bs Krew, namely Matsukawa, Even more important than race organization are important thing is to “ride bikes, damn it!” set out to organize another race or alleycat in the city. the Krew’s gritty films, detailing the fast-paced daily matthewwindsorphoto.com

If you see Jake Matsukawa and the 3Bs Photos: Krew riding Downtown, chances are they’re up to no good—and catching it all on film.

16 SaltLakeUnderGround slugmag.com 17 THE WANDERER’S TRADITION: AN INTERVIEW WITH BOMBINO By Nic Smith • [email protected] Photo: Alice Durigatto

Omara “Bombino” Moctar will bring his Tuareg nomad music to the Living Traditions Festival on May 15 with his eponymous band, Bombino.

Omara Moctar, known filmmaker Ron Wyman. He released his first major message of his songs throughout in a mantra-like chant. internationally as the Nigerien psych-rock hero record in 2013—produced by none other than Dan The effect is hypnotizing. In his playing and singing, Bombino, is the local and living legend of a small tribe Auerbach of The Black Keys at his Nashville Moctar seems to invite the listener into his circle, in the country of Niger. While on his international studio. It was through this latter record, Nomad, that entreating them to dance or to contemplate his words tour, Salt Lake will have the good fortune of seeing Moctar gained the attention of audiences worldwide. about Tuareg unity, heritage, women’s rights and the him at no charge at The Salt Lake County Building goal of peace. on May 15–17 (along with over 70 other talented “We had the very good fortune of being invited by musicians from around the world) for The 30th Annual Dan to go to his studio and record our album there It is this patient, thoughtful quality of Moctar’s Living Traditions Festival this summer. Recently, SLUG with him,” says Moctar. “Dan is a genius, and he that is perhaps the biggest factor in hearing and was able to interview Moctar about his music and his really understands how to extract the best things from appreciating Bombino. Certainly, the songs in message. All responses have been translated by his the musicians he works with. I came with all the songs Nomad do not feel rushed or slammed into your ears. manager, Eric Herman. already in my head with the exception of one jam we Moctar’s goal is to not incite rebellion and anger. did all together, [‘Niamey Jam’]. Apart from that, all Rather, his music is a welcoming gesture toward Bombino is a member of the Tuareg tribe, who are the songs are [either] songs I had written or traditional community and of questioning the Tuareg’s direction known historically as nomads—dwelling around the songs adapted often by different musicians in Niger.” as a people without resorting to violence. “To feel Saharan Desert as merchants, fighters and explorers. angry or depressed, these are normal feelings, but In 1990, the Tuareg rebelled against the Nigerien Blending the sounds of traditional Tuareg folk songs they are not productive feelings. They are not useful government and were eventually exiled to surrounding with Western blues and psychedelia, Bombino is the feelings,” says Moctar. “To have patience, this is very countries. It was at this time, at just 10 years old, that embodiment of a unique cross-cultural style, which is useful. Patience is perhaps the most important quality Moctar first picked up a guitar. Because the Tuareg inviting to any ear. Moctar typically begins a song with for someone to have because, if you are not patient, used folk songs and music to spread the message of melodic, repetitive riffs that build with mesmerizing you will do things that harm yourself in your life.” their struggle, Moctar’s introduction to music was under note noodling and full-bodied polyrhythms. To say rebellious terms. Regardless, “I was not interested he is just psychedelic or just Nigerien folk, though, is As for the future, Moctar’s outlook is optimistic, as his in fighting against the government,” says Moctar. “I to miss the point. In his mind, all music is akin. “Of rise to fame brings increased awareness of his people was interested in music, in playing my guitar [and] in course, there are many similarities between our folk and their style of music for audiences everywhere. making people feel joy through my music.” music and especially the music of Black Americans “Quite simply, I hope to continue to inspire pride in the like the blues, like rock n’ roll, like funk and jazz people of Niger and the Tuareg people all over the By 1996, he lived in Algeria and Libya, but returned to and hip-hop,” says Moctar. “All of these styles come world, and I hope to bring joy to many people all over Niger in ‘97. While Moctar was living in Libya, he met from the same source of African music. We are a big the world through my music,” he says. some musician friends who exposed him to the likes of musical family. This is why I fell in love with artists Jimi Hendrix, Mark Knopfler and many others. like Jimi Hendrix and Dire Straits right away. Their For more information on Moctar and his project, Throughout the following decade, his skills skyrocketed, music touched my heart immediately. I did not need check out his website at bombinomusic.com and and Moctar ascended from being a backup guitarist to to learn about it. They were speaking my language.” look up his upcoming concert in Salt Lake City at a band leader to touring to releasing a record with Using few but powerful lyrics, Moctar repeats the livingtraditionsfestival.com.

18 SaltLakeUnderGround slugmag.com 19 hose who have participated in looking for thrills. “We got to reign [in] ter- SLUG’s annual SLUG Cat alleycat ror on the city and scare the shit out of WERED ROLLERC T race know the deal: Sign the mani- people,” Englar says. “I think that was the N-PO OAST fest, strap on your helmet, and hit the fuck- best part.” Even the cops eventually got MA ERS ing pavement as you solve riddles to make used to them and “would just pull into the HU it through the checkpoints throughout the intersection and turn the lights on, ’cause city. A simple foundation of bikes, beers that was the safest thing to do,” he says. and bands brings riders from any level out to explore spots that they might not have When the ball started rolling and the otherwise known about while riding through scrambles started getting bigger, however, obstacles and winning prizes sponsored by he eventually eased himself out of hosting local businesses. While locals may share the events to focus on going pro with his stories of the last two races held in our city, cycling team, the Jet Fuel Coffee Cy- what most participants probably don’t know cling Team, which is currently the longest- is how all the madness began, and trust me: running cycling team in Canada. While Wikipedia is not your source on this one. Englar says he “got out of it because [the organizers] all turned into treasure-hunting John Englar was inspired by the New hippie guys looking to have fun and hang York punk scene in the ’80s—where kids out with their buddies,” he seems to hold By Brinley Froelich • [email protected] soaked the streets with piss, started street true to the messenger appeal of running Photos Courtesy of Jet Fuel Racing fights, and blew through lights around the through traffic and living as close to the city; where freaks and outcasts thrived edge as he can. Although the event gained and clubs held dank shows full of mosh- momentum internationally, thanks to his ing bodies. Englar and a bunch of his friends bringing video tapes of the events buddies wanted to super-charge their to a world messenger championship in scene in Toronto, so they started by host- Berlin, Englar was adamant about clarify- ing a Halloween bash at their warehouse ing the real origin of the scramble: “In the in ’89. Participants would go through a beginning, everyone says it was a courier prison-like barbed-wire fence to get to the thing, but to be really honest with you, in race, where they’d find themselves amid the beginning, we were all enthusiasts, the tried-and-true formula that his crew and a couple bike couriers showed up,” he says. “Originally, it was a bunch of us who hung out in a warehouse, and we were This massive figure-8 velodrome like a bike gang. We were 17, 18, and was built by Englar and friends to we would get super-fucking stoned and host bigger alleycat races. we’d ride around the city terrorizing alley- ways and riding the architecture, jumping off stuff. We were the alleycats, and that’s came up with to focus on bikes, beers why it’s called the Alleycat Scramble.” and bands. The guys didn’t shy on a damn thing, and the early bashes sound Revisiting the alleycat races seemed to be gnarly as hell: Kegs sat in BFI dumpsters biting into a slice of nostalgia pie for Englar filled with ice, and punk bands provided as he guided me through pictures online of the soundtrack (one year even saw Run posters and laughed at the shit they used to DMC perform). Eventually, with the help get away with, like run-ins with the cops. of his friends and a tobacco sponsorship Even though his energy is currently being from Dunhill, Englar ended up building a spent crunching numbers, recruiting mem- figure-8 velodrome (the Human Powered bers and racing with the cycling team, Rollercoaster), which still stands to this there are thoughts of pulling the velodrome day, albeit gathering dust in storage. With out from storage for a 25th-anniversary a friend who owned a bike shop that spon- party of the coffee shop behind the team sored prizes, Englar says they were just if funds are in his favor. Englar seemed “trying to sell some T-shirts, make some pretty nonchalant about the momentum the money, have a shitload of fun and have alleycat bashes gained, but he expressed a wicked party on Halloween.” The first surprise that SLUG contacted him for an couple of years were pretty mellow, Englar interview. After he heard about our twist of notes, but by ’92 on Ontario Street, Englar the event, he seemed content: “That’s what and his friend Red Nick began to hold it was meant to be—bicycle racing for the true to the triple-B formula and brewed the non-athletic/jock type,” he says. The gist of beer themselves. “That was the fucking it all, though, really lies in the simplicity of shit,” Englar says. “riding the urban architecture” and experi- Despite how crazy those early bashes encing the city in a way that cars and legs were, the crew was fit for the chaos. “It alone can never give you.

This year’s SLUG Cat will be held on Sat- John “Jet Fuel” Englar races along urday, May 23, and will be sponsored the track on the Human Powered by Beer Bar, Blue Copper Coffee Room, Rollercoaster in 1997. Fishers Cyclery, Ogden Made, SLC Bicycle Company, Saturday Cycles, The Stockist, Traitor Cycles and Velo City Bags. Traitor was all weird, so it seemed pretty nor- Cycles will also be supplying a Cutlass mal,” he says with a laugh. From chasing frame as a prize for the event! Registration traffic head-on to avoid cops, to stealing starts at 4 p.m. at Saturday Cycles (605 N. cameras from photographers at the event 300 W.), and the Cat starts at 5 p.m. Go for a prize, to riding the architecture down to SLUGmag.com/events to stay up to date alleys with zero boundaries honored, the on race times and other information. lifestyle catered to aggressive enthusiasts slugmag.com 21 hype of the day for [a] barefoot backside lipslide down the handrail.”

Most of the recent footage you can find of Garrett is on Flatspotter’s YouTube channel (youtube.com/dhillwhat). Flatspotter posts on Instagram frequently, and the YouTube channel has uploads of contests and video parts from local sources. Garrett sheds some light on the local videographer: “He has been filming for a long time,” Garrett says. “He made @Flatspotter in order to show that there are skaters in Utah who are ripping. He is trying to represent the Utah scene and highlight locals.”

Garrett says he first picked up a skateboard because “My brothers did it,” but what really got him into skateboarding was The Hot Chocolate Tour skate video. “I was probably like 12 or 11 when I saw it,” says Garrett. “Marc Johnson and Kenny Anderson in the video really had me wanting to skate—their style was and still is amazing.” His technical side recalls Johnson and his smoothness is reminiscent of Anderson. Garrett is an easygoing guy and doesn’t seem to sweat the small stuff. He tells me that he is not sponsored, which is something that confuses me because of his high skill level. He is in no way a lazy person—he just takes things as they come. Fortunately, the guys at Milosport in Orem hook Garrett up with a board every now and then. This indie music– loving Subaru driver is ready for the road ahead, even if he isn’t too sure where he is going. This translates to his skating with his readiness to skate whatever comes his way.

At the end of the interview, Garrett has the idea to skate the Provo Plaza, a park he frequents and uses as a place to skate and meet up with homies Tyler Braithwaite, Matt Bergmann and Tyler Wizard. Garrett loves skating street, but the plaza is a bust-free environment. “It’s hard to find a spot that’s not a total bust,” he says. “Sometimes, you get two tries and that’s it, especially at BYU—I just got a ticket there.”

Garrett is kind enough to let me film him while he is skating. He lands a hurricane first try on the flatbar and comes up to me to see the footage. I show him the footage but realize that he isn’t framed right. I feel bad for messing up the video, but this doesn’t faze him, and he’s down to do it again. He takes a slam the second time, but the next try, he rolls away clean, smiling. The feeling of rolling away from something you have worked hard for is like nothing else, and I can see it on his face.

By Michael Sanchez • [email protected] He pulled a lipslide bigspin second try on the flat bar, and a feeble on the A-frame Photos: WestonColton.com at Provo Plaza. Garrett enjoys skating rails, but he is versatile and is down to skate whatever. Garrett is currently stacking Recently, SLUG had a chance to catch up with up-and-coming wallrides do not unnerve him in this video. It is when he’s trying to land a trick. clips for something to put out in the future. Utah County skateboarder Parker Garrett outside of Utah County also seems as though he doesn’t care about If you want to watch him skate, find him on indoor skate park, Banzai. He is a Provo native who is not shy to his feet and would prefer them without skin. Barefoot skating isn’t just for YouTube, Flatspotter’s YouTube channel, or follow think outside of the box and get his feet bloody every now and “I was skating Orem Park, and I had a hole in though—Garrett has also flashed his naked Garrett’s Instagram (@pgnar). Or you could then, and is helping progress the Provo skate scene with his skill my shoe that was rippin’ up my foot,” Garrett feet at a contest for the children to see. go skate Utah County—maybe you will find set. This 21-year-old has a relaxed style that you can’t help but says. “So I thought I might as well take off my “That was at Volcom’s Wild in The Parks him in the streets. watch. shoes and do a couple tricks barefoot.” The contest,” Garrett says. “I planned on doing next day, Garrett called Flatspotter and told a barefoot feeble just to be funny. Then one Garrett is in a video by local skate videographer Dustin Hill— him that he had an idea for a part. Bloody of my friends wanted me to do a back lip aka Flatspotter (@Flatspotter on Instagram)—titled Bloody Feats, Feats showcases how mangled Garrett’s and also told the kids that I was going to in which he skates barefoot. Additionally, 360 flips, handrails and lamborfeeties end up and how determined he do it. So I ended up landing it and winning

22 SaltLakeUnderGround slugmag.com 23 (L–R) Paige Macy, Darcy Russell, Jessica Haggett and Felicia Baca. Photo: John Barkiple

