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The Mormon Worker

This Will Destroy You

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2 SaltLakeUnderGround SaltLakeUnderGround 3 SaltLakeUnderGround • Vol. 22• Issue # 269 • May 2011 • slugmag.com

About the Cover: Designed and photographed by Chris Swainston, this month’s cover features Skate 4 Homies founder Todd Ingersoll and girlfriend Heidi Bogus with volunteer and local skater Levi Faust.

Publisher: Eighteen Percent Gray Jemie Sprankle Editor: Angela H. Brown [email protected] Managing Editor: Shauna Brennan Jeanette D. Moses [email protected] Contributing Editor: Ricky Vigil Marketing Coordinator: Editorial Assistant: Esther Meroño Bethany Fischer Copy Editing Team: Jeanette D. Marketing: Ischa Buchanan, Jeanette D. Moses, Rebecca Vernon, Ricky Vigil, Moses, Jessica Davis, Hailee Jacobson, Esther Meroño, Liz Phillips, Katie Panzer, Stephanie Buschardt, Giselle Vickery, Rio Connelly, Joe Maddock, Alexander Veg Vollum, Emily Burkhart, Rachel Ortega, Mary Enge, NWFP, Cody Kirk- Roller, Jeremy Riley, Sabrina Burris, land, Hannah Christian, Hondo Taylor Hunsaker, Tom Espinoza Cover Design & Photo: Chris Swainston Distribution Manager: Eric Granato Issue Design: Joshua Joye Distro: Eric Granato, Tommy Dolph, Design Interns: Adam Dorobiala, Tony Bassett, Joe Jewkes, Jesse Hawl- Eric Sapp, Bob Plumb, Jeremy Riley, ish, Nancy Burkhart, Joyce Bennett, Brad Chris Swainston Barker, Adam Okeefe, Ryan Worwood, Ad Designers: Todd Powelson, David Frohlich Kent Farrington, Sumerset Bivens, Senior Staff Writers: Mike Brown, Jaleh Afshar, Lionel WIlliams, Christian Mariah Mann-Mellus, James Orme, Broadbent, Kelli Tompkins, Maggie Lance Saunders, Jeanette D. Moses, Poulton, Eric Sapp, Brad Barker, KJ, Bryer Wharton, Peter Fryer, James Ben- Lindsey Morris, Paden Bischoff, Maggie nett, Ricky Vigil, Adam Dorobiala, Gavin Zukowski, Thy Doan Hoffman, Jon Robertson, Esther Meroño, Website Design: Kate O’Connor Rebecca Vernon, Ross Solomon, Chris Office Interns: Jeremy Riley, Chris Swainston, Sam Milianta, Jimmy Martin, Proctor, Gavin Sheehan, Kia McGinnis Ben Trentelman, JP, Jesse Hawlish, Tyler Illustrators: Manuel Aguilar, Ryan Per- Makmell, Princess Kennedy kins, Phil Cannon, Benji Pierson, Monkeys with Computers: Maggie Zukowski, Brian Kubarycz, Cody Hudson,Eric Hess, Sean Hennefer Sean Zimmerman Wall, Rio Connelly, Photographers: Ruby Johnson, Katie Courtney Blair, Tully Flynn, Elliot Secrist, Panzer, Dave Brewer, Sam Milianta, Dean O. Hillis, Jemie Sprankle, Jessie Adam Dorobiala, Weston Colton, David Wood, Ryan Hall, Chris Proctor, Bethany DeAustin, David Newkirk, Barrett Doran, Fischer, Dr. Evil, Some Cop Dude, Nate Adam Heath, Bob Plumb, Chris Swain- Perkins, Andrew Roy, Alexander Ortega, ston, Michelle Emerson, Max Lowe, Kyla Grant, Nate Housley, Madelyn Peter Anderson, Jesse Anderson, Mitch Boudreaux, Ischa Buchanan, Gavin Allen, John Carlisle, Gage Thompson, Sheehan, Liz Lucero, Ryan Schoeck, Eric Russel. Levi Rounds, Dylan Chadwick, Clayton Filmers: Andrew Schummer, Brian Godby, Julianna Clay, Megan Kennedy, Baade, Loren Tyrel, Mary Catrow, Mike Abu, Tom Bennett, Mary Ryder Slugger Roller Derby Correspondents: Ad Sales: SLUG HQ 801.487.9221 Paige Snow, Diane Hartford Angela Brown: [email protected] Wanna be part of SLUG? Get involved: Mike Brown slugmag.com [email protected]