TheBy Darcy RussellOther • [email protected] Sunday Sisterhood

When I hop on my motorcycle, a Hunter S. Thomp- their first big ride of the year, resulting in a five-hour son quote always goes through my head: “Faster, long BBQ afterward. “There were older dudes on sick, faster, until the thrill of speed overcomes the fear of chopped-up Harleys, younger guys on their Enduros.” death.” It elicits the mindfulness and focus that forces Through the power of social media, the word about you to clear your head and use all your senses in or- the ride has spread like wildfire, and the ladies predict people even took photos, and some ass hats made der to pick up on the things you don’t notice in your an even bigger turnout on rides to come. fun of us from their weak-ass Corolla. Psh. Seeing one car—the smell of summer BBQs, flowers in spring, female rider is a common thing, but four girls riding getting a fucking wasp stuck up your sleeve while go- Riders of all styles and experience are encouraged in tight formation must be a novelty, or maybe it’s just ing 45 mph. It’s a form of meditation for me, where to come, but one should be cognizant of the skill sets intimidating. As with other phallic pastimes, women the absence of intrusive thoughts allows for renewal, of other riders. Haggett pointed out that though the can feel discouraged to pursue something like mo- cleansing and, as Jessica Haggett, co-founder of turnout was great, it was kind of scary riding with that torcycling. “It’s a very sexist community,” says Baca. Salt Lake’s premier women’s motorcycle club The Litas, many people because some ignored the rules. “You Whether it’s by concerned family and friends or some declares, the love of going “really fucking fast.” I met have to be really aware of people’s experience level,” other clown-haired fool who makes fun of your 250cc up with Haggett and a few of the Litas to find out how Haggett says of riding in a large group. “It’s scary, starter bike, you have to move on and do what nour- this group was born. and someone can cause an accident, especially riding ishes your spirit. with that many people.” When riding in a group, stick- The Litas is the brainchild of Haggett and Paige ing to a pre-planned formation or line is really impor- All three lovely Litas I rode with on that perfect Sunday Macy, thought up one inebriated night outside of Dick tant, not “surfing your damn bike,” as Haggett says. afternoon agreed that though the fear of what could N’ Dixie’s. Loosely borrowing the name from Macy’s happen on the road nearly stops you from riding some former tag name for her artwork, the idea finally came Felicia Baca and Haggett highly advocate taking days, or, as Haggett says, nudges you into “selling into fruition this past fall after four years on the back the MSF Basic Rider Course where you can learn the [your] bike,” the joy of letting yourself go and trust- burner. The group is composed of 22 of Salt Lake’s mechanics of operating a motorcycle and evasive ma- ing your life in your own hands completely negates most fearless female riders, many of them former neuvers before you hit the streets and have to deal those fears. The damn-near only downside to riding— strangers who, through the shared love of riding, have with soccer moms and people taking selfies while they ”Winter,” Baca says. “We hate Winter.” become good friends. They hope to encourage the drive. Most importantly, always ride within your lim- fairer sex to be less fair and more badass by taking its. You have nothing to prove to anyone, and no one After having ridden with the Litas, I am refreshed and the reins—make that handlebars—and, as Haggett cares anyway—they’re just there to have a good time. motivated by a group of fearless ladies who have admits, to “weaving in and out of traffic and … go- had the same challenges and fears as me. I want to ing 120 mph.” As a responsible rider, myself, I cannot When I rolled up on SLUG headquarters to meet up do what I can to spread the gospel of the bike to oth- possibly advocate such action … but it is rather fun. with The Litas, I was greeted by Baca, bassist for local er ladies. Visit thelitas.co for more info on ladies-only group Color Animal, and her beautifully restored events as well as collaborative events with Salt City In collaboration with Salt City Builds, the ladies had ’73 Honda CB 350 Four. Soon, the deafening sound Builds—and hey, they have a website, too! Check their first group ride and BBQ, appropriately named of Haggett and Macy’s Harley Evo Sportsters descend- out saltcitybuilds.com for info on rides and bitchin’ Sunday Mass, on March 15, which brought out an un- ed from both directions. We made our way through custom-bike builds. If you’re a prospective rider or a believable 65 riders, both male and female, from all Downtown, up to the Capitol and later stopped at rider who wants more practice, visit utahridered.com riding styles and levels of experience. “I have a lot of Beer Bar for lunch. We found it interesting, as a group for info on the different courses taught depending on friends who ride, but I didn’t even know anyone who of ladies on four different styles of bikes, how many your level of skill. showed up,” Haggett says of the awesome turnout for head-turns we got—old bikers gave us thumbs ups,

24 SaltLakeUnderGround slugmag.com 25 Greasy Wrenching for Kids at the SLC Bicycle Collective’s Earn-A-Bike Program

By Ben Trentelman [email protected] Photo: Scott Frederick

(L–R back row): Tatym Smith, Luis Polanco, Whitney Bitner, Ekere he smell of grease filled the air, accompanied Frank, group leader Olivea Martin and instructor Catharine Scott; Tby the sounds of exasperated grunts and metal (L–R front row): Kenia Cruz, Madison Eastwood, Daijha Greene and tools manipulating bolts. One of the confounded mechanics struggling to move a rusty bolt silently Diana Marroquin pose in front of bikes at the SLC Bicycle Collective. assessed the situation. Her partner suggested that they needed to lubricate the bolt to get it to move before they realized they were turning the bolt the wrong way. Before long, they had removed the their pick of any bike in the shop, which they get to stumped, the overall energy in the shop is posi- front wheel of the bike that they were working on take home free of charge, along with a helmet, a tive, and the kids seem eager to help out as they and quickly patched a hole in the tube. Working in patch kit, a lock and the vast understanding of the joke around, never acting superior or demeaning tandem, they joked as they worked through the pro- mechanics of their sweet, new wheels. Graduates to one another. cess as if they’d done it a thousand times, not even of the program also receive a free two-year mem- discussing the tube, but instead talking about music bership to the Collective, which allows them to work “Some of the kids come into the program and have and boys. This repair duo consisted of two very con- in the shop whenever they need to. very little mechanical experience and might be shy fident young girls in the fifth grade, and because of about jumping in, while others have been working the Earn-A-Bike Program at the Salt Lake City Bicycle Scott believes that in order to best teach the kids with their parents on bike tune-ups,” Scott says of Collective, these ladies can swing a wrench with the about how to utilize the Collective and understand what the kids bring to the program. “Between the best of them. how to fix their bikes, they have to do a lot of learn- kids in the groups, there is already a large knowl- ing on their feet and figure a few things out for edge base, allowing them to help each other.” The Bicycle Collective is a full community bike shop themselves. “You’ll break stuff,” she says. “That’s with virtually every tool one could ever need to keep how we learn,” she tells the kids as they work Diana Marroquin, a fifth-grade participant, a bike up and running. The Collective promotes cy- through the bikes. “We live in a culture of kids says, “You never know when your bike will break. cling as a clean and healthy mode of transportation not doing things on their own. At the Collective, Knowing how to fix my own bike makes me feel and, according to Catharine Scott, the Coordina- we allow them to learn and make mistakes. That smart and prepared.” tor of the Earn-A-Bike Program, teaches kids about teaches them to ask questions and that it is all right the benefits of riding bikes and gives them access to ask for help.” Scott doesn’t just leave the kids Ekere Frank, another fifth grader, says, “The and knowledge to fix their own bikes. This sets them hanging when it comes to tough fixes, though: She headset was the hardest repair to learn because up for a future of safe and passionate riding, giving asks questions to help guide her students to find the there are so many parts that you have to keep in them other skills that they can use in all areas of answers themselves. order.” Frank’s comment prompted a conversation their lives. “This is a community shop that they invest with Scott on how to best keep the parts of the head- their time into, learning to work with one another “The program is so hands-on and engaging,” says set in order, which Frank was able to quickly recite and independently find solutions to problems they Olivea Martin, a group leader for Woodrow Wil- after her own trials. encounter,” Scott says. “These are skills that they son Elementary’s after-school program. “I’ve gotten can use in the future in the work force or to pursue to watch the kids develop intuitive skills and great So rest easy: Whatever uncertainty we may have anything they want.” understanding in work exchange. This has been a about the future, we can be sure that our bikes will great experiential learning opportunity, and I get to be in the caring and competent hands of kids grow- The Earn-A-Bike Program is open to any youth ages see the students’ confidence come out. At the end of ing up understanding, repairing and loving bikes. 8–18, and during the span of the free, six-week every day, they are working like, ‘I got this.’” You can find information on the Earn-A-Bike Pro- program, participants will spend their time taking gram and any other workshops the collective has to apart and repairing every component of a bicycle. The confidence among the kids in the workshop offer at bicyclecollective.org. When the program wraps up, each participant gets is clear, and even when one of the kids may be

26 SaltLakeUnderGround slugmag.com 27 MOVING ON UP an Interview with Speedy Ortiz • By Kia McGinnis • [email protected]

As their name may suggest, Speedy Ortiz Speedy Ortiz have the community-oriented music 21 on Carpark Records, Foil Deer is the are cruising right along. They’re young, scene of their native Northampton, Massachusetts, to result of time well spent. “It feels totally screamingly talented, touring the world, thank for their coming together to play with one anoth- right. I wouldn’t change a thing about playing festivals like SXSW alongside er. “I met Devin McKnight because he slept on my it,” says Dupuis. McKnight adds, their personal heroes, recording and floor a few times while he was on tour,” says Dupuis. “This album was recorded how it’s releasing a new album—all while “We’ve all known each other for quite a few years just supposed to be, where you take 10 maintaining an effortless aura of un- from playing in other bands.” Members also shared a days and don’t go anywhere but pretentious coolness. Singer/guitarist background in being classically trained. “We’re band the studio.” Indeed, Speedy Ortiz Sadie Dupuis started Speedy Ortiz geeks,” Dupuis says. McKnight notes that he’s always were able to take a full three weeks as a solo project while teaching music been inclined toward rock, but says, “I did fingerstyle to allow their best ideas to come to kids at a summer camp, though it guitar in a group called Badknight that was a little to fruition as they recorded at Rare didn’t take long for it to take the shape more sultry and jazzy.” In the same vein, Dupuis grew Book Room with Nicolas Vernhes. of a cohesive group. Since then, they’ve up in classical piano and voice lessons and began “Foil Deer is about sticking up for been humbly slamming out some of the songwriting at a young age, though she found the yourself and self-care,” says Dupuis. most genuinely interesting and alluring genre switch fairly instinctual. “Writing has never felt “It would be gratifying to me if any- indie rock on the scene—and heads tough to me,” she says, adding that she is inspired by one could feel a little better about up: They’ll be passing through SLC the dissonance and unique time changes that came themselves after listening.” and playing Kilby Court on May 29. from her more traditional background. It’s been two years since Major Ar- With rippling bass lines and coupled Dupuis is able to flex her writing skills by putting cana, Speedy Ortiz’s first full-length guitar parts, Speedy Ortiz write rock together the majority of the arrangements for the album was released, and while it that simmers for just long enough be- band, which they then learn together and adjust may have been classified as a lo-fi fore boiling over. Dupuis’ vocals move accordingly. It’s worth noting that the trust and con- indie gem, Foil Deer is a debutante. from tantalizing to tumultuous, fluently, nectedness involved with this process is not something The intro track, “Good Neck,” rattles over unruly musical arrangements. Her Speedy Ortiz take for granted. “We’re very in tune you with ripping guitar and drums whose sassy lyrics complement the sweet build of with each other, not just as musicians but as people,” time signature you can’t quite figure out, tension that the quartet creates through un- says Dupuis. “You can play with someone who is su- followed by a clear and lovely classical usual compositions and dissonant sounds. per technically tight, but there is a certain magic that vocal riff by Dupuis. The album is a trove Speedy Ortiz play the type of music that comes with an emotional connection.” The closeness of peculiar combinations that come to- would sound just as killer in a tiny garage they share as a band resonates in all areas of their gether geniusly. In “Raising the Skate,” as it would on a renowned stage—this is music, whether it be writing new songs or exploring Dupuis declares, “I’m not bossy—I’m part of their irresistibility, being at home cities on tour—there is a natural growth that comes the boss,” in a vocal pattern that almost wherever they are currently playing. as they spend time together. In addition to the warm feels like a hip-hop flow and has a “Bow Speedy Ortiz have bumped elbows and relationship they have one another, they also keep down, bitches,” effect. As opposed to the played alongside crucial ’90s slackers such an intimacy with their local music scene. “We love to more brooding melodies of Major Arcana, as Stephen Malkmus and The Breeders, come home and play shows with bands we know and Foil Deer pops out at you in a polished yet and this only seems natural. In many ways, love. It’s just a big, fun party,” says McKnight. cheeky way. Speedy Ortiz’s sound echoes the atmospheric yet staggering sound of the aforementioned With a long list of accomplishments to choose from, Speedy Ortiz will be heading out for a full rockers, while incorporating striking elements including being featured on Adult Swim and playing U.S. tour soon. Keep an eye out for their of youthfulness in their songwriting. alongside some mighty respectable bands this year at 801 stop, and in the meantime, pick up SXSW (METZ, Angel Olsen and a copy of Foil Deer—it might Steve Gunn), what they’re most just give you a sassy proud of is their new re- spring to your step. cord. Released April Photo: Shervin Lainez

Northampton, Mass.’s Speedy Ortiz return to Salt Lake on May 29 at Kilby Court.

28 SaltLakeUnderGround slugmag.com 29 Motorists Go Ham on Cyclists PANDEMONIUM for Even More Bike Lanes

By Ashlee Mason • Instagram: @ashee_mashee lthough SLUG’s Legal Department is fidgeting nervously inside a closet Asomewhere while the Columbia Jour- nalism Review concludes its investigation into SLUG’s article in the March 2015 Issue on the updated parking/bike lane situation on 300 South, the magazine is boldly pressing forward with further coverage of #WeirdBikeLaneGate with a smoking-hot, exclusive lead (read: we Googled stuff that was already out there). The City has obviously been se- duced by cyclists’ gorgeous helmet hair because it will continue its firm steps in creating a bike-friendly utopia by insert- ing the second phase of the protective bike lanes between the sidewalk and parking spaces all over 200 West, rang- ing from 100 South to 800 South. Yes, that 200 West, known to residents as Liquor Store Alley, and yes, those bike lanes some drivers were griping about the last time.

When asked about continued efforts to confuse and disorient Utah’s already terrible street parkers with bike lanes circumscribed by concrete barriers and in between the sidewalk and green- painted hopscotch boards filled with perilous blind spots for auto parking,

urban planner Ned Maloof, in his ev- Photo: John Barkiple er-upbeat manner, says, “This is gonna be great—great for our bike-share pro- gram, great for exercise, great for the Some motorists believe that miscreant hipsters are behind recently instated, green-painted hopscotch environment! You know, it may be dif- boards that ensconce street-side parking alongside new bike lanes. ficult to imagine a future winter in Salt Lake City without the inversion gunk jungle juice at a fraternity chili cook-off.” solidarity with the motorists, not because ing to reason with people is like spitting clogging up our lungs, but dreams can they feel one way or the other about in the wind, so I’m quitting this shit and come true … because they must.” Amid the makeshift broken antenna cars, but because the lanes have been moving down to St. George.” war swords and gasoline-fueled angry- costing them MONAY. As 300 South Drivers who were already irked by the mob torches, crudely sketched posters merchants have learned, accessing We asked several cyclists for comment 300 South and 300 East bike lanes cut- that read “OFF MY ROAD,” “BI-SUCK- shops across these new interposing bike on the fracas, but all of them rolled their ting down on overall parking spots in LES BE GONE” and “MY PENIS, MY lanes from the street is akin to crossing eyes, and said in unison, “Your March the Downtown area are decidedly less CHOICE” (one anti-circumcision advo- a bridge with an evil troll hurling rocks article was not funny.” than thrilled about the new plans for 200 cate didn’t know which protest he was at you from beneath, and they’ve grown West. Like a phoenix from the ashes, mo- attending) clearly illustrate the growing a little raw about the situation. “We are It might be too soon to tell whether the cy- torists between the ages of 45 and 1,000 and unfounded resentment car drivers changing a few things this time around, clists of the city will emerge victorious in have already sprung out of their Price is harbor against the cyclists rather than I think,” lawmaker Patty Nugella ex- one long, orgiastic procession spanning Right comas and have taken to the streets against the City itself. At the front lines plained from beneath her office desk from near the U.S. Post Office between in riotous protest against the new bike of the demonstration against the 200 (she scares easily in interviews). “We 100 South and 200 South all the way to lanes. Many cyclists have expressed ut- West lanes, Blongatt shouted through actually listened to business owners’ Camelot Inn & Hostel near the intersec- ter confusion as to why frothing, belliger- his megaphone, “Swerving between the concerns, so I’m hoping no one yells at tion of 200 West and 800 South while ent strangers with beet-red complexions wide lanes on 200 West allows me to me again.” the motorists rub their eyes in disbelief, have been screaming obscenities at exercise my individual rights, something, wailing that the miscreant hipsters have them from inside parked vehicles. When something, Jazz games, something, In true angry-grandma fashion, Mayor done it again. However, we predict the asked about protesting motorists’ main something, our Constitution!” Supporting Rosalee Kirkpatmore threw up motorists will eventually forget why they rationale, accountant and suburban dad motorists were moved to tears. her hands in response to the uproar by felt scandalized by being forced to live Wesley Blongatt says, “All roads screaming, “Santo Infierno, I’ve done so in a cleaner society in the first place (es- should exclusively belong to vehicles that In an unparalleled Freaky Friday twist much for you ingrates, and you still com- pecially when gas prices rise again), and chug and fart out fossil fuels faster, and that no one anticipated, local hip busi- plain?! We chose 200 West because the will go back to enjoying being the sole in greater quantity, than bros chugging ness owners have joined the rally in street is wide as fuck, but apparently, try- benefactors of Taco Bell drive-through.