DISCLAIMER: SLUG Magazine does not necessarily maintain the same opinions as those found in our articles, interviews or advertisements. If you are easily offended, please do not blame us. We are a carrier for the voice of the people and it is not our fault if you don’t like people. Content is property of SLUG Magazine. Please do not use without permission or we will hunt you down and make you pay for your sins. Now, that’s a promise. Contributor Limelight Paige Snow—Roller Derby Correspondent Fishnets, roller skates and mouth guards, oh my! SLUG Mag’s very own derby correspondent, Paige Snow, knows the ins and outs of this brutal sport like no other. A microbiologist by day, Snow has it covered when it comes to brains and brawn, whether it’s in the lab or on the rink. Providing readers with bout coverage on slugmag.com on a regular basis, Snow enjoys the tough sport because it requires strength, skill and strategy, all with a feminine flair. Watch for her bout recaps online and be sure to join her in the stands this derby season to see what a true fan is all about. 4 SaltLakeUnderGround SaltLakeUnderGround 5 Dear friends at SLUG, Dear Dickheads, We just finished a wonderful tour I recently attended a friend’s party at around the Southwest. We played their house and they had this shitty at a handful of festivals, including electronic dance music DJ playing Neon Reverb, IndieFest, and SXSW. in their living room. I think they call We were able to play five shows it “dubstep” or “progressive house” over three days in Austin, including or something. It all sounds the same a sold-out official SXSW showcase. to me. I consider myself to be pretty Here’s a clip: http://www.youtube. com/watch?v=75OEdGIANxY. open minded when it comes to new music but a lot of these songs are We love the new issue of SLUG. It just “DJs” remixing the remix of a sounds like Jeanette and JP had a remix that Daft Punk did in 2001. great time in Austin. And we love the cover! The Black Angels recently No one writes their own music invited us back to Austin at the end anymore and everyone thinks they of the month to headline at Psych can DJ. It’s so sad!! They don’t Fest with them. even have any real DJ equipment We recorded a collaborative album like REAL turntables or REAL vinyl to with Austin-based My Education spin, it’s all-digital and it’s all shit. In while they were in SLC last summer, fact, I’m going to download one of and are calling it Sound Mass. It’ll those free DJ app’s onto my iPhone, be released on vinyl this summer hook it up to an amp and charge (another great feature of this month’s some hipster club somewhere $300 SLUG!). We’ll send in a copy soon. to play a 45 minute set. Hell, every- Just wanted to say thanks for your one else is doing it. I might as well support over the past, present, and jump on the bandwagon! future years. Oh, and Dear Daily Calendar, I know Sincerely, the print has already been published Disgruntled DJing Purist for April, but if you could add us to the online edition we’d appreciate it. Dear DJing Purist, Before hitting the road again, we’re playing with El Ten Eleven at Kilby on So let me get this straight: You’re Thursday the 21st. griping about shitty electronic dance music and DJs who don’t Best, have “real” equipment, and Theta Naught your solution is to become one Dear Theta Naught, of those DJs? This is why our country is doomed, all you fuck- Hopefully your PR people realize ing hipsters do is complain about that writing into Dickheads and each other and then exacerbate sucking up to SLUG isn’t the most the problem by doing the same viable way to promote your band thing in the name of irony. … Neverthless, we’re stoked to hear that a local band and Local- How about instead of whining, ized veterans are killing it like you guys! you go support the DJs you deem “pure” in a real way—actually buy Sounds like Austin is quite their albums, go to their shows, enamored with ya’ll, they best hype up their remixes—because be treatin’ you right or we’ll have let’s face it, you’ll never be as to send Jeanette and JP down good as those DJs you idolize. there again to show them how If you think you can do it better Salt Lake City loves on their local than those posers with oversized talent. Can’t wait to get the new album, we’ll be sure to review the headphones and a Macbook, shit out of it. then DO IT BETTER. Otherwise shut up, pound some PBRs and Thanks for the shout out, and just get your dance on with that hip- for future reference and the ben- ster bitch in the oversized granny efit of all local bands out there, glasses and lace American Ap- send in your dates to dailycalen- parel bodysuit. [email protected] by the 25 of the month prior so you’re sure to get listed for free. XOXO, SLUG Mag Love Always, SLUG FAX, SNAIL MAIL OR EMAIL US YOUR LETTERS! Fax: 801.487.1359 • Mailing Address: Dear Dickheads c/o SLUG Mag 351 Pierpont Ave. Ste. 4B SLC, UT 84101 or [email protected] 6 SaltLakeUnderGround SaltLakeUnderGround 7

By GS [email protected] Photo: John Carlisle

The Poorwills will release Drink Essentially carved out of the three separate acts of on The Wing on May 13 and will homes with only one professional studio recording Bluebird Radio, Glade and The Devil Whale, the set up for the piano. Pedersen and Fish hammered folk “super-group” of The Poorwills came together on play a private invite-only show out all the drums and bass in the first session, but a whim and spent nearly half a year putting together in Slowtrain’s Subterranean Lounge then it took over five months for the rest of the band their debut album, Drinks On The Wing. Now, with a for anyone who pre-orders the CD to lay down guitars and vocals exactly how they fully formed setlist, a release show on May 13 and wanted them. possibilities of a tour, this on-the-fly project may be from Slowtrain. one of the best groups to emerge in 2011. “With the band being so harmony-based, we really the studio that May. The majority of the songs may wanted to get [the vocals] on point. We worked for have been written by Sowards ahead of time with his The Poorwills originally formed out of a temporary quite a while getting those perfect,” says Pedersen. vocal range in mind, but in the planning stages, The necessity. Glade Sowards was picked to perform in Poorwills found themselves switching out singing the 2010 City Weekly Music Awards, and he opted to That kind of dedication is what makes Drinks On The duties based on the needs of each song, at times create a backup band for the showcase rather than Wing an impressive standout. By putting the main removing all instruments and working together to find perform solo. He picked up bassist Jake Fish from focus on the vocals and making the instrumentation the harmony of the song itself. By doing so, the group The Devil Whale, and both Wren Kennedy and Joey secondary, even the darkest lyrics and depressing created a more folk-pop sound compared to their Pedersen from Bluebird Radio for guitar and drums, subjects shine with delight and sometimes contain a other projects. respectively. As usual with the Utah music scene, all hint of charm, heard best in songs like “Don’t Know four had already worked together in various groups Much” and “I’ve Shown My Face.” The music itself “It’s fun for me to have people who are willing to go such as The Platte, The Black Hens and Dead is portrayed as a beautiful landscape to each track, out on a limb,” says Sowards on creating folk-pop Horse Point, so putting together a band on the fly creating a backdrop to the stories told within, as if music. “It’s so hard to get people who want to do under the short deadline wasn’t difficult. they played what felt natural at that very moment. that. There’s this kind of threshold people have when The album encapsulates the late-’60s and early-’70s it’s veering into a ‘pop thing’ and it’s becoming corny, Sowards may not have moved into the CWMA finals, harmonized music that propelled musicians like The they have a natural tendency to push away and do but the evening proved fruitful as the newly created Beatles, The Beach Boys and Crosby, Stills, something edgier. I appreciate that these guys are folk-pop quartet decided they liked what they heard Nash & Young into the mainstream. The album willing to go out on that limb.” and stuck with the lineup. The foursome delved into a features enough throwback for older audiences, pile of songs that Sowards had in reserve and began enough hook for younger ones and enough appeal to After nailing the setlist, the initial plan was to record honing their sound while playing select shows around keep both coming back for more. everything live in single takes. But the group was met town and experimenting with the band’s identity in with technical limitations and discovered tracking was the process. “I enjoy doing this, and as long as it’s fun for harder than they assumed. The setback led them to everybody, I can see us continue to play,” says formally cancel their plans to tour and forced them “I originally thought it would be an a-cappella Sowards. “Jake has some ideas for new songs, and I to take a different approach to the album. Looking to harmony kind of deal,” says Pedersen on the creation know Wren and Joey do, too. Now that it has become work with people they trusted, The Poorwills picked of the group. “Which I thought would be cool, but it more of a band, it would be fun to see where it will go The Black Hens drummer Jesse Ellis to record and was nice to incorporate the instruments too, since we if we split the songwriting up more.” produce the album and used Jay Henderson’s all play different stuff.” studio, Feral Frequency, for mixing. For finishing touches, The Poorwills got Mary Taking on the name of the Whippoorwill’s western Toscano and Andrew Shaw to design the final “I used to play with Jesse in The Black Hens and cousin, The Poorwills officially formed in March of album artwork as well as promotional material. Drinks he’s recorded with a lot of folks in town. He’s really 2010 as an opening act for The Devil Whale and On The Wing is currently available for pre-order at good and really reasonable to work with in terms of Bluebird Radio. The initial focus was strictly on the Slowtrain Records for just $10. To celebrate the price and everything like that. It was more than he harmonies and pulled little influence from their other release, everyone who pre-ordered the album will be bargained for, but he was a really good sport about works in order to be more folk-pop oriented. After a invited to pick it up on May 13 during a private and it,” says Sowards. few months, the group planned to take it on the road, intimate release show at the Slowtrain’s Subterranean but quickly realized they needed an official release Lounge, with guests Jay Henderson and David Rather than finding a formal studio for the recordings for touring, and made the formal decision to head to Williams. themselves, the group taped everything at various 8 SaltLakeUnderGround SaltLakeUnderGround 9 youngsters and have been jamming together since they were in junior high. “I was kinda into country when I was a kid, but Localized eventually I bought [Green Day’s] 1,039/ Smooth album and it to taut rubber bands ready to snap. blew my mind away,” says Roberts. He cites it as his primary By Dylan Chadwick influence to pick up a guitar. “Salt Lake City has so many types of bands. [email protected] Indie bands, punk rock, hardcore and street punk The Green Day album is a fair reference point for bands,” Sisson says as he ticks them off on his On Saturday, May 14, roll on out to the Urban Lounge for newcomers, as The Hung Ups play pop punk firmly rooted fingers one by one. a healthy smattering of punk rock from both ends of the in the ’90s Lookout Records tradition: energetic, nasally, Anderson Peter Photo: spectrum. Expect a dose of sugar-sweet pop punk from impossibly tuneful and soaked in gleeful snot. Recker also acknowledges this variety. “We just The Hung Ups and an unholy strain of riotous thrash wanna unite this scene!” he says enthusiastically. from Desolate. Problem Daughter will kickstart the sonic “Basically we’re just trying to take that whole ‘pop-punk’ smorgasbord at 10 p.m. $5 gets you in. genre, but really put the ‘punk’ into it,” Recker says as Despite their keen drive and proactive mentality, he reclines a bit. “It’s like … some of these pop-punk they recognize their place as youthful offenders. bands try to project their voices like fucking N*SYNC or Josh Recker ­– Bass/Vocals “We played this show at The Blue Star … and I something ... That’s not punk to me. That’s just pop.” Chuck Roberts – Guitar/Vocals thought we played pretty well,” Farnworth says Tyler Sisson – Guitar/Vocals before explaining how some straight edge vegans With three releases (Red Rocket, a four-song online EP Chris Farnworth – Drums in the audience took issue with Recker’s colorful and The Hung Ups full-length) all self-released and stage banter about online dating websites. Recker Joe Luis – Vocals / Shredd recorded, the band exudes motivation and delight in “Every time you stop talking, a kitten dies,” Chuck Roberts, insists that it was only a joke and takes another sip of ­– Guitar their ability to do it all themselves. They’ve even made Skunk – Guitar / Nate Wilson – Bass a baseball capped rhythm-guitarist, mumbles. “And that’s his beer. Roberts says, “We wanna piss people off. some international connections. “We have distribution enjoy. “Someone just unfortunate because kittens are great people.” I’ve That’s why we’re a band! I just wanna have fun!” Dave Motiee – Drums in Japan through Waterslide Records,” Recker made the comment that just switched on my voice recorder and asked him to say says with a chuckle, citing a pop-punk message we were all ‘bananas,’” something profound. The table is now cluttered with empty pitchers and board they post their music on. Someone from the our booth rings with the pleasant hubbub of chatty says Shredd with a laugh, Salt Lake punk scene flourish since the ’80s. label was browsing the board, stumbled across the a description they’ve taken It’s late on a Sunday afternoon. Amid the smoky lights and laughter. Another indistinguishably bad ’90s alt-rock “It has ebbs and flows, of course,” he says, but ultimately band and contacted them about distributing their Salt Lake City’s clamor of bad ’90s alterna-rock at Piper Down Pub, The song cracks over the stereo. Sisson slides his glasses to heart in naming their new he feels that the scene has been a constant source for music in Japan. Recker welcomed the opportunity. Desolate embody an authentic Hung Ups, Salt Lake City’s own pop-punks, shift in their back up his nose, points to the ceiling and grins. “We record Potassium Fueled Death new and exciting bands to form. “When Myspace was functional, we used to get lots thrash-punk casserole with their lineup of seats. They’re not nervous, nor uncomfortable … just not miss the ’90s. We know there was a bunch of shitty Rock. The album is complete of comments from Japanese kids, so we always musicians, young and old, who’ve all played in warmed up yet. bands. We play Lit’s ‘My Own Worst Enemy’ at practice and they want to get it out to the Rhythm guitarist Skunk identifies the scene’s wanted to get our music over there. We’re pretty all the time …” Sisson trails off. “It’s a ‘feel-good’ song!” a laundry list of current and former punk bands. fans so much that they’re willing accommodating nature and applauds the supportive stoked about it.” Each member of the group sports an eclectic Tyler Sisson, lead axe-man, grabs my arm from across the to bootleg a burned copy for approach that bands exhibit towards each other, even assemblage of sonic influences. The band table. “There’s really no deep dark core to us, man. We like Ultimately, having fun and feeling good are what The anyone who wants it. “We’ll give it across genre boundary lines. “I’ve heard that other Amassing a steady stream of local shows, honing initially formed in 2008 as a side project for drinking. We like Screeching Weasel … old Green Day …” Hung Ups are all about. “Punk rock is just this one little to anybody, but we made a blood- scenes are cliquey,” he says. “It’s not like that here. I their chops on the same stages as some of their feeling you know? A feeling you have to capture kinda guys in various acts (Skint, Dubbed, Repeat pact that we were only going to sell hate Utah in general, but I love this city.” favorite bands (Cobra Skulls, Guttermouth, Offender and Shackleton to name only a Some pitchers arrive and the band partakes willingly, visibly quickly,” Roberts says. it on vinyl,” says Wilson. To raise Teenage Bottlerocket) and now fully prepped few) to get together and make brutal noise, relieved at the prospect of some social lube. A few minutes money for the pressing, the band It’s this prevailing synergistic attitude that unifies not to unleash another full-length LP, they’re eager tick by and a few glasses are drained before words (and A contented silence falls over us and we listen to another but it soon grew into something more. “When is organizing two vinyl pre-release only the Salt Lake punk scene, but the band itself. and motivated to get out to more people. bladders) begin to flow more smoothly. laughable chorus on the PA. The interview has wound people first saw us play, they recognized us shows and is distributing patches and The diversity in ages, backgrounds and influences down, and the band seems enthused by it. Recker blinks all from these different projects and got really pins through Raunch Records. To put doesn’t present any creative obstacles, only fuel to “We’re definitely gonna tour,” Recker says and The Hung Ups formed in 2009 when bassist-vocalist Josh a few times and tugs on one of his hoodie drawstrings. confused,” says singer Joe Luis. Somehow, some unspent culinary energy to use, write music that brings different people out of the slaps the table on the last word. “We’ve got Recker wrote a slew of songs and recorded an EP all by His head gyrates softly and his cheeks resonate with a the mish-mash of ingredients congealed and they’ve even considered selling some woodwork together to share something. “That’s like 15 or 20 new songs written.” himself in his parents’ garage before recruiting a band. delightfully inebriated glow. “You’re gonna make us look they’ve since become a tightly volatile entity potassium-fueled baked goods, including the cool thing about the punk scene,” Luis says. cool right?” He slurs slightly and pats my hand. “Our CDs in their own right, taking the caustic gut-shot homemade banana bread, at their shows. “It doesn’t matter who you are or where you’re As each band member talks, eyes grow “Everyone contributes, though,” drummer Chris Farnworth are for sale in Japan…” sounds of Nausea, Conflict and Dayglo However, due to certain issues of legality, from … as long as you’re respectful, then it wider and hand-gestures more frenzied, a says. Both he and Roberts discovered punk rock as Abortions and filtering them through the light- they’ve opted out of it. “We don’t have food doesn’t matter.” palpable excitement building, akin speed crossover thrash of D.R.I. handler’s permits,” says drummer Dave Motiee with a shrug. Having spent time living and playing music in The gelling process wasn’t immediate, other states, Shredd, the band’s other “senior,” though. “We didn’t necessarily set out to play Nevertheless, the band has already been describes the Salt Lake punk scene as a a particular style,” says bassist Nate Wilson, privileged to share bills with legendary punk “family” that he’s failed to find in any other citing the diverse musical background of bands including Dr. Know, M.D.C., Agent scene. “Generally, it just seems like there the group. “It wasn’t until later that someone Orange and Battalion of Saints. Live shows aren’t as many dickheads here,” he says. heard us and said ‘you’re a thrash band!’” are a release for them on all counts, and they Regardless, the band resists any rigid thrive on crowd energy. Luis appreciates the Encouraged and cultivated by a stimulating characterization. “We’ve got something for lack of pretension that accompanies an all-ages independent scene, endowed with the everyone,” says lead guitarist Shredd, who show. “At those shows, kids go crazy. They’re combined experiences of five guys who’ve Photo: Katie Panzer notes the presence of punks, longhairs, not worried about spilling their beer or anything done plenty of punk-rock time and were metalheads and even (to the chagrin of like that.” weaned on a steady diet of potassium many) Juggalos in their audience. He and thrash, Desolate is a coherent, credits this to the band’s propensity to At its core, Desolate is a band with a desire to play explosive band ready to unleash their shed traditional punk time signatures in loud, abrasive music that people can connect with. unholy musical concoction upon eager exchange for something more complex Motiee, a member with some “senior” ears at this month’s Localized showcase and melodious. status, has seen the … but please remember to bring your own cookies. Still, Desolate’s sound is unpredictable and aggressive, features that they