30 SaltLakeUnderGround slugmag.com 31 999 RIDE Chatting with Phill Faber and Nicholas Lotze

By Nick Kuzmack about Bike Rides and Community [email protected]

ut on any given Thursday night at 9 p.m.— Othrough rain, sleet or snow—odds are you’ve seen an assortment of cyclists hanging about Coffee Garden at 878 E. 900 S. This large group of two-wheeled miscreants have been gath- ering here for almost five years with a simple mis- sion: “The goals of the ride are to have fun,” says organizer Phill Faber. The ride attracts a wide diversity of cyclists who come from all aspects of the cycling community. Administrator Nicholas Lotze says, “Salt Lake has a really fragmented community. That kind of ends with 999: It pulls every rider style, every kind of bike—high-end track bikes to steel bikes to cruisers to monstrosi- ties people weld together like three bikes tall.”

The level of participation for the ride varies throughout the year depending on the weather, but there are definitely some hardcore riders who show up all 52 weeks of the year. “I try to come every time, but [there’s] sociology homework sometimes, and it’s like, ‘Nope can’t do it,’” says Lotze. Even if a Thursday’s attendance is low, the @clancycoop ride continues, and that dedication is one of the main things that separates this event from other rides in the city. Faber says, “As long as we got somebody out here and they want to ride a bike, Photo: that’s all that matters.” These loyal riders of the night meet at 9 p.m. at 9th East & 9th South every The 999 Ride was originally called An Evening in Thursday night for the 999 Ride. the City with Naresh. It was named after founder Naresh Kumar, who was inspired by an Out- door Retailers ride that he had participated in. Thursday night in front of Coffee Garden or Tower There have been other rides inspired by the 999 Kumar, along with his friend Skylar Hoellein, Theater, one tends to get somewhat curious as to Ride—one specific case was the creation of a began the weekly Thursday ride by promoting what’s going on. Recently, Faber and Lotze have more family-friendly ride called SLC Bike Party. with a Facebook event. Initially, the rides were been trying out a new way to attract interest. To This new ride was not viewed as a competi- started from Liberty Park, but the starting loca- boost participation and awareness of the 999 tion. Rather, it was welcomed by the 999 Ride tion was moved to the 900 East and 900 South Ride, they hand out business cards to fellow cy- organizers. In reference to the new ride, Faber area, and the name was officially changed to clists they encounter. When scanned, they bring says, “Yeah, I’ll promote your ride, and I’ll tell the 999 Ride. Soon, the ride gained popularity, those curious or interested to the Facebook page. that to anybody else who’s got an idea for a partly due to its all-inclusive message that any- ride.” However, due to what was described as body could join in, no matter the bike or pace Despite the presence of administrators who man- low attendance and the SLC Bike Party’s main ridden. The rides started out with Kumar leading age affairs for the 999 Ride, it is, for the most organizer’s schedule conflicting with the event, the column of cyclists, but it quickly became a sort part, a leaderless ride that encourages everyone the ride eventually petered out. of free-for-all, as anyone could take center point. to participate in the group dialogue. However, This egalitarian approach seems to work for this to maintain the structure behind the 999 Ride, The organizers behind the 999 Ride are involved group, considering that the rides are very much there are organizers who seek to be an example in other bike-related projects, too. Drop-in rides an on-the-fly kind of deal with no preset course. in Salt Lake City by placing an emphasis on will be organized as well as a mountain bike There is, however, one exception to this leader- courteousness and providing a strong sense of ride that will be on Saturday mornings starting less rule: The column does not travel east due to community during 999 Ride events. This includes at 9 a.m. The latter event will also be meeting the steep hills. the socializing before, during and after the ride, at Coffee Garden on 900 East and 878 South. and a certain nod toward an open environment Admins of the Facebook page also take care to The 999 Ride is usually spread via word of mouth as long as folks are responsible. “The really hard promote other bike community events, like Bike and promoted through Facebook. So far, that dichotomy to get over with the 999 Ride is the Prom. So, dig this and stay informed about future seems to have worked out rather well for gain- alcohol,” says Lotze. “We’re a leaderless ride— rides by checking out facebook.com/999ride for ing attendance. It also helps that, when there we’re a community. We don’t have any really more details. is a large group of cyclists milling about on a strict rules, [so] don’t be a jackass.”

32 SaltLakeUnderGround slugmag.com 33 BMX PHOTO BMX By Matthew Windsor • matthewwindsorphoto.com it started coming down too hard. This curved wall is coming down too hard. This curved it started before rain, hoping to pull off what we were trying those days, having spent half the session dodging the needs no introduction. We shot this photo on one of S&M Bikes for several years, Cam is someone that Wood Shop BMX shop and riding professionally for in Killjoy and That’sstandout parts It , running The Cam Wood has been around forever. From having Cam Wood Wall – Curved to Table – SLC, Utah done just as the rain started coming down for real. done just as the rain started school kids were stoked, and we managed to get it well above the top of wall. We got the photo, bombing this thing, Cam locked into a solid table at full speed over and again. After a few times audience of local kids as he blasted around this wall West Side of Salt Lake City, and Cam had a serious of a playground in schoolyard on the in the corner

34 SaltLakeUnderGround slugmag.com 35 says. “I just kind of do my own thing and get it out on my own accord.”

Blackwell’s exploration of the highs and lows of her vocal range contribute to the stylistic change on Un- der Siege from the band’s previous albums. “My sing- Castle's ing style has developed into something more powerful, [and] we wanted it to have more soaring vocals,” she Beer Reviews riander lingering in the back. The taste says. Blackwell evolves musically from pushing herself starts with subtle raspberry flavors that as much as possible to achieve the sound that Castle By Mike Riedel are tart with some dry and puckering Crucialfest 5 Conquest imagines. “We want to use all our strengths, all our [email protected] tannin notes. Next comes the malt with power, all our practice, everything we have—we want a bit of that phenolic spiciness from the By Madi Smith [email protected] There’s that old adage: “If it ain’t broke, yeast. Some floral bitterness from the to push into the music.” then don’t fix it!” In a nutshell, that’s hops lingers on the back of the tongue our ancestors screaming at us from the towards the end, with a finish that is Under Siege progressed from its predecessor, Black- past, telling us to leave a good thing semi-tart and dry. lands, in tempo and melodic complexity, a transforma- alone. In many cases, that’s true—there Overview: Originally conceived from tion representative of how the band felt on the road. are hundreds of things that impact our Epic’s Brainless Raspberries, this lighter- Blackwell says, “There’s just so much energy and power daily lives that have remained virtually in-alcohol, high-on-taste re-creation has that we feel when we’re touring—we really wanted to unchanged since they were brought to everything a couch potato or backpack- take that and put it into an album.” Castle envisioned our attention. Take the bicycle, for ex- er could want. It’s not just a fruit beer— the record’s power as being reminiscent of warriors’ ample: For the most part, it’s remained the same basic shape for over a hun- its Belgian roots are still present in the battle cries during the seizure of an enemy’s last strong- dred years. The people who coined spiciness of its unique, funky yeast. hold, and Blackwell feels that the band’s pursuit was Photo: Eric Haines that phrase never met a 21st Century successful. She says that they have received a positive beer brewer, however. Their mantra Polygamy Nitro response, and fans of Castle’s past work have been is: “If people love it like this, they’ll happy to pick up a copy and support the band. “[The love three versions of it even more!” Porter band] is also getting new fans and turning them on to That is what we have to talk about this Brewery/Brand: our previous albums, or fans of the other albums come month—beers that have already made Wasatch Brewery out specifically to buy vinyl of our new album, so that’s their mark locally and have now been really cool,” she says. given a new lease on life. Some of these ABV: 5.5% beers will still be recognizable, others Serving Style: 12 oz. bottle mind-bendingly different. Either way, those things that made them great are (L–R) Elizabeth Blackwell and Mat Davis of Castle will still there, with a little somethin’ extra or a little somethin’ taken away. bring dark, doom-ridden heavy metal to Crucialfest 5.

Kettle Sour IPA Brewery/Brand: The Annex Though McCartney has performed on every album, he has only been on two tours, the last being Castle’s 2012 ABV: 4.0% tour with Witch Mountain. He inhabits the outlying Serving Style: Draft realms of Toronto, making it difficult to tour with his San This one pours a somewhat hazy Franciscan bandmates. “Al is a crazy-talented drum- apricot color with a thin-to-moderate amount of foam. Citrus and floral hops mer, and he and Mat have such a deep history that Mat dominate the nose with a bit of sour dry- knows how Al plays and he has written drum parts with ness beneath. The taste starts with sour Al in mind,” Blackwell says. “We’re so happy to have green apples, a bit of citrus and floral him on the albums, but I don’t think he’s ever going to bitterness. Resinous, lemon peel slightly To pour this beer properly, one literally come tour with us.” Castle recruits replacements for Mc- rounds out the back end, leaving a needs to turn the bottle “ass end up” Cartney from a small pool of qualified drummers when ghostly sweetness on the sides of the so that the beer is dumped with grav- astle’s eerie aesthetic different tools to understand they’re ready to tour. tongue. This beer is not lockjaw sour, ity’s full force. If you do this in an ap- C lures you into a blackened existence, nature and the human but there is some puckering in the finish. propriately sized glass, you’ll get a nice moor, your only comfort, a cloak position in the world,” Blackwell Castle’s conquest spreads to Salt Lake City’s and Exi- Overview: Basically, what has hap- Guinness-looking, foamy nitro cap that pulled tightly around your body. The says. “We just kind of use that as a gent Records’ Crucialfest 5 on June 19. The band sets pened here is that the brewers have contrasts well against the ebony body bravery in your heart gradually dimin- gateway to express the music and find out to arrest the ears of new fans on their travels. “It’s of the beer. The nose has some nice taken their Session IPA and added en- ishes as the candlelight of your lantern fades meaning, because that’s kind of how we live great to play a festival because I expect there to be a roast and char characteristics with a bit zymes to sour the beer. Kettle Sour IPA into the night. The moon glides from behind a our lives.” good amount of people and especially to play for other still retains its hoppy IPA characteristics, of sweet malt as well. Chocolate and cloud revealing a looming castle in the distance. bands,” says Blackwell. They performed for an impres- but now has a dominant lemon tartness black coffee dominate with caramel, A putrid stench dances on the wind, brushing your Castle’s unique sound thrives on isolation during the sive weeknight crowd last November with Lord Dying, that makes it shockingly refreshing and raisin and fig. The taste tends to ap- nose as the shadowy, outlined mounds of rotting corpses recording process. The doom–heavy metal hybrid dis- drinkable—but not for the more timid of pear much sweeter than its sister wife, and Blackwell looks forward to this show. Fret not, fans tongues. Polygamy Porter. The nitrogen gas tends swell into view along the narrowing path on which you tance themselves from any musical distractions come of Blacklands and In Witch Order, Castle will not neglect to taste sweeter than the usual carbon stride. Your hair stands on end as the isolation settles in, writing and studio time, which ensures that their mu- you. The band plans to slay the festival horde with songs dioxide. It’s mostly chocolate and va- and you realize you’ve wandered into a labyrinth with sic is unique to the three creators. “We want to make spanning their discography. According to Blackwell, the Lil’ Brainless nilla up front with nice raisin and bold no hope for escape. Castle will deliver this macabre something organic and something from our own selves band rehearses a handful of songs prior to their depar- espresso notes rounding it out. The fin- scene at Exigent Records’ Crucialfest 5 on June 19. and not really be influenced by other people’s sound,” ture and decides which songs to perform the night of the Raspberries ish is light and creamy. Brewery/Brand: Blackwell says. show. “We have a set of songs [of] what we usually play Overview: This locally made beer is Epic Brewing Company The ghostly instrumentals on Castle’s third full-length al- and kind of pick what we’ve been feeling as a band at one of only two beers bottled with ni- bum, Under Siege (released May 20, 2014, on Pros- She applies the same mentality to her own sound. Her that moment on that tour,” Blackwell says. ABV: 5.2% trogen gas (Left Hand Milk Stout is the thetic Records) continued Elizabeth Blackwell’s inspiration is generated within, although artists such as Serving Style: 12 oz. can other). This is not the same Polygamy knack for haunting vocals spinning tales of death, David Wayne of Metal Church and Patti Smith Castle are set to conquer new European countries in May To look at it, this ale looks like many Porter you’ll find on draft or at the gro- superstition and malevolent ways. Her occult-themed inspire a rawness she admires. Blackwell also enjoys 2015, followed by their Crucialfest 5 jaunt on June 19 at other fruit beers—its fuchsia color cery store. Its higher ABV and nitro con- lyrics verbally express the darkness spawned by Mat the vocal stylings of classic heavy metal singers such as and pinkish head almost squeal Katy ditioning gives this beer an enjoyable Area 51 on the 21-plus stage. The band hopes to release Perry. Get your nose on top of that milk stout feel, which makes it unique Davis’ massive, ripping guitar layers and Al McCart- Ronnie James Dio and Rob Halford, but her muse a new album by the end of 2015 or the beginning of foam and you’ll find a nice raspberry in the market. ney’s mighty drum destruction. “Occultism really just is internal. “It’s more of just being comfortable and hav- 2016. Beware—the power of Castle is upon you. means seeing the world in a different way and using ing that experience that has really influenced me,” she perfume that has the slightest bit of co- Cheers! 36 SaltLakeUnderGround slugmag.com 37 By Weston Colton • WestonColton.com Painting: Brian Higley Whether you stroll or roll, you’re bound to find great art

letting me tag along and shoot. that I’ve never looked at as spots, and made something out of nothing. They lit up the night I dusted off my flashes. Thanks to all those guys for knows, and got NBDs. They skated things complex. They skated spots that everyone of Utah , or jumping off your dumpster behind BYU apartment Back in mid-March, two carloads of skaters from Arizona came to Utah skate for a week. You may have seen them at Provo Park , or the University during Gallery Roll.

Gallery Roll Alpine Art – 430 E. South Temple Estimated meet-up time: 7 p.m.