10 SaltLakeUnderGround SaltLakeUnderGround 11 Prophets of Anarchy

he Mormon Worker TBy Nate Perkins [email protected]

Everyone knows who the big, capitalist, imperialist, Latin American military personnel. Tyler Bushman, a The Mormon Worker believe that when it’s boiled down patriarchal, homophobic bully with a history of violence founding member of the collective and writer and editor to Jesus’ original teachings, the Christian gospel is really and racism in Utah is—at least that’s the tag that the of the newspaper, has devoted much time to travelling about non-violence and social equality. Rather than point Mormon church seems to have earned for itself. Although through Mexico and Central America building schools and out inconsistencies or hypocrisies within the organization this is the stereotype, for the past five years a group of bicycle-powered machines and learning from Zapatistas of the Mormon church, the group uses its energy to try local philosophically minded, peace-and-radical-politics- and other indigenous autonomy groups. His sister Cory and share a positive message. loving anarchists with an affinity for independent press Bushman is an expert on pacifist movements within the “We’re providing this alternative voice,” says Ron has been working to produce The Mormon Worker, Soviet Union and has been responsible for peace activism Madson, a pacifist writer and attorney living in Alpine. an irregularly published newspaper devoted to both at the University of Utah and around Salt Lake Valley. Many “When the majority [of Mormons] are educated, I think Mormonism and radical politics. of the contributors have presented essays on Mormonism, that [they] will gravitate toward this message. I think that pacifism and anarchism at various symposiums and time, our texts and the words of Christ are on our side.” The mash-up of Mormonism and anarchism seems conferences throughout the state and country. like a concept that would make most anarchists, not to These actions are motivated by the collective’s strong The content of the newspaper centers around a mix of mention the majority of mainstream Mormons, recoil. ideals and philosophies. Inspired heavily by the Christian- Mormon and anarchist issues including articles on eco- But to publisher William Van Wagenen, the two anarchist writings of Leo Tolstoy and the ideologies of theology, various influential anarchists and activists, philosophies couldn’t be more compatible. Despite the seminal Catholic Worker newspaper, the voices at immigration issues and liberation theology, which is the his convictions, The Mormon Worker goes against the interpretation of Jesus’ teachings as seen through Mormon mainstream in an age when the church officially financially backs anti-LGBTQ legislation and right-wing, LDS lunatic Glenn Beck pays vicious homage to his conservative Mormon forefathers on his nationally syndicated television show. “Anarchism advocates decentralized democratic socialism in which property is held in common,” says Van Wagenen. “That kind of thing is advocated in the Book of Mormon. Mormonism also advocates a very egalitarian political system, and in both [philosophies], you see the prevention of letting some people govern over others.” He adds that both Mormonism and anarchism condemn violence, and the canonical texts of both philosophies denounce engaging in offensive wars, something that he believes governments do by nature.

Van Wagenen has spent a great deal of his life thinking about these ideas. He served a two year Mormon mission in Germany and graduated from Harvard Divinity School. His experience doesn’t stop there. In addition to doing humanitarian work in Iraq, where he survived a kidnapping, he and the rest of the Mormon Worker Collective have been essential in organizing demonstrations and actions that include marches for immigrants’ rights in downtown Salt Lake and protests against Brigham Young University’s decision to pay big-ticket prices in order to bring in speakers such as torture supporting former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.

The group’s collective experience and devotion runs deep. Katy Savage, an affiliated activist, was arrested during an annual protest of the School of the Americas, a United States Department of Defense facility in Georgia The Mormon Worker provides an alternative voice to mainstream Mormonism. responsible for the training of violently oppressive

12 SaltLakeUnderGround SaltLakeUnderGround 13 the eyes of the working lower class. The Mormon mostly a way to reach out to people who felt isolated.” anyone. They threatened to arrest us if we didn’t leave.” Worker has published articles by heavy hitters such as Noam Chomsky and has also interviewed the English Joshua Madson, son of Ron Madson and contributor Joshua Madson adds that the animosity toward The anarchist punk/pop/folk band Chumbawamba (whose to The Mormon Worker, hopes the newspaper can create Mormon Worker and its ideals has dwindled lately. lead guitarist, Boff Whalley, coincidentally used to interaction and a space for Mormons identifying with the be Mormon). Because the paper deals heavily with radical left to express themselves. “Not as many people are as pro-Afghanistan or pro-Iraq immigrants’ rights and social justice, the editors and war as they used to be, because it’s gone on so long,” contributors work to provide Spanish-language content. “What I would like to see happen is that the three, four he says. “At the height of it, people had a ‘the church is The most recent issue was released in April, and out of or five members of every ward or faith community who behind this, you can’t be against it’ [mentality].” the 28 pages, eight were filled with articles written in or believes this way would, for once, feel safe expressing translated to Spanish. Another reader and volunteer has their views,” he says. Few of the minds behind The Mormon Worker self identify started translating select articles into Dutch. as being more Mormon than they are anarchist, or vice Of course, the public response to the newspaper hasn’t versa. To them, the ideas are one and the same. The Mormon Worker has provoked quite a reaction, been entirely positive. According to Van Wagenen, there drawing attention from KRCL and The Salt Lake Tribune. are plenty of members of the LDS church who consider “If you look at early Christianity, primitive Christianity, It was even featured on the On Faith website, which the the parts of the Book of Mormon and the Doctrine and it was very radical—it was a real challenge to the Washington Post administrates. In the end of 2010, Covenants (two key books of Mormon scripture) that institutions and powers that be. It was revolutionary,” the publication was mentioned and quoted in Christian advocate nonviolence and socialism to be “silly and says Ron Madson. Anarchism: A Political Commentary on the Gospel a book outdated.” written by Alexandre Christoyannopoulos, a lecturer Van Wagenen adds that people shouldn’t feel like there’s at Loughborough University in England. Members of the collective were confronted with this a contradiction between left-wing ideals and being mindset while protesting military recruitment at a career Mormon. The most meaningful reaction, however, has been fair sponsored by Utah Valley University last year in the response from readers, leading the creators of Orem. For a couple of hours, the group was successful He says, “Rather than being a socialist, anarchist or The Mormon Worker to feel as though they have been in distributing anti war and anti-military literature to democrat in spite of being Mormon, there are a lot of instrumental in helping to develop a politically radical, potential recruits while simultaneously distracting people who are those things because they are Mormon.” faith-based community. recruiters by arguing with them. It wasn’t long before Free copies of The Mormon Worker are available at Ken an elderly Mormon missionary couple got offended and Sanders Rare Books (268 S. 200 E.) and Coffee Break “A lot of people say, ‘Hey this is the kind of thing that summoned the boys in blue. (430 E. 400 S.) in Salt Lake City. In Utah County, copies I’ve been thinking for a long time, but I’ve never heard can be picked up at 2Bit Computer and Gadget Repair in anybody else articulate,’” says Van Wagenen. “Not “They didn’t like the fact that we were preaching against Provo (355 N. University Avenue). The paper’s articles, only socialists and anarchists, but even democrats and war,” says Joshua Madson. “They went and got the plus exclusive online blog content, can be found at liberals reading the paper get that same feeling.” campus police there. Because we didn’t have a booth themormonworker.wordpress.com. Contributions are Cory Bushman adds, “For me, [starting the paper] was and didn’t pay our way, we weren’t allowed to speak to welcome. Photo: Katie Panzer

L-R: Ron Madson, Joshua Madson, Cory Bushman and Tyler Bushman— a handful of the contributors behind Utah County publication The Mormon Worker.

14 SaltLakeUnderGround SaltLakeUnderGround 15 By Princess Kennedy Facebook.com/princess.kennedy

When I was a young queen, to know that shit around 18 like this will be years old, said. However, it you could doesn’t change say I was the fact that I am rather wicked. still human. I feel I showed no I do a lot of good discretion for the community when acting and go out of my like a little bitch. way to smile and I expected the say hi to everyone I world to be come across. I totally handed to me on admit that I have no a silver platter. I retention for names, slept with my friends’ but that’s because I’m boyfriends and talked stupid, not mean. about them behind their backs. I was the little cunt As the Pride festival who mailed people with bad approaches, I need everyone acne facial sanding pamphlets to remember the feeling we had and fat people diet tips. I would go only six months ago when the gay to a dance club with a squirt gun full community rallied together in the name of perm solution and spray people’s hair. of mental health and to stand against the Once in an art class, I thought this redhead’s comments made by leaders in the LDS Church. hair was ugly, so I took a pair of scissors and Princess Kennedy as I know it can be like fighting an army of monkey snipped her ponytail off. One day, my wicked bats not to give in to gossip. Just remember: Any behavior all came crashing down on me like a ton Glinda the Good Witch. old, tired fag can be a bad witch. of karmic bricks when the most unimaginable thing happened. I had gotten into some stupid fight with Illustration: Manuel Aguilar We are all traveling down the same yellow brick a friend and she didn’t show up to school the next road. On this path, especially here in Utah, we’re day. I said something like, “Well, maybe if we’re going to face a lot of obstacles that will try to fuck lucky she’s dead.” Five days later, she showed up referred to as the really nice Mormon tranny from up our journey to Oz. We’ll get there much quicker on a roadside, dead under a pile of reeds. This, SLC. if we stay focused on being one within our own and losing what friends I had left, was a really group. As we skip, we learn that our community rough way to learn it doesn’t pay to be a bitch. The other day, I was sitting with some people and isn’t just us and them anymore, because “us” I said something to the effect that I was sure the has grown to include the tin man, the scarequeen This unfortunate incident really opened my eyes gays of Salt Lake must think I’m the anti-Christ, and the lion (well … bear). We can’t let our to how I should treat people for the rest of my life. which was meant to be a rhetorical statement. misunderstandings of our own people’s differences When I moved to San Francisco, before really Instead, I was told that when my name was cloud our minds like a field of poisonous poppies. getting into the scene, I was able to observe that mentioned to a gaggle of gays, one went off about If we’re going to get over that rainbow, we need to the queens people really seemed to like and what a bitch I was, how I like to stir shit up and lied be good witches and let the rest of the world know support were the nice ones. Even though the all the time. I kind of shut down—it wrecked me there’s no place like homo. Have fun and be safe at bitches were well liked, not many people went for three days. I am not used to statements like Pride this year! out of their way for them. That is when I decided these. Sure, I can totally deal with the comments that if I was going to be concerned with such a about what a mess I am—I built a career on that— Tuesday June 7th is Pride Day at Whole Foods. 5% meaningless aspiration such as popularity, I was but I am not a bitch, DAMNIT, and my friends of all sales at all four Utah locations will be donated going to do it the nice way. To this day, I still get will fuck up anyone who says otherwise! I know to the Utah Pride Center. Shop with Pride and help that’s stupid and being in the public eye, I have reach their $10,000 goal! 16 SaltLakeUnderGround SaltLakeUnderGround 17 By Mike Brown [email protected] twitter: @Fuckmikebrown