Eric Clark – Frontside Crook to Fakie – Provo, Utah By Mariah Mann Mellus People aren’t always born artists—the Second Time Around art show features [email protected] people discovering their artistic talents later on in life. Last year, in honor of National Bike Month, I took a group of friends on a Mod a go-go – 242 E. South Temple Gallery Stroll bike ride. Later, one friend Estimated meet-up time: 7:30 p.m. called it a Gallery Roll. At first, I thought Part furniture store, part art gallery and she was just very clever—which she is, full on fun, Mod a go-go has a collec- but when I researched it further, I found tive of artists that work on themed shows that Salt Lake Gallery Associa- each month. May brings us the Geek tion has been officially changing their Show, so come geek out on all things name every May, for the last 10 years, pop culture. to Gallery Roll. Their focus remains the same—to guide you through the par- Urban Arts Gallery – 137 South ticipating gallery spaces and incoming Rio Grande Street exhibits—but they, and I, encourage you Estimated meet-up time: 8 p.m. to take advantage of this very bike-able Whether you’re celebrating “May the community and celebrate Bike Month by 4th be with you” or are here for Gallery going for a Gallery Roll. Stroll, the Urban Arts Gallery has dedi- cated the whole month of shows, events May’s Roll will take place on Friday, and cosplay competitions to all things May 17 from 6–9 p.m. This year, I have Star Wars, superheroes and villains. For partnered with the folks at the Salt a whole list of activities, visit their web- Lake Gallery Association to guide site at utaharts.org. a Gallery Roll Group Ride. Interested parties should meet at 5:45 p.m. at the Art Access – 230 S. 500 W. Salt Lake Gallery Stroll booth at the UTA Estimated meet-up time: 8:30 p.m. Bike Bonanza taking place at the Gal- Art Access’s annual 300 Plates show livan Center from 4–8 p.m. is the whole reason I can afford origi- nal art. With art pieces priced as little My route starts on the East Bench and as $75, the 300 Plates show features works its way Downtown and over to work from over 100 artists creating art the West Side (gotta love the downhill). on recycled printing plates. This is not Estimated time of arrival is posted in your momma’s antique plate collec- case you want to jump in on the course tion. For early purchasing opportunities throughout the night. and info on this annual fundraiser, visit accessart.org. Finch Lane / Art Barn – 1340 E. 100 S. The Gallery Roll was my favorite Gal- Estimated meet-up time: 6:15 p.m. lery Stroll of 2014, and based off of Finch Lane has a rich heritage in the this lineup, I’m sure 2015 won’t disap- community and is programmed by the point. Be it by bike, car, foot or pedicab, Salt Lake City Arts Council. May’s don’t let this month pass by before you exhibit includes quilted and embellished go out and enjoy the vibrant art scene in batiks by Anne Muñoz, photography Salt Lake City. For a complete list of par- by Scott Peterson and wood sculpture ticipating galleries visit gallerystroll.org. by Adam Thomas. Enjoy the Roll! 38 SaltLakeUnderGround slugmag.com 39 Craft Cocktailing Behemoth: Devil’s 100-page casual wandering through Salt Lake City’s bar crowd. Some stories Conquistadors take you away. This series of stories is By Mike Brown • Instagram: @fagatron Lukasz Dunaj more comfortable dwelling in the things Metal Blade that clatter and clunk around your drink The City of Salt seems to sustain stu- craft cocktailing—like if I was at ger beer. Popular with babes with this paragraph if you don’t want to Street: 02.24 as you try to get away. The writing itself pid trends from time to time. Does home and trying to impress some fake tits, it’s a pretty safe drink to read something really gross—OK, is subtle and enjoyable, but it passes anyone remember when swing snobs. After we finish some wine buy a girl to impress her—mostly you’ve been warned: Space Dock- the time in the same way a song you dancing was a thing here? It was and a cheese board, I would deli- because it comes in a copper cup ing is a term of a gross sexual na- recognize would as you travel in an the late ‘90s, and punk rock kids cately shake them the world’s best that looks fancy, and if you want ture, where someone shits inside elevator. The characters in these stories bought zoot suits and started fuck- Manhattan and win them over. But to be a dick, you can steal the cup of a vagina. So, the Space Docker are all people you know, and their ac- ing swing dancing—Brian Setzer ordering this shit on a Friday night when she is done with it. drink I made up is supposed to mim- tions and shenanigans fall flat like the made a small fortune, and rockabil- in a packed bar? Please, just be re- ic that. It’s a shot of Jägermeister, continued existence of Jerry Springer lies everywhere were basking in spectful to the bartender and order Over the years, I have invented a shot of vodka, some Baileys Irish reruns. The stories are structured well the glow of finally being relevant a shot and a beer like a normal al- my own craft cocktails. They aren’t Cream and about a half a can of and flow with incredible ease, but the for something. coholic—the other side of the bar very good. There’s one I call The Red Bull thrown in there. The Red end comes without a climax, and you will respect you more for it. Lakers Fan, which is a gin and Bull is the key to the Space Docker find yourself feeling like you just spent a Then it all stopped. Thank god it tonic with no ice and a splash of as it curdles the Baileys, and since night on Facebook with nothing to show stopped. While I did like calling I realize that most of my biases Baileys Irish Cream served hot, the Jägermeister is black and Bai- for all the drama you just witnessed. The swing dancers “swingers” and their against the craft cocktails are due preferably microwaved. I try to leys is brown, it looks like poop. most upsetting thing about this project is stupid dance-offs “orgies,” I was to my own personal style of drink- buy this for Lakers fans every time The Red Bull also gives it that tangy that Herbert is an excellent writer but has glad to see this trend go the way of ing—which is pretty much just tak- I see them in the bar. Then there’s taste of a vagina—terrible I know, no story to show it off with. You want to the dinosaur. ing shots of Jim Beam and drinking the Space Docker. Skip the rest of but that’s just how I craft cocktail. like him so bad the entire read, but find Budweiser as fast as possible—but yourself going, “Huh … I guess this is it.” Just like guys sagging their skinny this is my column, so fuck you. From –Benjamin Tilton jeans, there’s a trend I’m noticing in a bartender’s perspective, I guess it Rebel Music: Race, this city that I’m not a big fan of. For depends on how they feel making all I know, it’s a trend everywhere, such fancy beverages. If it’s slow Empire, and the New but since I’ve been too broke to go and you are a booze snob, like a I love zines, and I love books: Behemoth: Muslim Youth Culture on vacation for a year and a half, I lot of bartenders are, I can see the Devil’s Conquistadors successfully fuses don’t know. It’s a trend in the local enjoyment of making the perfect these two print mediums—almost like Hisham Aidi booze world, with which I am way drink for some picky broad. Lords of Chaos, only with less church- Vintage Books too familiar. burning and more focus on one band’s Street: 12.02.14 But if you think like me behind the history (Behemoth, if you hadn’t Hisham Aidi produces what is perhaps It’s the craft cocktail. Bars are bar, time is money. I don’t want to guessed from the title). Told through a one of—if not the—most brilliant, in- popping up all over featuring dim spend five to 10 minutes making a thoughtful and well-researched lens, teresting and essential books on un- Photo: John Barkiple lighting, 20-dollar Hot Pockets and drink I would never put inside me the author takes an almost backseat ap- derstanding Islam and Muslim youth fancy-pants cocktails that take lon- unless someone else paid for it, proach and lets the story of Behemoth movements in the 21st Century. Aidi ger to make than to drink. These then charge the customer 15 dol- unravel itself with plenty of quotes and explores the in-depth relationship that fancy, alcohol-infused concoctions lars for it and still only get tipped interviews with frontman Nergal, past Muslims have played in the European remind me of dating a hot chick: a dollar. Hell, there have been and present members of the band and colonization of the New World and They look nice, smell nice—some of nights where I would tell customers other pertinent individuals. The book their struggle in a post–9/11 world—he them even taste nice—but they are our draft beers were all out just be- is packed with drama, mystery, history thoroughly examines everything from way too expensive and will leave cause cracking bottles was faster. and plenty of darkness. Any die-hard Be- slavery to community building to the your wallet empty, and you’ll still be My three rules of bartending are: hemoth listener, metal fan or even those continued fight for civil rights. Further- sick in the morning. 1) Treat everyone like a big tipper, who enjoy books with words in them more, Aidi dissects the varying attitudes even the ass-clowns. 2) The custom- (though this has plenty of pictures for all that the West has had toward Muslims So what exactly is a craft cocktail? er is always wrong. 3) Again, time you mouth breathers out there) will find that stem from medieval thought, the By definition, it’s a cocktail where is money, so you’ll drink what I tell this an extremely interesting read. It isn’t unique understandings of race, the rise every element is handmade and you to. All three of these rules con- just a biography—it is filled with insight and fall of social movements such as customized to the specific drink. tradict your average craft cocktail into an entire subculture, beginning with the Nation of Islam and the Black Customized ice cubes, customized connoisseur. the story of how a teenager growing up Panthers and the efforts surrounding glassware, customized syrups, in communist Poland, armed with a gui- decolonization. The book also offers customized garnishments—custom In fact, I don’t even refer to them as tar, a curious mind and sympathy for the a detailed look at the United States’ blah, blah, blah. It’s still just booze. craft cocktails—I simply call them Devil, rose with his band into not only attempts at using different Islamic sects I can put a cherry on my poop, call bitch drinks. The Moscow Mule is stardom but into one of the most iconic of Sufism and Salafism to pursue an it a craft poop and tell you all of at the top of my bitch drink list these acts in extreme music. –Alex Coulombe agenda of de-radicalization and main- tenance of U.S. hegemony. Aidi sets the the ingredients in it and how hard it days, and even though an AMF Life on the Dingleball tone through hip-hop, rap, punk, jazz, was to make if I want—but it’s still and Long Island aren’t craft cock- Gnawa reggae and Andalusian music just poop. tails, I put these in the bitch drink Fringe and shows how music contributes to category as well just based off of Jon Herbert the understanding and questioning of That being said, craft cocktails take the jackasses that order them. Al- Strawberry Books the greater Muslim cultural identity on a too much time to get ready—again, though it’s delicious, the Moscow Street: 01.15 global scale. It is not only important to just like dating a hot chick. I can Mule technically isn’t a craft cock- Jon Herbert’s first novel is a grand tes- understand the trends of globalization understand having some fun with tail. It’s vodka, lime juice and gin- Mike Brown prefers cocktails like the Space Docker to feel like “Hot Stuff.” tament to straightforward writing. There that this book dissects—it is mandatory. is no flash, style or prose in this under- –Nick Kuzmack

40 SaltLakeUnderGround slugmag.com 41 jealousy or a petty slight just demonstrates their pathetic existence. I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase “Misery loves company.” That’s how I view these people—so miserable that they want everyone to feel as worthless as they are.