I was recently confronted outside a local tavern in the wee hours of the morning after a busy night of drinking. A man I had never met before accused me of writing some stuff that had upset some of his friends. The friends in question were legendary skateboarders Chris Senn and John Cardiel. I haven’t written about anything regarding skateboarding in damn near two years. I was a bit baffled and engaged in drunken slurry convo with the confronter about what I could have possibly written that could upset two of my childhood idols. If anything, I was pumped those dudes would even read any shit I ever wrote. I’ve met most of my childhood skateboard heroes and most of the time I’ve been able to kook out and embarrass myself thoroughly—like the time I met Eric Koston and proceeded to talk shit on the Lakers. Or the time I asked Duane Peters to go skateboarding with me after a U.S. Bombs show when he was so drunk he couldn’t talk or really stand up. He did lift up his shirt to show me his Beer City tattoo, his sponsor at the time. Illustration: Ruckus Art Then there was the time I saw Brian Anderson in a San Francisco bar. I gave him a zine for free, and he came back up to me and gave me $2 because I put people who didn’t pay for my zines on The Leviathan fuck you list. I was flattered at the thought of the legendary Cards reading something I wrote, whether or not it upset him. I would gladly let those guys punch me in the face repeatedly for not liking one of my articles. Obviously, I wanted to know exactly what it was I wrote, because to me, accusing me of pissing those guys off was a bold statement. The accuser didn’t really know. He said it was something about slappy grinds and then said that they wanted him to kick my ass. Weird. It’s not the first time something I wrote pissed someone off. Just ask any of my ex-girlfriends. Zack and Brodie Hammers, who helped me coordinate SLUG’s skate content, caused quite a little flurry with their gossip columns and bold claims of Zack Hammers being the best underground skater in the world. This whole incident outside of the bar made me want to write about skateboarding again—even though I’ve totally evolved into that guy that sits at the bar and says, “Dude, I used to skate.” So with the fear of being labeled a poser, I’d like to talk about some next level shit. That’s right friends—hover boarding! After talking to Brodie and Zack Hammers, I really think that hover boarding is about to hit the nation harder than a None of that shit has even happened. This technology Hammers told me that the main reason he decided to razor-scooter-rollerblade-Tsunami. Here’s why: Zack and should have been available like six goddamn years ago. create a hover board was to spite Spielberg. According Brodie were recently having a Steven Spielberg movie [Editor’s Note: Mike Brown is not a math major.] Well, to Hammers, in five years, no one will even ride normal marathon in their Magna penthouse and after finishing the that is, with the exception of the hover board! Aside from skateboards. “This is the future son! Hover boards can Indiana Jones series, they finally made their way to Back being the world’s best skateboarder, Zack Hammers also go over water if jet propelled correctly, speed wobbles to the Future II. has a PhD in electronical magnetic engineering, thus he have been eliminated completely, and have you ever seen possesses the skills to create the first legit hover board a graceful fakie 1040 flip? I was the only person in the In case you haven’t seen BTTF2, it takes place in the future, prototype. world to do one on a traditional skateboard, but with the which is now actually the past—the year 2005. [Editor’s hover board almost anyone can perform these technical Note: Back to the Future II actually takes place in When I asked Zack about his self-made hover board pro maneuvers with the ease and grace of Nancy Kerrigan,” 2015. Not 2005. There are still four more years until model, here’s what he had to say: “Holy fucking Christ on he told me. self-tying Nikes, self-drying jackets, mini pizzas and a pogo stick! I can’t believe no one else in my distinguished flying cars to become a reality.] When I watch this field of electronical magnetic engineering has come up with With the creation of the hover board, which Hammers movie, I find it to be incredibly, emotionally painful. When I this shit yet! I mean, we can send a guy to the goddamn expects to drop this summer, slappy grinds will cease to was a kid and saw the film, I just couldn’t wait for self-tying moon, but we haven’t made hover boards or self-tying exist. “That trick made me famous, but I secretly despised Nikes, jackets that talked and dried themselves, Jaws 17, Nikes yet? Give me a break! I guess if you want something it,” Hammers told me. Hover boards will be exclusively miniature pizzas that took 10 seconds to cook and turned done right you just have to do it yourself.” available this summer at every Blindside location across into giant pizzas, flying cars and most importantly and the valley. intriguing, motherfucking hover boards!

18 SaltLakeUnderGround SaltLakeUnderGround 19 Korean For Beginners By Heck Fork Grief [email protected]

Korea House Jangsoojang Restaurant 1465 S. State Street. 2107 S. State Street 801-487-3900 801-467-7778 Monday-Thursday 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m., 5 p.m.-9 p.m. Friday 11-2, 5-9:30 Monday-Saturday 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday Noon-9 P.M. Saturday Noon-3 p.m., 5 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Closed second and fourth Mondays. koreahouseslc.com

In the nineties, I “enjoyed” Korean food on a number of occasions with a Korean Korea House is in a midtown spot near Piper Down, with a great reputation for tasty graduate student whom I was tutoring in English. She said she would order food food. The space feels like San Francisco—well lit and accented with blonde wood “only Koreans would know enough to savor” and special holiday meals just for chairs and wood details. The food is made in a conventional restaurant kitchen and Koreans: Think marinated intestine or rehydrated silver fish with raisin-like eyes gazing comes to the table succulent, steaming and ready for wolfing down. It is traditional comatose at you. I don’t recall ever coming away from these meals without feeling Korean food, but it is easy here—the selections are made for an American-Korean faintly ill or openly disturbed. I have grown up a bit since then, but I clearly still needed audience, the wait staff speaks fluent English and is very friendly. The Bul-go-gi help when it came to reviewing the food. [Note: The spelling of these dishes change ($13.99) is pan-cooked and juicy, with onions and a particularly sweet flavor. The from source to source. The spellings your find here agree with the Dol-Sot Bi-bim Bop ($11.90) is mild, nicely arranged and heavy on restaurant, so confusion will not follow you when you try these green vegetables. The stone pot wasn’t extremely hot, but for yourself.] the rice was still lightly crisped. This is a good choice if you haven’t tried Korean food before—there are I asked several of my foodie friends to take me selections arranged for the beginner or the to Korean restaurants, and, independently, solitary diner. each ordered exactly the same thing for our meal: Beef Bul Go Gi and Dol Jangsoojang Restaurant is in a run- Sot Bop along with the customary down building on State Street. Inside bowl of rice and various kimchee it looks like an unlit disco with and vegetable side dishes. The tables. The place is strange and meals were delicious and full of mirrors and haphazard easy. Bul Go Gi is a Korean “decorations,” but, sister, style beef barbecue; it the food is generous, is salty-sweet and not really good and it grew too spicy. It is served increasingly tasty as with lettuce leaves I ate it. The kimchee and a bowl of rice on sides were replaced the side. It is sold as we ate. I am told everywhere in Korea, that the place rages even at the 7-Eleven. at night on the It is, one might weekends—Koreans say, Korean for are late night eaters, hamburger. Dol Sot and know how to Be Bim Bop is rice, have a good time. vegetables, beef This place is more and an egg cooked Korean oriented in a volcanically hot than the Korea stone bowl, which House—my server is then covered with didn’t really speak a red spicy sauce. It fluent English. This is a common home did not get in the dish and often served way of my ordering, on airplanes. though. The Dolsot Bibimbop ($10.99) was Korean food always very generous, and the includes a number of side red sauce was particularly dishes, usually kimchee, spicy. The Bulgogi ($15.99) which is a fermented was cooked on a portable vegetable dish with red butane grill, which sizzled on peppers, fish sauce, ginger our table. It was easy on the and garlic. Most often, there is nose, and with its heaping of beef, a kimchee cabbage with daikon, onions and mushrooms, it was also a cucumbers and sometimes sweet y topic of conversation. potatoes, with some other differently ph gra spiced vegetables. Six or more dishes are oto Korean food changes the way I eat, or changes iri Ph usually in the center of the table, along with a Photo: Pat the way I am when I eat it. My meal becomes bowl of rice. My first pupil ate her kimchee with metal a dance, holding a bowl in one hand and sticks in chopsticks in her right hand and a bowl of rice in her the other, talking with my friend, moving morsels of left. Taking one nab of vegetable, she set it on the rice unexpected flavor to the blank page that is white rice, and then scooped the rice around it into her mouth. then to my mouth and then a different bite. There are She told me the basis of most Korean meals is simply never less than seven flavors on the table at a Korean pickled vegetables and rice. restaurant. It is indulgent and luxurious, and when you Spicy Bul-go-gi and all of its eat it, you perform a human ritual thousands of years old, which feels as natural as walking or kissing and is fixings from Korea House. just as satisfying. 20 SaltLakeUnderGround SaltLakeUnderGround 21 the afterlife. Named popularity quickly outstripped that of the rest of The Endless. In issue #21, a series of portraits the fifteenth greatest comic and character studies of the siblings offers a few paragraphs about each and concludes with Picture death personified. Maybe character by Empire Magazine in 2008 simply, “And there is Death.” Nothing else was needed—everyone already knew her. you imagine a skull-faced reaper with a (ahead of Iron Man and Wonder Woman), cloak and scythe or a terrifying angel on his she has graced posters and t-shirts. Even more While generally positive, being popularized as such a beloved character hasn’t pale horse. Or maybe, if you’re of the right age and than twenty years after she first chirped happily always been a good experience. In addition to taking care to be nice to people background, death is a perky goth girl with a penchant through the pages of issue #8, she inspires convention who know her only as “Death,” Hadley occasionally has to clear up some for Mary Poppins and an Eye of Horus spiral on her cheek. attendees to dress up in detailed recreations of her costumes. rumors that get circulated on the Internet. In one case, a man claimed to have shared “a psychotically wonderful romance and an efficiency co-op This incarnation of Death, introduced in a 1989 issue of the DC/ Death (or rather, the woman who inspired her appearance) also apartment” with her before she ran off with a heroin dealer. It is telling Vertigo comic The Sandman, may be the most beloved of popular happens to be a Salt Lake City native. that this man spelled her name wrong despite “loving her deliriously.” culture’s psychopomps—mythical beings that guide the dead souls to Hadley laughs in mock-horror about this now. “I was so angry!” she Meet Cinamon Hadley, the body-piercer and muse whose portrait says of reading the bizarre blog post where this alternate history was immortalized as the second eldest in a family of anthropomorphized was revealed, to which she offered a scathing reply. Now she is forces, called The Endless, in Neil Gaiman’s cult-classic series. Extremely tall, kinder, although no less insistent that he was lying. “He was extraordinarily thin, with bone-white skin, impeccable make-up and thin, black sweet, but kind of a sad soul. Maybe he was searching to dreadlocks that fall well past her waist, she is an arresting sight. As we’re sitting down be somebody ... He latched onto me because of the comic to talk, a passing cyclist slows down to exclaim, “I like your locks!” and earns a beaming book.” smile from Hadley. Some people have even theorized that Dringenberg Despite most people’s assumptions, Hadley was never Gaiman’s inspiration for the was a hanger-on whose unhealthy and obsessive character—neither was Tori Amos, who is sometimes credited as such, nor was Donna crush was a source of discomfort and disgust to Ricci who, in an interview published in Bite Magazine, described in detail meeting with her, but Hadley shakes her head about that, too. Gaiman for a photo shoot, but has since removed the claims from her website. Hadley “We were really, really good friends. It makes has never met Gaiman, although they have exchanged emails. In fact, Death wasn’t even it hard when you’re that close. I always got supposed to be a goth girl and Gaiman wasn’t actually responsible for creating Death’s the feeling that there was a strong … maybe signature look at all. obsession? But I don’t know that it was unhealthy.” She says that she’d love to be in So how did Hadley end up inspiring Death? touch with Dringenberg, but has lost touch with him over the years. Originally, writes Gaiman in The Sandman Companion, he imagined the character as looking like ‘60s singer Nico as she appeared on the cover of Chelsea Girl. But the Hadley has only recently returned to Salt

comic’s artist, Mike Dringenberg, also a Salt Lake City resident at the time, had other Lake City, after spending close to 20 years