I’ve never been involved in or investigated a swatting case, Ori and the Blind Forest Tokyo Twilight Ghost Hunters but I know a few cops who have. Yes, there are red flags that go off in these incidents. However, we won’t discuss them here. Dispatch centers use state-of-the-art technology that can aid in detecting these calls. However, know this: If you swat someone because they’re kicking your ass in a video game, you are going to get caught. If it’s in another Dear Officer, I listen to podcasts like a couch potato state, you’ve now got the FBI on watches television, while listening to a your case, and they will make Through the rabbit hole we go! This better not be a preview of the new Ghostbusters film. rookie podcast called Reply All that a federal case out of it. Search has started up in just the past year. A the Internet—it’s full of news Bladestorm: Nightmare of guiding him through a third-person platformer, the Reviewed on: PS3 featured episode brought up a topic reports about people doing player is tasked with navigating through a series of Also on: Vita Omega Force / rapidly materializing dreamscapes. In said dreams- called swatting. A topic I have never major prison time because their Street: 03.10 Koei Tecmo Games capes, Pax is fleeing the bloated and over-amorous herd of before until now and to my miserable existence made them Reviewed on: PS4 Truffle Princess, a creature that resembles an unholy This is a typical, novel-type RPG that is more con- shock and astonishment after a quick cerned with looking pretty than with its game mechan- do something stupid. Also on: Xbox One, Xbox 360, PS3, PC union between Divine from Pink Flamingos and Jabba google search for “Swatting in Utah,” the Hutt. Evading the greasy clutches of such a ter- ics. In the game, you play a Japanese high school it came apparent that there where a Street: 03.17 student who is transferring schools. In the middle of You mentioned instances of rible creature definitely injects a sense of urgency into few cases across the state within the When I first started the real-time-action-strategy game the game, which requires some quick puzzle-solving the campus tour, you are attacked by an evil spirit, last year to year and a half. I am sure immaturity and “pranks” being Bladestorm: Nightmare, I was immediately reminded skills to successfully traverse Pax’s nightmares. I was a and two ghost hunters intervene to save you. You you understand what swatting is and involved in swatting. They are of Dynasty Warriors. Everything from that franchise little disappointed with the stark contrast in the game’s eventually join in the fight during your time at the new how it affects the perpetrator being usually perpetrated by kids. carried over: simple, unsatisfying combat, atrocious cutscene and gameplay graphics—the cutscenes are school—banishing all types of spirits. This game is strongly icon-based during combat, and the combat swatted the resources pissed away They have no idea the amount voice acting, robotic animations and laughable beautiful, but the gameplay is left with jagged pixels graphics. In The Hundred Years’ War, you play as a and rough animations. The 12 people that liked Spore itself it a little confusing. You get a brief introduction on reported faults events. For the of pain—from the authorities mercenary commanding squads affiliated with Eng- Wars will probably dig it, though. –Alex Springer to the combat style, and since you never really know people reading this letter who have and civilly from their victims— land or France. Questionably, you’re limited to your where your opponent is attacking from, you have to never herd of swatting I will give the that their parents are going immediate squad. To command others, you must find Ori and the Blind Forest guess. The game itself is visually stunning, and comes SparkNotes version of the subject. off as more of a visual novel. If you are more into sto- to experience. Again, check them standing around and manually switch to them, Basically immature people in one a completely unintuitive feature for an RTS. The most Moon Studios GmbH / ryline than action, this game would be a good fit for the Internet. Swatting has way or another call the local police interesting aspects took place in the tavern, where you Microsoft Studios you. I found myself trying to skip through the majority or emergency line and provide faults decreased significantly due to are able to purchase new equipment, use skill points to Reviewed on: Xbox One of the cut scenes (because I’m impatient), then becom- ing even more confused when it came to actually play- accusations of a reported hostage hefty penalties, and hopefully, improve your squads, recruit soldiers, accept new con- Also on: Xbox 360, PC tracts and listen to daily gossip, as well as a diary that ing the game. If you have the patience and the desire situation of another person, escalating it’ll be gone soon. Street: 03.11 moves the story along—something that could have to play through a manga, then this game would be a the event to where a entire S.W.A.T. been done through cut scenes. Bladestorm: Nightmare When you see Ori and the Blind Forest, the first thing perfect fit for you. –Nicole Stephenson team shows up busting into a persons Perpetrators, remember this: is a re-release/sequel to the original game from 2007, you’ll notice is that it’s beautiful. It’s more than just residence to defuse a situation only to If your idiocy overcomes any complete with an online feature nobody uses, and a a pretty face, and it’ll hit you right in the feels. The Under Night In-Birth Exe: Late find the accusations where a hoax. sense you ever possessed—I new 20–25–hour fantastical campaign with Joan of music does a lot to set the tone of the game, and there Arc as the villainess. For reasons beyond my compre- are some interesting mechanics to make exploring Aksys Games / Sega don’t care if you spoof a call, Reviewed on: PS3 (Exclusive) Since this is a relatively new hension, Koei Tecmo thought we needed to revisit a that gorgeous forest fun and challenging. I died—a anonymize yourself or do phenomenon that has started within the game that in no way improves on any previous effort lot. Ori isn’t going to take it easy on you—sometimes Street: 02.24 whatever you think is hiding past four to five years I was wondering they’ve made and have ultimately re-released a game you’ll do the same section 20 times before you finally UNIEL is a great example of why anime fighting games that was never enjoyable. –Trey Sanders get it down. My death counter got ridiculously high, what your thoughts where on swatting your identity—it’s not going are an all-out riot. This game banks on the fact that but I didn’t really mind, as I wanted to get better, fast- and what preventative measures if to work, and you’re going to you don’t want to learn incredibly challenging com- Mushroom Men: Truffle Trouble er. As you traverse the blind forest, you learn skills like bos but instead learn how to set up your opponent to any have been put in place to help get caught. Just ask all those wall jumping, double jumping and my favorite move: Red Fly Studio take a hit. Even the basic gamer can perform 10–15 recognize the initial prank caller? deep web freaks trading child shooting through enemies and catapulting yourself hit combos with a few easy button presses and with porn or the Silk Road web drug Reviewed on: PC (Exclusive) away from them. You have to go through the entire any of UNIEL’s incredibly colorful cast. The selection Although it’s not as common dealers who thought no one Street: 03.10 forest anytime you need to go somewhere, so you can of vampires, hunters and demons offers something for make use of your new abilities in places you missed as it was a few years ago, Back in 2008, Red Fly Studio developed Mushroom everybody in a game built to let you simply bash on would ever know. before. It gets a little tedious, but discovering all the Men: The Spore Wars, a platformer that was released your friends. Advanced players will find solace in us- when swatting does occur, –Cop little nooks and crannies lessens the tedium a bit. It’s on the Nintendo Wii—yeah, I hadn’t heard of it either. ing air combos, option-selects and finishing your op- it’s a horrific, dangerous and a beautiful tribute to the 2D platformers of yesteryear, Regardless of the game’s apparent ignominy, Red Fly ponent with massive finishing moves. You may not be and it is definitely worth picking up. –Ashley Lippert wretched act no matter what Have a question is back with a successful Steam release of Mushroom a fighting game wizard, but if you find anime and mas- the motivation. The act of calling for the cop? Men: Truffle Trouble, which is kind of a sequel—but sive combos at all interesting, this is a game for you. Tokyo Twilight Ghost Hunters –Thomas Winkley the police due to a grudge, hate Email him at not really. In Truffle Trouble, the player takes control of Pax, the fungoid hero of the first game, but instead Aksys Games / NIS America for whatever reason, unbridled [email protected] 42 SaltLakeUnderGround slugmag.com 43 180s charge a phone and a tablet both with you from place to place? New TouchMini Boombox at the same time—provided both of Metro Design’s Pocket Bottle is just thumbsupuk.com Torch Gloves them use USB 2.0 connections—and this—and it’s soft and squishy and 180s.com still be hooked into the wall charg- comes in bold neon colors, too. On ThumbsUp! has taken a different ap- proach to wireless speakers: The The majority of touch screen gloves on ing the pack itself. The awkward the technical side, it’s made with FDA TouchMini Boombox simply amplifies the market are good in theory but poor side to the pack is that it’s designed approved, BPA-free silicon, which al- your phone’s speaker output. Not only in execution. You either have great to look, feel and weigh the same as lows you to roll the bottle up to a size is this tiny, portable speaker louder sensitivity but no warmth (defeating most smart phones—which is a great that’ll fit in your pocket—hence the than anything of its size on the mar- the purpose of a glove), or complete design if you’re used to carrying name. The Pocket Bottle holds water ket, it is quite possibly the easiest to insulation with little-to-no touch. 180s around a secondary phone with the terrifically, but doesn’t have any crazy use. There is no need let the word has produced several gloves in the one you normally have. If not, there’s features—it’s a water bottle, plain and Bluetooth enter your mind—simply past couple years, looking to find a definitely going to be moments where simple. When I took the sleek, squishy power it up, slide your phone into the balance between both. The “Torch” you’re thrown off mentally. Overall, it thing for a hike up Millcreek Canyon, is a fantastic design that will charge a the silicon picked up some dirt, but, be- slot and enjoy your tunes. Of course line of gloves is a simplistic black/ ,there is a wired option, but you will gray design that fits wonderfully and phone 3-times over, with a charge that ing silicon, I knew that it wouldn’t ever will last just over a year—a must have! shatter like my yuppie friends’ Mason be hard-pressed to find a use for it— keeps the hands perfectly warm in it also doesn’t come with an audio even the most bitter of temperatures. –Gavin Sheehan jars. It also was clear of any trace of the super-staining carrot-beet-ginger cord. I quickly found how useful its However, the touch screen capabili- simplistic design was when it was her ties are hit-and-miss. There are times Logitech juice concoction that I submitted it to after only a quick wash. If you’re night to choose the music and we had where a simple poke with my index Ultimate Ears 5 Pro no time for Bluetooth pairing. Within finger will get me to where I want still drinking water out of disposable ultimateears.com seconds, our evening soundtrack was to go, but then there are moments plastic bottles, make a commitment to reusable, environmentally-friendly bumping and drowning everything where it won’t recognize a swipe Ultimate Ears have become one of else out. With a 10-hour playback several times in a row, or you need the best in-ear reference monitor bottles such as the Pocket Bottle. –Christian Schultz time per charge, we were able to get to throw a little force behind the tap. companies, offering custom-molded two days’ worth of slow jams before The bonus is the LED lights built into earpieces to anyone needing all the it died. I can also see myself bringing both gloves above the index fingers, audio and none of the background. thumbsUp! this along with me for summertime which make for decent flashlights at The “5 Pro” series was created with High Class Cuppa beers in the park with the homies— short-range or blinking signal lights a dual-frequency design, specifically thumbsupuk.com hell, it is smaller than a cold brew. The from afar. Ultimately, they’re a great created with an emphasis on vocals only annoying thing about its design in mind. Whether producing or cre- pair of gloves, but test the pair you’re Attached to the craft-cocktailing craze is that sometimes you need to position ating, this pair focuses on singing/ looking at before you purchase. seems to be a preference for vintage your phone or tablet just right to get –Gavin Sheehan speaking tracks and highlights them and “classy” in décor and accoutre- the best output, but even that is a fast beyond any musical or other effects ments. It follows, then, that as this fix. Gear up for summer and score one happening behind them. The upside: Dark Energy trend subsumes other types of bever- online for under $30. –Granato You’re going to hear everything a ages, teacups should thus revert from The Reservoir Dual USB person speaks or sings in crystal-clear any dressed-down, earthy, hippy-dip- Two Tumbleweeds quality, to where you can pick out the Battery py guises and reassume the poise of key they’re singing in. The downside: Foodie Dice darkenergy.com stiff-upper-lipped high society. Thumb- You’re going to hear very clearly how sUp! offers an elegant, long-necked foodiedice.com your favorite shows and songs are teacup with the High Class Cuppa. Are you looking to shake things up produced. In one particular podcast, It holds 170 mls., and its description in the kitchen? Foodie Dice are the I could hear every time they adjusted on the back of the box asserts that answer. Raising $156,000 on Kick- someone’s level just by the white noise it’s made of “high quality ceramic.” starter, two sisters from Sonoma in the background. That’s beyond Mostly, it’s a cup that interacts with County developed and marketed awesome quality for any earbud, but the wordplay of its namesake, which Foodie Dice—the minimalist’s answer the result may drive some audiophiles underscores the fancy comportment to a library of cookbooks. The kit con- away from their favorite shows. Aside with which one may drink from it. tains five primary dice and ones with from getting a mold created at an The cup holds its handle very much seasonal veggies. Shake up the dice, ear doctor, the price tag for a pair akimbo, and the side-winding grooves drop them and get cooking—there are is around $600. The cost may spook recall faux seashells. The package over 180,000 possible combinations. some people away, but considering includes a fairly wide saucer. If one They are even vegan and vegetarian how well this kind of product can help removes the tea and saucer and re- friendly; each protein die has both singers, as well as anyone who does places it with cognac (which is simi- meat and vegetarian options, so ev- audio recordings or performances lar in color to a rooibos tea), they eryone can play (and eat!). The dice: for a living, it is well worth the cost. may repurpose their pomp and cir- grill / beef or tempeh / rice / corn –Gavin Sheehan cumstance. It’s made in China, and / cilantro / onions. The meal: Grilled Entering the marketplace of recharge- Amazon lists it for $27.83, but if your marinated tempeh with a zesty South- able battery packs, Dark Energy of- New Metro Design tea-drinking (or on-the-sly-cognac- western rice salad. Delicious! An ide- fers a small line of designs starting VIV Pocket Bottle drinking) swagger requires the nov- al gift for foodie friends, newlyweds with this sleek creation called The and the perfect kitchen accessory, newmetrodesign.com elty, why not? The High Class Cuppa Reservoir. The case has a smooth but will make your shoes look incredible. Foodie Dice are made in the USA. hard outer shell to protect from drops, Well, wouldn’t it be swell if there were –Honk Carnie –Amanda Rock along with a triple blue light system some vessel that could capture up Read more reviews to indicate how charged it is. The fresh, clean water from taps right here thumbsUp! bonus to this design is that you can in ’Murica and allow you to carry it at slugmag.com 44 SaltLakeUnderGround slugmag.com 45 The Avengers: his top-secret creations. After signing gave the authorities Finkel’s name as Wild Tales a non-disclosure agreement, Caleb is his own. Based on Finkel’s memoir, True Age of Ultron introduced to Ava (Alicia Vikander), Story unpacks the bizarre details sur- Director: Director: Joss Whedon an incredibly woman-like machine, rounding Finkel’s and Longo’s relation- Damián Szifrón Disney and he is given the task to perform a ship and offers a contemporary version Sony Pictures Classic In Theaters: 05.01 Turing test on her to determine if her of Truman Capote’s In Cold Blood. In Theaters: 04.17 intelligence is indistinguishable from a The terse chemistry between Finkel and The Avengers unite once again under human’s. Session after session, the two Longo is gripping to watch—it’s never the helm of Joss Whedon with a much form a relationship that will test Caleb’s quite clear who is using whom until the darker theme and a new adversary. loyalty to his employer, but the secrets film’s final moments. These two actors In an attempt to protect the world Nathan withholds could change every- Rob- deftly play out their characters’ battle once and for all, Tony Stark ( thing. Director Alex Garland delivers ert Downey Jr.) finalizes his Ultron for psychological dominance—Hill incredible imagery with special effects makes us feel Finkel’s inner turmoil, project by creating a machine with and by spotlighting debates that ques- artificial intelligence that eventually and Franco’s cool detachment is both tion our own humanity. Isaac is one of alienating and alluring. Some praises becomes sentient. In Ultron’s (voiced the greatest actors working today and James Spader also need to be sung about Felicity by ) opinion, the only is a chameleon who possesses the ca- way the Earth can survive is with the Jones, who plays Finkel’s quietly ba- pability of transforming into just about dass fiancée Jill. The scene in which human race’s extinction. Well, that’s any character offered to him. Vikander she slices through the character insu- no good. Rather than rehashing a tired commands the screen as a manipula- lation that Longo has built up around and old tale, Whedon explores the tor of the mind who can charm anyone, himself is a beautiful show of pure “monsters” within our beloved heroes whether she’s real or not. It’s horrifying, indignation. –Alex Springer and makes us question whether their disturbing, and I absolutely loved every efforts are worth the price. Obviously, minute of it. –Jimmy Martin they are. As always, Whedon knows The Water Diviner how to lead a large ensemble cast, Director: and his actors don’t disappoint at all. True Story Along with the heavier tone, there are Director: Rupert Goold Russell Crowe still plenty of jokes for the taking. Many Fox Searchlight Warner Bros. may find A LOT (maybe too much) go- In Theaters: 04.17 In Theaters: 04.24 Wild Tales comprises short, potentially ing on in this chapter, but this geek’s It’s always fascinating when an artist stand-alone films that explore morbid jaw was on the floor the entire time. wants to attempt to complete a task and/or grave, realistic situational irony The grand action sequences are mind- that’s not in their wheelhouse. Some- and revenge … and it’s utterly hilari- blowing, and witnessing Ironman in the times it’s a train wreck, and some- ous. Argentinian director Damián Szi- Hulkbuster suit challenging Bruce Ban- times a spark ignites a fire, and we frón executes this anthology film with ner (Mark Ruffalo) to a metropolis- are given something unexpected. The panache as characters who’ve been crushing duel instantly transformed me latter is the case with Russell Crowe’s shit on in life—whether it be monumen- into a giggling 6-year-old. It’s sad to directorial debut that follows Joshua tal or minute—either exact vengeance see Whedon leave the franchise with Connor (Crowe), an Australian father or await death’s scythe. The opening the sheer awe he’s created for us, of three boys who are reportedly killed chapter finds each passenger on a but he has left it in good hands with during the Battle of Gallipoli. After plane having known the pilot Paster- the Russo Brothers’ impending Infinity the tragic death of his wife, Connor nak whom, at some point in the past, War. I’m telling you, those two have promises to locate the bodies of his they’ve wronged unduly. Another short a HUGE job ahead of them, because children and bring them home, but, features an explosives engineer, Simón this film was one for the (comic) books. when it’s discovered that one son may Fisher (Ricardo Darín), who, no mat- –Jimmy Martin still be alive, a race ensues to reunite. ter where he parks, constantly finds Crowe is great in front of the camera his blue Chevrolet having been towed Ex Machina as well as behind. Sure, there are hic- (read: explosives engineer). The final Director: Alex Garland cups here and there with the overuse segment takes the cake, as Romina (Er- of montages and boisterous, emotion- ica Rivas, who performs impeccably) A24 finds that her newlywed husband, Ariel In Theaters: 04.10 inducing scores, but for the most part, the newcomer to the position pulls off (Diego Gentile), cheated on her with The idea of machines becoming a powerful and poignant tale of devo- one of the wedding guests present at greater than humans, becoming self- In 2002, two seemingly unrelated tion and family with dashes of humor the reception. With plenty of style in aware and no longer having a need events brought Christian Longo sprinkled throughout the experience. its compilation-of-shorts form and relat- for us, has been popping up more and (James Franco) and Michael Fin- Crowe takes viewers to the frontlines of able, “Ain’t it the truth?” content, Wild more often in cinema, and, to be hon- kel (Jonah Hill) into each other’s the horror that is war and sets us next Tales avoids overly lofty expression est, it’s terrifying as hell. It’s becom- lives. Finkel was getting fired from a to the wounded as their bloodcurdling and opts for an accessible film with ing more plausible every day. In this writing gig at the New York Times for moans seep through the speakers for undeniable taste. ¡Bravo! –Alexander Ortega tale, Caleb (Domhnall Gleeson) fabricating details about a cover story, an unsettling amount of time. It’s an wins his company contest to have the while Longo had murdered his own undertaking that rattles the core and chance to spend a week with his boss, family and fled the country. When won’t soon be forgotten. –Jimmy Martin Read more reviews Nathan (Oscar Isaac), at his remote Longo was finally apprehended, he at slugmag.com research facility and to be exposed to 46 SaltLakeUnderGround slugmag.com 47 The Dark Crystal: diculous story heartwarming, charming and magical. It’s totally refreshing to Creation Myths Vol. 1 see some intelligent, witty and goofy Writers: Brian Froud, lady-types learning—and teaching us—what feminists do, like kickin’ mon- Brian Holguin ster butt and solving mysteries. My only Artist: Alex Sheikman complaint is that this volume only col- Archaia Entertainment lects the first four issues, so, “holy bell Street: 02.17 hooks,” go pick up this book! –Taylor Hoffman Eerily like the opening scene of Disney’s Aladdin, The Dark Crystal: Creation Myths begins with the “age of wonder” Punks The Comic (nothing like the Cave of Wonders, Vol. 1: Nutpuncher right?) being told by a Genie-esque fig- ure promising a tale. This book is Part Writer: One of a three-part graphic novel pre- Joshua Hale Fialkov quel, set a thousand years before the Artist: Kody Chamberlain crystal cracked. Origins of the world of Image Comics Thra, Aughra’s missing eye, Gelflings Street: 04.28 and Skeksis are all focal points in the brilliantly illustrated book, providing the back stories to those characters and themes that were otherwise simply suggestions in Jim Henson’s The Dark Crystal. Brian Froud brings the world of Thra to life with deep, rich storytelling that he is perfectly suited for, as he was the concept designer for Henson. The artwork in this is really something to behold, as Alex Sheikman and Lizzy John draw a vibrant and colorful world of Thra that is brought to life in way that’s even better than the much beloved film. Although seeing these prequels re- created onscreen would cause my heart to explode, I’m totally OK with these. –Andrea Silva Just when you thought you’d be miser- Lumberjanes Vol. 1: able forever because your life lacked Abraham Lincoln hitting on a T-Rex Beware the Kitten Holy Barbie doll, here’s Punks! Joshua Hale Writers: Grace Ellis, Fialkov and Kody Chamberlain con- ceived their DIY abomination seven Noelle Stevenson, years back, and this new collection Shannon Watters urges you to destroy your comics and Artist: Brooke Allen cut out things like playing cards for BOOM! Box Punks: The Game: NUTPUNCHER! like the true punk you are. There’s no real Street: 04.07 plot to the book, which is great because Aw yisss, Lumberjanes epitomizes it allows for nonsense to just flow with- “friendship to the max!” This adventure out any real direction. Essentially, it’s a takes us to the best version of girl scouts zine with a constant stream of charac- imaginable. Here we have four distinct ters that are crude, self-aware of their young female protagonists adventuring stupidity and violent. Take SLC Punk! at the Camp for Hardcore Lady-Types, and God Hates Astronauts, and you’ve finding mischief in the woods, fight- got this second round of Punks. The first ing mutated forest foes and uncover- issue almost entirely centers around ing some weird cult secrets. Grace ball-punching jokes, so you know it’s Ellis, Noelle Stevenson and Shannon good from the get-go. The writing’s Watters created a comic for everyone funny, and everyone involved must be regardless of age, gender or orienta- unabashedly proud of its randomness. tion—it transcends it all to reach a level Think of this as a refurbished zine, es- of fun and absurdity that’s infectious. pecially considering original art proves Immediately, we’re thrown into a wild that it’s a bunch of cut-up pictures taped world of bright colors, fast-paced ac- down and Xeroxed. Join in dangerous, tion and ultimate friendship between a random, probably offensive and some- group of totally rad and accepting gals times-gross shenanigans with Dog, on the search for answers that often Abe, Skull and Fist (self-explanatory). are solved with math, science and the –Taylor Hoffman most glorious of puns. Brooke Allen’s character designs are flawless, and this Read more reviews team crafted each character’s unique style and mannerisms to make this ri- at slugmag.com 48 SaltLakeUnderGround slugmag.com 49 If you’ve ever found yourself thinking, melodies that create unsettling antici- and Andy Patterson (SubRosa) is Daniels and fornicate oleaginously to “Man, I wish I could listen to some ador- pation, which is alleviated by Long’s tight, full of fury and has over-the-top this album before I die, I will not have able indie synth-pop music that doesn’t provocative and menacing screeching layering of full-on, blistering riff mas- lived at all. –LeAundra Jeffs suck,” then you should probably go that complete the absolute aggression tery. Tie that to the super-tight, super- hop on Bandcamp and get this album. of this album. Overall, The Signature on-point rhythm section of Jeff John- Twilight Transmissions The album is the long-in-the-works col- of All Things creates an unnerving at- son and Jesse Mills, and you have a Dark Star Cannibalism laboration between Eric Robertson mosphere with its assertive sound that recipe for one of the heaviest albums Self-Released and Scott Shepard, and it lands makes for a brutally ominous album. Salt Lake City will put out this year. Street: 01.19 somewhere between Purity Ring and –Eric U. Norris Also, instead of full tilt and balls to the CHVRCHES on the spectrum of pop wall, it seems that TDC have figured out Twilight Transmissions = indie electronica. It’s dark and weird Students of Expression how to restrain the fury and bring quiet Architect + white.light.monorail + enough to appeal to the indie snob in The Astronomer EP strength—dynamic aspects that serve me, but poppy enough that I’m prob- the songs well. Check this album out. Cervello Elettronico Self-Released hop beat with chiptune influences, and formed at his first SXSW and put out his The Decemberists + ably not going to get any weird looks –Jeremy Cardenas Braeyden Jae Street: 02.28 Dark Star Cannibalism shows a variant “Pieno,” an up-tempo piano track with seventh release, All Is Fair. The album The Lumineers from my friends when I force them to Culture Complicit Students of Expression = drum and bass side, showing that the some added bass. –Julia Sachs has themes of rebuilding and incon- listen to it in my car. This record seems Triggers & Slips creativity can expand into many differ- Hel Audio The Years has got to be the most as- Brook Pridemore + sistency in relationships, all put over ready to blow up on the Internet blog ent genres and add to the myriad of sured-sounding record from a local art- Buffalo vs. Train Street: 02.09 funky and unique beats. The album scene if the band can get it into the (acoustic) Saves The Day sounds produced. Although it shows Deathblow ist whom I’ve never heard of prior to Self-Released Braeyden Jae = comes out strong and aggressive with right hands. Until then, this gem of a great creativity and is most certainly The Other Side of Darkness reviewing. Kaleb Hanly deals in a kind Students of Expression is a misleading Street: 04.18 Six Organs of Admittance + “Leaving Now,” which talks of rebuild- record is going to be one of Utah’s best amazing, it is almost as if you never Self-Released of countrified folk rock that has been name—the project is the brainchild of Triggers & Slips = Yellow Swans ing, getting back at it, and a vision kept secrets. –Alex Gilvarry one person, local artist Caleb Meu- know which style you are going to Street: 04.21 popular since Mumford & Sons’ The Felice Brothers + of Dusk Raps’ heaven, which sounds rer get. It shows musical growth as each Culture Complicit consists of two sprawl- Deathblow = Kreator + kick drum brought them international , and from what I can surmise from pretty appealing. “Make Up Your The Astronomer Trampled By Turtles album varies slightly in music style ing drone pieces, whose respective fame. Not that this album necessar- RuRu , he is very young. He Destruction + Sodom Mind,” which was produced by Dusk from the last. The dark, driving sound lengths combine to make a half-hour- ily sounds anything like Mumford & Mother / Father is also unafraid to take risks: He ex- Buffalo vs. Train is a collaborative effort Raps himself, speaks of experiencing of “Black Matter Radio” stood out to long dive into electronic ambience. Self-Released plores the limits of his vocal range in between Kate MacLeod, Michelle Sons—it’s far more intricate and in- me. I found the slow, softer drone style Both play out on the same rippling inconsistency in relationships whereas “The Astronomer” and sings about Moonshine and Duncan Phillips, teresting than anything that band has Street: 02.20 on it pleasing, and I’m hoping to hear plane—drones layered and faded “Call Me” is the opposite, telling about a friend’s suicide attempt in “Last Let- and Salt Lake locals Triggers & Slips’ ever put out. I think if you took the most RuRu = David Gray + more of this particular style. It appears over one another in a way that brings always being there for someone. All ters.” Sometimes it works and some- Morgan Snow and John Davis. country-sounding music Bright Eyes Radical Face + Vance Joy as if R2-D2 has decided to make an to mind someone shouting endlessly Is Fair has good contrast—between times it doesn’t: There is an endearing, Contrary to Triggers & Slips’ 2012 have put out, added a solid 4/4 back appearance on the track “Contraction into a cave, with echoes returning the lyrics and the stories they tell, Isaac Russell has been referred to as imperfect quality to Meurer’s voice, but EP, Buffalo vs. Train is both twangy beat and replaced Conor Oberst’s Error”—I thought the bleep-blooping faintly. Yet, Braeyden Jae establishes and the funky, sometimes calm beats a raw talent, but there is nothing raw he sounds pitchy and sharp when he and haunting. With a slower tempo quavering vocals with Hanly’s solid was really humorous—it just had me an intuitive order that makes it an easy, paired with Dusk Raps’ raspy voice. about this album—it is a simple per- strays too far out of his comfort zone. and emphasis on the violin, it’s more baritone, you’d get pretty close to The envisioning the small droid in front yet compelling listen. The starkness of –Connor Brady fection cooked with the exact amount The lyrics are personal, but too literal, country-folk than country-rock, like Years. I can’t find much in the way of of the microphone. It’s interesting, the break between the two tracks al- of simmering, brooding and melodic in a Hawthorne Heights, “slash- their previous self-titled EP. This album live performances or any real social but I prefer “Black Matter Radio.” Hard Men / Yaktooth scope. Mother / Father is not just tofu my-wrists” kind of way, which doesn’t is a mostly gentle acoustic listen with a lows for one to catch the shift to the media presence for Hanly, but I sure –Mistress Nancy on a counter … it is a complete dinner. match the cheery guitar riffs. However, lower, grainier qualities of “Complicit.” Self-Titled hope he isn’t planning on just sitting on lyrically sentimental touch, though cer- RuRu’s sound sits on the folksier side of the DIY aspect of the EP is intriguing, Recorded all at once on bass guitar, Self-Released a record this good. –Alex Gilvarry tainly not lacking in devout energy. On acoustic and plays like a patient Lum- Westward the ringing distortions and ambling Street: 03.18 and Meurer is clearly talented—I’m in- the track “The Modern Age,” the lyrics ineers. The pacing is slow and grad- terested to see where this act goes in say, “Looking for something that will The Deadly Rapture of deconstruction brings to mind the likes Hard Men / Yaktooth = Mideau of ambient artist Grouper. In com- Deathblow went big on all fronts ual, but never sad. It’s honest, which the future. –Ali Shimkus remain.” It’s true that art lives forever— Space Bird Eater + Fever Dreams + Self-Titled means it has somber points, but Rus- parison to other releases by Jae, Cul- with The Other Side of Darkness. The Buffalo vs. Train is a piece of beautifully Self-Released EP features cover art by Andreas The Dillinger Escape Plan Self-Released sell is enough of an artist not to dwell. ture Complicit has a certain clarity and Top Dead Celebrity compiled art that will truly, always re- Street: 03.06 Marschall, who has not only been Whata split! If there were an EP to ex- Street: 04.21 There is a consistent hope throughout main in the modern age. –Lizz Corrigan weight that sets it apart as a marker High Horse Westward = Muse x responsible for album covers from Ger- cite for this year’s Crucial Fest, this is Mideau = Daughter x the album that Gertrude Stein would of Jae’s aptitude in concentrating his Self-Released Grey Fiction man thrash greats Kreator, Destruction it. Two quite different bands coming Jenny Lewis be proud of and moments of catchi- experimental music. –Erin Moore Street: 03.06 Tupelo Moan and Sodom but so many other huge together to punch you in the taint with ness that leave that hope in your head. In the vast unknown, past the lonely How many times have I raved about 400 West metal albums, including one of my brutal chords and groovy beats makes “Love Don’t Leave Me” is an incredibly Top Dead Celebrity = planet that launched Thom Yorke, Clay the elegant, delicate musical prowess Self-Released favorite album covers ever, Immo- me weep with joy. Hard Men don’t mo- strong second track and really sets Red Fang + Mark Lanegan + near the same galaxy Deep Purple of Mideau? A lot—and I will continue Fishy Figures lation’s Close to a World Below. The sey—they go for the femoral artery with the pace for what’s to come. RuRu’s Neurosis Street: 11.22.14 cruised by on their space-truckin’ od- to do so until they receive the attention Self-Released EP’s imagery fits well because the five glassy minor chords over calloused Mother / Father is a very complete Tupelo Moan = yssey, comes a sonic signal from Salt and praise I feel they deserve. This time Street: 03.05 tracks here do inspire that ugly crea- Converge cries and pig squeals. If project, and I encourage anyone with Band of Skulls + Lake sound-makers called Westward. around, we have their full-length re- Clay = Mooninite + VCR5 ture growing out of yourself when at the Shred Shed were still open, you bet a set of feet to prop them up and enjoy. Wolfmother Like space itself, Rapture dances in a lease complete with demos of “Benny” your most insane. The songs here are a your ass I’d be front room for “9000,” –Benjamin Tilton sort of cosmic equilibrium at once cha- With intricate and well-produced and “Way with Words,” which add I swear to Satan, this band brings out hell of a lot faster than anything Death- a quintessential crossover tome that just otic, beautiful and balanced. Towering beats, local artist Clay comes back to a distinctly human touch and round my filthiest fantasies.400 West is a per- blow have done. “Beyond Obsession” leaves you hanging mid ... Yaktooth, a stickfigures guitar lines rise and fall as vocals find us with his second full-length album, out the album nicely. Libbie Lin- fect follow-up for their recent album, and “Headless Throne” are prime ex- well-established SLC group, bring it the highest notes in the universe. “My available for download on clay7.band- ton’s organic vocals atop Spencer The Signature of Cocaine and Chicken Grease, with just amples of the massive speed that they home with molasses rhythm poured Condign” finds drums thundering only camp.com. The melodies of the album J. Harrison’s dreamy, shoegaze-y All Things as much lubrication and more wintery deliver. Andy Patterson produced over thumbed-bass foundation. Not as to abruptly quiet while melodies croon, are simple, fun beats that put me in a instrumentals create a beautiful juxta- Skinned Elbow Records polluted air … My throat’s burning, the band’s full-length and has helped aggressive as Hard Men (for at least howl and wail before calming to dis- good mood but aren’t overly esoteric. position between the electronic world Street: 11.21.14 but that’s likely attributed to my hav- With video game–like features, the improve upon/recreate the band’s live 10 minutes), Yaktooth remind you of ing involuntarily grunted, “UHHHH!” tant spoken-word reveries. “Justice” and the traditional indie-rock world. stickfigures = Botch + sets a Western stage with clear whis- album is fun and nostalgic in a good sound. It’s clear as hell, but retains the the jazzy elements of mathcore. Equal 48 times before “The Yellow Jack” If you somehow haven’t heard the all- Converge + Cave In tling whirs and tidy cross-picking that way—bringing me back to the 8-bit raw edge that a thrash band needs. parts SubRosa, Eagle Twin and La was even over. “Want to Get High” encompassing natural aura that makes stands heavy like thick dust at twilight. years of the ’90s. However, the album Deathblow make the thrash gods of Verkin, Yaktooth never disappoint, Brooding, intricate and heavy as all is discordantly packed with lusty, Mideau, here’s your introduction. All They’re cosmic, loud and certainly out doesn’t have a lot of variation in terms speed, precision and intensity smile even with their 20-minute jubilee “Im- hell—these are just a few words to feedback-diffused, old-school blues. hail Mideau, our newest indie darlings. there, but like a sea of stars over a cool of sound. Each song kind of blends to- upon SLC. –Bryer Wharton lay.” The question isn’t whether to buy describe the debut album of these Grinding guitars are mixed with flaw- –Allison Shephard desert night, Westward is enchanting gether (which can be good when done it, but how much hearing you’re willing Ogden-based, mathcore heavy- This album is Top Dead Celebrity’s son- less, twangy, layered guitar. Fiddle and unbounded. Few locals match right) in a way that lost my attention Dusk Raps to lose. –Alex Cragun weights. Stickfigures emulate a sound ic curveball. When you expect heavy and banjo on “One Day I Was Sad, Oceanear their ambition, though they could do a few times. Although the music was that adheres to old-school, borderline riffage, they give you quiet ambience. And Then I Realized Everything Would All Is Fair more to set themselves apart from simi- good, it needs to vary to keep my at- Self-Released Kaleb Hanly Self-Titled ’90s noisecore with Kyle Bertag- When you expect ferocious beats and Be Alright, But I Was Still Kind of Sad” Self-Released and “The Prophet Dave” add unex- lar-sounding national acts. –CJ Morgan tention throughout, which makes the Streets: 03.06 The Years nolli’s and Cort Long’s abrasive and heavy screaming, they throw melody Street: 02.16 discordant yet perpetually elaborate pected sweetness to break the album album come across like there wasn’t Dusk Raps = El-P + Self-Released and bluesy introspection. It’s all fitting Are you in a local band? much thought put into it. Some of my Oceanear = guitar work and Nick Ledbetter’s and indicative of a band that has ma- up. The recurrently slow pace is offset Aesop Rock + YZE Street: 03.01 Send us your album, and favorite tracks on the album include The Postal Service + equally dynamic drumming. The songs tured and grown into their skin since with power-chord intensity. It’s dirty- Kaleb Hanly = we’ll review it in print: “Meep!” a downtempo, almost hip- Dusk Raps has been making moves contain instrumental tractor beams of their self-titled release in 2009. The ass rock n’ roll—quintessential Tupelo Joshua James + The Knife – Owl City recently—most notably, he just per- thickly distorted riffing with looming dual-guitar attack of Jeff Anderson Moan. If I don’t get liquored up on Jack [email protected] 50 SaltLakeUnderGround slugmag.com 51 Abyss and Return of the Living Dead), are well The band has a familiar and warm worth watching. Now I want to try and post/indie-rock sound that carries a Heretical Anatomy track down the other movies: Rocktober lot of soothing vocals, calm instrumen- 20 Buck Spin Blood and Trick or Treat. In ways, Acid tals, and fantastically placed vocal Street: 04.15 Witch play the covers straight and im- and environmental samples. Aerial Abyss = Bolt Thrower + plement their horrific style in them. The show off their mastery of synthesizers Napalm Death + Repulsion fun is hearing Acid Witch do the “hair in their openings for “Canvas People” It’s a little bit D-beat and a whole lot of metal” vocal styles. It kind of makes and their pairing with an acoustic gui- death metal and, even better, it doesn’t you wonder what the band could do if tar in “Zebra” and “In Our Wake.” suck. Canada’s Abyss take on the task they really wanted to change up their The album has a positive sound, of creating a relevant, new piece of mu- style for their original material. I’m usu- with most of the tracks being upbeat, sic with the elder gods of death metal ally not a huge fan of completely cover- while still remaining relaxing overall. in mind. The only real issue I have with song releases, but this takes the cake Most notable on the album was the this album is that it maybe should have on any cover song release I’ve heard. track “Quite a Few Homes Later.” been considered an MLP or EP since –Bryer Wharton The track, despite not having really them following in the footsteps of Wild it’s a whole 21 minutes long. Those any lyrics, holds up with the pairing Nothing, but with the light pop influ- minutes fly by in the speed and fury The Adarna of synth, piano, acoustic guitar and, ence replaced with a drone/beach hy- most importantly, the mix of beautiful that is Heretical Anatomy. The raw- How Perceptive brid. This quality glimmers through in styled drumming sets the tempo for lots samples. For Aerial, the six-year wait of Self-Released tracks like “Spare the Thought,” where of shred-death riffing, which is nicely the re-release was more than worth it. drum rhythms simmer like boiling water Street: 04.24 broken up by some jamming breaks. –Connor Brady behind foamy feedback. Instrumental The Adarna = Flickerstick + Abyss’ biggest strength with this album piece “Juki” is a brief, kookier synth early ’80s U2 + The Killers is their ability to sound like an undis- American Wrestlers intermission to wake things up. Alto- covered death metal album from the Although most permutations of pop Self-Titled gether, the album masters the general late ’80s or early ’90s. It’s rarely repet- music are not a main construct of my Fat Possum indie-synth sound it was doubtlessly itive—a fresh change from old-school wheelhouse, I must say the tasty slabs Street: 04.27 influenced by, but differs by darkening influenced bands that focus more on provided by Seattle’s The Adarna are up the dreamy tones. It succeeds as a American Wrestlers = the sound than actual songwriting. pop enough to provide for at least one debut, but also provides a stylistic basis Phoenix x Crushed Beaks + –Bryer Wharton or two sing-along moments for EVERY for exploration. Plainly, it’s a pleasant SONG, but never go so sugary as to Sunbeam Sound Machine listen, and good all the way through for Acid Witch make their album How Perceptive un- The formula for this album is simple: casual grooving. –Erin Moore Midnight Movies EP palatable after a few listens (which light, fluffy vocals over dirty guitars was evident by the fact that I spun the tinged with heavy-hitting piano. The Bombadil Hells Headbangers album six times in a row upon first ex- result is an aurally pleasing album that Street: 04.01 amination). There are rock elements seamlessly blends the scuzz of surf rock Hold On Acid Witch = Horrific + from early ’90s Seattle found on songs with the poise of well-produced vocals. Ramseur Records Shitfucker + Druid Lord like “Sugar” and portions of “Super- The only critique is, while the music Street: 03.24 man,” which are found in two different is good, the record’s influences are Bombadil = Ben Kweller + forms on the album—both “rock” and obvious and it ends up treading dan- Ben Folds “acoustic” versions—each of which gerously close into copycat territory. Bombadil are a trio comprising Dan- sound different enough to not make This album basically sounds like what iel Michalak, James Phillips and the listener feel they’ve been subjected would happen if Thomas Mars grew Stuart Robinson, who fall into mes- to “rehash.” Considering the fact that up listening to garage rock in Califor- merizing harmonies concerning love How Perceptive is a debut, I am hop- nia instead of Parisian electronica. You and life. As a multi-instrumental band, ing that my only complaint about the decide if that’s a good or bad thing. each person brings his own unique album (not enough music) will be recti- –Allison Shephard style and inspirations to life through fied the next time around. (Kilby: 07.17) the bass, piano, harmonica, drums and –RGB Robb Au.Ra melodic vocals that rise and fall in pitch Jane’s Lament with the mood of the tune. Whether Hemingway Aerial Felte Records inspiration stems from novels, Silverstein poems or math Put It This Way In Headlines Street: 03.03 Oscarson and computers, Bombadil have cre- Au.Ra = JAWS + ated a 12-track series of pop tunes that Streets: 03.16 Michigan’s doom/stoner/death metal Beach Fossils inevitably—but not terribly—get stuck Aerial = The Decemberists + Acid Witch offer up a lot diversity and After two years of sporadic single re- in my head. –Lizz Corrigan Animal Collective + even more fun on their tribute MLP: four leases, Au.Ra have shown up with their Sonic Youth cover tracks that may bring some nos- grabbing debut, Jane’s Lament. Their Darius Koski talgia—depending the listener’s age— From Sandviken, Sweden, Aerial have single “Sun” is clearly the figurehead or a treat for any silly B-horror-flick fan. released their third album, Put It This in that it contains fistfuls of its two Sisu The tracks from horror flicks, only two Way In Headlines, on vinyl (originally founding forces of psych-type pop and Fat Wreck Chords of which I’ve actually seen (Black Roses released in 2009 on No Method). synthy surf vibes. The combo leaves Street: 04.07

52 SaltLakeUnderGround slugmag.com 53 Darius Koski = Neil Young + Der Weg Einer foundation for the guitars to shred over, Korg synthesizer paired with heavy, Nick Cave + John Doe especially on the track “Hungry They distortion-filled riffs pierce the gallop- Freiheit Will Come” with an Iron Maiden– ing, motoric beat like sunlight through The fact of the matter is that Darius Stellar esque dual guitar assault and perfectly a punched-in window. Disembodied Koski is one of a kind, and whether he’s Season of Mist timed drum accents. Get ready to drive vocals buried in the mix are beyond the playing with the Swingin’ Utters or Street: 03.24 around, windows down, blasting this comprehension of consciousness as the Filthy Thievin’ Bastards, he’s al- Der Weg Einer Freiheit = album on hot summer nights. You will four 10-minute-plus tracks fold and un- ways making these little choices that not regret it. –Madi Smith fold themselves like impossible origami all add up to something that is decid- Darkspace + Autarcie + shapes. I put this on, close my eyes, edly his. Sisu is the record I didn’t know Anaal Nathrakh and pray for synesthesia. –Ryan Hall I’d been waiting for—he’s been teasing Fogh Depot something like this in all of his other Self-Titled projects. When you’ve spent 25-plus Denovali Records Gacha years in punk rock, it’s hard to com- Street: 02.20 Send Two Sunsets pletely detach, but this record allows Fogh Depot = Flying Lotus + Apollo Records Koski to stretch into folk and country Somnambulist Quintet Street: 05.04 without the punk tether. “Tension Tank” Gacha = oOoOO + XXYYXX is a rollicking acoustic expression of Fogh Depot is an excellent concept al- Send Two Sunsets seems like a very frustration with an insistent, infectious bum that takes listeners on a journey conceptual lo-fi/electronic experiment rhythm. “Do Nothin’” is a honky-tonk through various soundscapes. I loved gone mostly right. There is a minimal- stomper that floats melodically and spending my Sunday relaxing at max ist approach to Gacha’s music—often dances rhythmically. While you can’t capacity to this album. It effectively there is no underlying beat, just ambi- throw a rock without hitting a former transported me right into the tunage. ent sounds that blend together in an punk-gone-solo folk/roots artist these The opening track “Anticyclone” is a artistic way, which makes it difficult to days, I have to say that none of them droning jam but one of the album’s give this album a casual listen. Tracks are like Darius Koski, not even close. stars—“Tattoo” is a plinky track with like “Waterfall” and “Bliss” feature vo- –James Orme It’s difficult for bands to do anything some killer percussion throughout. But calist Natalie Beridze, who adds a new in the black metal realm these my favorite song of the album is the low, feminine growl to the atmospheric days. Der Weg Einer Freiheit, splic- heavily jazz influenced “Dark Side of Death background, reminiscent of Little ing depressive overtones with majes- the Monk.” It’s a seriously sultry and N.E.W. Dragon. The collaborative tracks are tic brutality, created an album that’s downtempo track featuring some seri- Tryangle Records easily the most listenable, whereas both unique and intelligent. The band ously sexed up saxophone spotlighting. Street: 04.21 tracks from the second half of the al- utilizes violins, pianos, keyboards and The entire album covers a wide spec- bum, such as “Blue Distance,” seem like Death = The Stooges + MC5 hard-hitting black metal riffage, mak- trum of sound but summed up, it’s pret- thrown-together afterthoughts. Send + The Who ing the album, as a cohesive whole, an ty much exactly what Satan’s nightclub Two Sunsets is a well-crafted album, atmospheric and moody ride. This isn’t would sound like in Neil Gaiman’s but it is clear that Gacha’s strength is your orthodox, Satan-worshipping met- Sandman. I can’t say enough good in complementing vocalists, and not al (that I know of at least, insofar as the things about this album and I’ll necessarily in creating abstract noise. lyrics … much of them are in German take another round of this any day. –Ali Shimkus and I’m too lazy to use Google Trans- –Kamryn Feigel late)—there’s just a pinch of post-metal thrown in, perfectly demonstrated on Föllakzoid HOLY “Repulsion” and “Eiswanderer.” Yet, Stabs this doesn’t get in the way of the flow- III Sacred Bones PNKSLM Recordings ing malice on Stellar: It plays off the Street: 03.11 gloom in a way that gives the album a Street: 03.31 HOLY = The Shivas + spacey, cosmic (I’m half tempted to say Föllakzoid = CAVE + The Brian Jonestown stellar) feel. Definitely give this a shot if Lumerians + Circle you have time to sit down, listen to the Massacre entire thing and let it sink in. It’s worth it. Stabs is your average West Coast, surf- –Alex Coulombe styled, dream-pop album. However, I’ll admit, when I first heard that this HOLY is just a one-man band, and he’s album was coming out, I was overly ex- Enforcer not from the West Side—try Sweden! cited and apprehensive. The hype be- From Beyond Seeing the band’s name and album’s hind the early 1970s proto-punk band title, I was expecting some dark shit, Nuclear Blast Death that came from the initial release but this album is far from it. Stabs does Street: 02.27 of … For the Whole World to See and have the everyday West Coast–vibe the release of their documentary, A Enforcer = Skull Fist + tracks, heavy reverb included, but the Band Called Death, has earned them Striker songs sure as hell are catchy. We were a well-deserved, cult-like following. Enforcer’s masterful guitar harmonies blessed with 13 of them—no skimp- Any expectations for the appropriately and exquisitely executed solos com- ing there! So, if you’ve worn out your named N.E.W. wouldn’t possibly be bine forces with frontman Olof Wik- Beach Fossils and DIIV albums, met, but I will say this: While it’s nota- strand’s gripping vocal melodies in add this one to the collection. It deliv- bly different, kind of aged, it is a good the band’s fourth full-length album. A Chilean kraut masterpiece—I’ve ers everything you want in a modern- follow-up to legendary original mate- This record migrates from the overly been waiting so long to write those day surf rock album—nothing more, rial, and is easily worth spinning. Num- compressed production of their 2013 words. III is an expansive, shape- nothing less. –Dylan Evans bers like “Look At Your Life” and “Re- album, Death by Fire, to a fuller sound. shifting meditation on the marriage lief” carry on in their styled tradition The style is reminiscent of Diamonds, between the contemplative repetition James Pants of a rapid-fire and raw delivery. “Story Enforcer’s 2010 album and my per- of krautrock and the healing, tran- Savage Of The World” continues their method sonal favorite, with a blast of speed scendental qualities of the trio’s Santi- Stones Throw of socially aware punk rock n’ roll. So, metal. The tempo variations throughout ago sonic roots via traditional Andean Street: 04.14 start with the first album, then be sure the album keep it interesting from start rhythms and instrumentation. While James Pants = The Residents to get this—you’ll be glad you did. to finish and showcase each member’s that description may sound like some- –Nick Kuzmack talents. Jonas Wikstrand’s high- thing sold at an airport gift shop, III is / Felix Kubin + energy drumming establishes a solid muscular, lean and HEAVY. Washes of James Ferraro 54 SaltLakeUnderGround slugmag.com 55 Rumor has it that Savage was intend- Lakker Chippendale foams atop the fog of though. I’ll have to tell her that “Lov- ed to be the soundtrack for Spike seizured sound. Grovel before the ers Lie” is T. Rex’s attempt at sounding Jonze’s Her, but something got mixed Tundra impossible time signatures and cease- like the Eagles playing The Beatles’ up in the signing of contracts. In all se- R&S less, atomic bass battering. Become “Yesterday,” and that “Lost Something” riousness though, listen to lead single Street: 05.11 an apostle in the Fantasy Empire. is a Danger Mouse remix. This way, “Artificial Lover” and you’ll experience Lakker = Gesaffelstein + –Alex Cragun Cori’s fantasy can remain intact, and some Windows ’98 or Netscape sound Bob Moses – the funk we can both enjoy this totally rad re- effects with a shot of hip-hop drums. Tundra is by Irish duo Dara Smith Marriages cord—together. –Cody Kirkland Savage leans toward the current trend and Ian McDonnell, and is some- of vaporwave, which sounds like ro- Salome thing I could imagine being played at Sargent House The Muscadettes mantic computer music. It’s quite pleas- The Limelight (an iconic nightclub from ing, and the genre itself, like Savage, is Street: 04.07 Side A EP the late ’80s located in an old, gothic HFN Music a statement on people’s obsession with church in Manhattan) during the height Marriages = A Perfect Circle Street: 04.21 the Internet, cyber environments and of the club scene. The music is dark, + Björk computer sounds. As local musician cold and echoes in your mind like The Muscadettes = Alvvays Mooninite put it in a recent interview a bad night out, but in a good way. + Best Coast + Slutever with SLUG’s Kamryn Feigel, “That There are very few vocal additions The Muscadettes’ five-song EP hits with [crummy] bitrate of a YouTube video is throughout the album, only the echo- one summer anthem after another. our vinyl crackle.” “The glitchy sound ing sounds of a woman humming an The Montreal-based group’s brand of of a slow-loading video” may not ethereal tune. With dark, heavy drum- chorusing garage infuses the shouts sound like vintage music playing on beats and ear-splitting synths, this al- of female-fronted, ’90s punk bands vinyl, but it certainly speaks to our gen- bum will make you want to sport your with the pop and rockabilly tenden- eration, and James Pants, perhaps un- finest blacks. My favorite tracks on the cies of ’60s surf. “Growing Pains” is intentionally, gives his nod on Savage. album were “Mountain Divide,” which most reminiscent of The Runaways, Personally, I love it. –Justin Gallegos is also available on iTunes as a single, with declarative, bouncing verses that and “Three Songs,” a more upbeat but course into several series of “ooh, Joanna Gruesome still dark dance tune. This is one of the oohs” before spanning into a spacey Peanut Butter most well-made albums I’ve heard so swirl of guitar reverb and synths. “Like far this year—get it if you’re into dat a Wave” is pure dream-pop groove— Slumberland Records goth, post-EDM shytt like I am. reminiscent of Dum Dum Girls—with Street: 05.19 The pain exuding from my speakers –Julia Sachs wispy, longing vocals and two solos— Joanna Gruesome = is nearly drowning me. An onerous drone of pulverizing backing guitars one twanging guitar, one crystalline Veronica Falls x Lightning Bolt stands out in stark contrast to seeth- keyboard. We’re immediately brought Perfect Pussy x Martha back from this beachside reverie, how- Fantasy Empire ing and smeared higher-register lead guitar. Overlaid, diaphanously blurry ever, with “Honey Let Go,” a combina- Thrill Jockey synths add a modernized new wave el- tion of harder-hitting, muscular garage Street: 03.24 ement, such as on “Less Than.” Emma rock and cheeky rhymes (“I won’t let Lightning Bolt = (Black Pus Ruth Rundle’s vocals range from low go / Just because you said so / Even + Death From Above 1979) and breathy to powerful and lament- from the get-go … Honey let go”). The / Hella ing, always translating an animalistic songs are catchy, hook-filled and ca- agony only understood through intona- rousing—irresistible for sunshine-filled tion and not words. Rolling and intri- summer revelry. –Kathy Zhou cate drums sew all the songs together. Ultra-heavy bass lines add even more Paul de Jong to the dragging heaviness and heroin IF swoon—see “Love, Texas.” Hidden in Temporary Residence the wall of sound is a smudge of ’90s Street: 04.28 grunge and a rabbit hole of wretched Paul de Jong = The Books + instrumentation in an excellent album. Following up their smashing 2013 –LeAundra Jeffs Aphex Twin + Hans Zimmer debut, Weird Sister, U.K. noisemak- This is what you get when you decide ers Joanna Gruesome supply Peanut Michael Rault you need to make an electronic music Butter with a confident appraisal of album using strictly organic instrumen- their sonic and psychic convictions. Living Daylight tation. Paul de Jong is famously a mem- In 10 brief tracks, the group’s second Burger Records ber of The Books, and has branched album expands upon their penchant Douchebags that look at a Jackson Street: 05.05 out on his own, following that band’s for insanely catchy indie-pop hooks Pollock painting and say, “My three- Michael Rault = T. Rex + demise for something that I’m having a and in-your-face punk with a headfirst year-old could do that,” are not going (Emitt Rhodes – hard time describing. Compositionally, leap into assured song craft, cramming to get this album or this band (and fuck Paul McCartney) parts of this album are very much in the rocketship tunes into a short firecracker vein of glitchy electronic music, while those people). Brian Chippendale, My girlfriend Cori has told me many of a record. Without giving too much other parts have a sort of cinematic a master of the skins, deconstructs times that someday, she’s gong to leave away, there are guitar solos, surreal quality. This is a great album, but I Western rhythm with his hit kit and lo- me for Marc Bolan. I’ve reminded lyrical scenarios, ace tunes (single can’t see myself ever putting this on to fi Jello Biafra–esque vocals. For two her many times that he’s dead, but “Last Year” and “There Is No Function listen to for my own enjoyment. I think decades, this duo has been making she doesn’t seem to care. That’s why I Stacy” are stellar), Alanna McAr- it was probably composed with an end strides in pushing music to the algo- sharpied “T. Rex: The Lost Tapes” on my dle’s sugary sweet vocals (and shouts) goal of being the background music for rithmic limits, and it is time for that to blank promo copy of the Living Daylight and more, all zipped together into a a TV commercial. –Alex Gilvarry change. I’m recruiting you, fair reader, CD—I’ll easily be able to convince her noisy, cohesive statement by the band. to preach the Chippendale word. Tell that this is just unreleased T. Rex mate- No matter what you want to call them, the masses of the sweat-stank drumstick rial. This way, she won’t leave me for Peter Pan Speedrock Joanna Gruesome are pure fucking rolls and fleshy tom bounds. Praise be the next best Bolan, aka Michael Rault. Buckle Up And Shove It! magic and proof that great tuneage unto the sharp, hypnotic bass contor- I really think I can convince her. Bo- Self Destructo Records is not only possible—it’s necessary. tions and frayed fuzz belching out of lan passed Zinc Alloy off as a T. Rex Street: 03.31 –Christian Schultz this album. Bow before the incompre- album, so this should be easy. A few Peter Pan Speedrock = hensible commands and demands songs won’t be as easy to trick her with, Motörhead + Zeke + 56 SaltLakeUnderGround slugmag.com 57 Speedealer Purple Krill cohort Cash Askew are both just 21), it is nice to hear elements of ear- (409) lier musical eras—in their case, late Play it Again Sam ’80s and early ’90s shoegaze—not Street: 01.20 only being appreciated but intelli- Purple = Deap Vally + gently incorporated into their sound. The Distillers + No Doubt + It seems unavoidable to compare Ash- At the Drive-In lyn’s voice to that of vocal goddess Simply put, Beaumont-based Purple Elizabeth Fraser, but it’s more like write exquisite party rock music. It’s later-era Cocteau Twins, where Fraser rough and raw in all the right places, mostly sang in English. Askew then and they have a keen ear for hooks could arguably also be compared to that stick you deep. Vocals from Han- Robin Guthrie and even Simon na Brewer are cutting—somewhere Raymonde, especially with his wall between Courtney Love and Al- of guitar swirling around his partner’s lison Mosshart—and complement angelic voice. What seems to propel them from merely being a cover band the rough-spun guitar tones and vocals Singer-songwriter and guitarist Sa- Buckle Up And Shove It! is the ninth stu- is that their tunes sound modern, in- from Taylor Busby and the thrusting die Dupuis’ lyrics on Foil Deer steer dio release of these Eindhoven (Rock cluding using male voices and some bass by Joe Cannariato. There’s a away from past tracks by revealing a City), Netherlands axe masters, and it sampling. “Us Now” and “Marilyn” scrappy quality that makes the album refreshed sense of responsibility and shows. You can tell they have experi- are achingly pretty, but there is a ten- almost sound off the cuff, but with freedom from staying in destructive ence bringing the rawk thunder, and dency, here and there, where it is es- enough polish that I know they aren’t relationships with others and herself. they are not afraid of firing round af- pecially hard to understand the lyrics. here to fuck around. “Leche Loco” Clever and honest, each track is a new ter round of pure badass riff-ery your –Dean O Hillis way. Their sound is unique, powerful, wraps aggressive vocals and vintage story that revolves around self-depre- and has a dirty, back-alley sleaze fac- riffs in a Jack White–meets-Misfits cation with an unlikely bond between tor that will have you tapping your pastiche, and the beach rocker “Beach failure and optimism. “The Graduates,” Violent Reaction feet and ordering another round of. Buddy” is a sonic saunter on the beach in particular, conveys the weirdness of Marching On This Self Destructo Records release with a beer. Sadly, there are more high- growing up with more self-motivated Revelation Records lights than I have space—there isn’t a came with a limited run of vinyl hit- confidence despite harsh unrequited Street: 03.31 single track that sounds like the previ- ting the streets last month as well. It’s feelings, coping with the facts and find- Violent Reaction = about time these Dutch rockers get their ous one, and it’s a solid effort from ing a way to spin “I used to be the best Negative Approach + due in the U.S. among the great, un- start to finish. Start hearing Purple. at second place / but now I’m just the Agnostic Front + Blitz washed rock throngs—they’ve earned –CJ Morgan runner up” positively. The shivery, sing- it. These powerhouses have toured along swing of her voice with the rest with everyone who’s anyone, including Shana Falana of the band’s immense backup talent Turbonegro, Zeke, Honky, Danko sends chills waking my own self-doubt. Jones, Nashville Pussy, Red Set Your Lightning Fire Free It’s a continual build of emotion that Fang, Monster Magnet and too Team Love Records refuses to be contained any longer, many others to mention. Put this album Street: 04.07 which makes this album especially ca- on as loud as you can, and get ready Shana Falana = No Joy + thartic. “Wasted / Wasted / like you” to get molested through your ear holes! Frankie Rose from the track “Ginger” pairs perfectly –Jeremy Cardenas After self-releasing her EP In The Light with Slutever’s “I Miss America.” in 2011, Shana Falana has come Most of all, Speedy Ortiz mix the me- Poison Idea around with an equally dream-soaked, lodic and heavy in a “grunge/indie” Confuse & Conquer reverb-backed, structured-by-angelic- style. Whether you’re getting over or Southern Lord Recordings vocals first LP, Set Your Lightning Fire are “Mister Difficult,” this album will Street: 04.07 Free. While she holds to her style— get stuck in your head for weeks. (Kilby: 05.29) –Taylor Hoffman Poison Idea = MDC + shoegaze-influenced, yet with folksy Reagan Youth + Disclose mix-ins—there is more depth here Of any current hardcore band, Vio- than the usual vaguely charming lay- Them Are Us Too lent Reaction have the potential to As a band that helped shape the ers of humming guitar and vocal work. break out from the pack. With inter- foundation of hardcore music and has Remain This comes partially from the marked est in 1980s hardcore popping up all since, for three decades, continually re- Dais Records percussion of Mike Amari, which around, including high profile articles leased raw, unnerving and discordant Street: 03.24 gives the bulk of the album a slight but in reputable publications, Violent Reac- material that teeters between hardcore agreeably and tangibly fresh attitude Them Are Us Too = tion will soothe the itch for a current and heavy metal, expectations are in in addition to more rhythmic structure. Cocteau Twins – band that sounds like they time-warped high regard. Poison Idea’s sound is Standout tracks “Go,” “Anything” and My Bloody Valentine here from 30 years ago. Part Negative loud, fast, abrasive hardcore that ad- “Heavenstay” (the short, emotional hit Approach, part U.K. street punk with opted the advantageous metal riffing of the album) show off this addition. a healthy amount of NYHC, you know that would be the inspiration for punk/ Shana Falana also strays from her exactly what you’re getting into. The metal hybrids. This album adheres to mystical high notes and throws around playing is tight, the vocals appropriate- that crossbreed sound with the most no- dark, low-voiced delivery, and casually ly angry and the tempo fast, but March- table tracks being “Bog,” “Trip Wire,” shouty lyrics like those in “Anything,” ing On plays out as something entirely and “Rhythms of Insanity.” “Psychic reminiscent of Siouxsie Sioux. All too familiar. If you want a current band Wedlock” and “Hypnotic” both offer in all, the whole piece is an exciting playing songs that sound like old hard- more in terms of song structure and lyri- core bands you liked, this is for you. cal enterprise. “Dead Cowboy” stands development, and thoroughly spot on. But this is also the issue with Marching alone, as this is when Jerry A. retires –Erin Moore On. Progression isn’t essential, but in- from his raucous barking of lyrics and vestment by the listener is, and March- traverses into Old Western–style vocals Speedy Ortiz ing On while the rest of the band plays some holds on too tightly to the past Foil Deer Peter Fryer fitting bluegrass-style music. Overall, to create staying power. – Carpark Records the album is classic Poison Idea—it’s loud, fast, in your face and doesn’t pull Street: 04.07 For being such a young duo (vocal- Read more reviews any punches. –Eric U. Norris Speedy Ortiz = Ex Hex + ist Kennedy Ashlyn and musical at slugmag.com 58 SaltLakeUnderGround slugmag.com 59 Get your event listed for free in print, online and on our iPhone app! Sign up for a free SLUG Calendar account at slugmag.com/calendar Friday, May 1 Kissing Candice - Complex Thursday, May 14 The Hill Dogs - State Room Thursday, May 28 Pendulum, Fury, Steez, Clearkut, Joe McQueen Quartet - Garage Melo, Sink The Seas - Kilby Motherkilljoy, Sugarpants, Odet, Happy Birthday, Ill Minded - Complex Kyle, Tommy B, Mountain West Tony Holiday & The Velvetones, Mañanero - Urban Maggie Zukowski! Dzeko & Torres, Bare - Depot Fresh, Kezz - In The Venue Candy’s River House, Sam Smith Happy Birthday, The Haunted Windchimes - Garage Luke Wade, Badfeather - Urban Band, Neal Middleton - Urban Thursday, May 21 Candida Duran! 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