S ideas. Gaiman writes, “He sent me a drawing based on a woman he knew named away. She hitchhiked to Seattle to see her a

l favorite band at the time, Skinny Puppy, t Cinamon—the drawing that was later printed in Sandman 11—and I looked at it and

L had the immediate reaction of, ‘Wow. That’s really cool.’” and spent a few months there, before a

k traveling to Houston to provide emotional e

C Hadley explains how she went from begging for spare change and living in the support to her mother during her

i

t parents’ divorce. She spent some time y infamous ‘80s Salt Lake City flophouse called Kill Pigs to gracing the pages of a

n world-famous comic. “Mike Dringenberg was a good friend of mine,” says Hadley. living and working as a mime in New

a Orleans, with “bright yellow hair and long t “He told me that he wanted to use me for a model for a character in a comic book,

i

v but I didn’t think anything about it.” It wasn’t until years later, the conversation long black fingernails” and lived in Texas’

e

, forgotten, that she leafed through an issue at a friend’s apartment in Houston, liberal enclave, Austin, but eventually

C went back to Houston to open a body- i Texas and found Dringenberg’s original drawing of her looking up from the pages

n a and a personal thanks from the author for the use of her image. piercing shop, even though she didn’t

m like the city very much. “It doesn’t

o

n “Hey, this is me!” she exclaimed, to the amazement of her friend. have a very accepting environment of

H anything out of the norm,” she says.

a She laughs now about the origin of an introductory image of Death sitting on d

l some steps near a fountain. She says it was based on an image Dringenberg She might still be in Houston if it wasn’t e y captured of her after she’d begged fifty cents to buy a hamburger and sat down for The Ritz reunion in 2010. In the late

i n on some steps to eat it, grinning in delight about her meal. In the comic, Death is ‘80s and early ‘90s, The Ritz Club was s p grabbing the sides of her sunglasses, but it’s easy to imagine a hamburger in her the preeminent dance club for Salt Lake i r City’s gothic, industrial and new wave e hands instead. d scenesters. When a reunion weekend

t h It was, she says, a boost to her confidence and self-esteem. Asked if being Death was planned, Hadley’s friend, industrial e DJ Aaron Shea, decided that it would be a has changed her life, she smiles and says it gives her a reason to meet people p and has opened up social avenues. “People either want to meet me [because no true reunion without her. He took up a p e collection to bring her back home for the a they admire the character],” Hadley says, “or they don’t … they think I’ll be stuck [email protected] r up.” She notes that even her girlfriend (now her fiancée) didn’t want to meet her weekend and her old friends gave generously. a n at first. “She said, ‘I figured you were going to be so self-absorbed.’” c e Hadley says she didn’t expect to feel any o emotions about the visit, but “it was the f Like Death, Hadley says she is upbeat and perky, and like Death, she comes S across as surprisingly down-to-earth despite her appearance. She makes it a strangest thing. Getting ready to land, I looked an dm point to stay positive, especially when she meets people who know her as “the out the window and I saw the mountains and I an model for Death,” or someone asks her to sign comics or merchandise. She burst into tears. It felt like, ‘Wow, I’m home.’” That co says she wonders sometimes if Dringenberg used her just for her look, or if it was weekend made up her mind, she says. “The way the m deeper, if he saw Death’s ironically happy attitude in her. “[Death is] strangely air felt and seeing everybody, I thought, ‘I’ve got to ic e bo isl innocent in a way, and that is so me. I’ve always been an innocent person. My come home.’ I decided within a couple of days of being ok arl ch . C motto is ‘Happy, happy, joy, joy.’ I’ve just got to be happy. She even says ‘peachy here that I was coming back.” ara ff M keen,’ in one of the comics!” cter : Je Death. hoto She hopes to get back into body piercing and is happy to By Madelyn Boudreaux P Indeed, Death offered an effervescent contrast to her brother, Sandman’s titular find herself with a lifestyle that makes her happy, living life the Morpheus aka Dream, whose sad and sometimes angry persona was revealed way she wants to 20 years down the road. “I think it’s great that in the comic through his black speech bubbles and dark expressions. In her dreadlocks, tattoos and piercings are ‘normal,’” Hadley says, first appearance in the story The Sound of Her Wings, Death takes Dream laughing. She has no regrets about her return. “I’m home and I along on her sad route, escorting the souls of a newly departed SIDS can’t ever leave again! There’s so much more that goes on here,” baby, an electrocuted comedian and a young car-crash victim to the she says. “The Dark Arts Festival and the bands that come here.” afterlife. However, despite her morbid job, she pronounces things “fantabulous” and, as Hadley mentions, “peachy keen,” and Then there’s the snow. She loves the snow. “I was sad when it all melted tries to cheer up her morose sibling. this morning,” she says ruefully, but then she brightens up immediately and is the picture of the joyful woman who inspired an artist and changed the face of Fans immediately fell in love with Death—as Death. All that’s missing is the spiral on her cheek. the letters to the editor showed—and her 22 SaltLakeUnderGround SaltLakeUnderGround 23 If you read the Utah statute on domestic violence crimes, you’ll understand that any time there is a physical altercation between two persons who legally meet the definition of domestically involved (married, ever lived together, child in common, related, etc…), the cops must arrest the primary aggressor. The statute uses the words “shall arrest” so the cop- pers have no discretion as they do with other crimes.

Technically, if the cop writes the primary aggressor (that’s usually who the cops are going to arrest) a ticket for domestic violence assault, that’s an arrest. The code doesn’t say they have to book Photo: Gage Thompson someone in jail, just that they “shall arrest.”

Illustration: Sean Hennefer But, as any good non-lazy cop The founders of art blog ArtDuh.com, Anna West and Todd Powelson, will cel- knows, if someone doesn’t go to ebrate ArtDuh’s one-year anniversary with a huge art show at The Hive Gallery. Dear Copper, jail, they’ll be right back at your By Mariah Mann Mellus will mate and have a love child—a less complex 15 minutes later. You’ve [email protected] insular Salt Lake City art scene.” My apartment complex has a pair of probably seen that yourself. Cops neighbors who are constantly fight- can write the dumbass a ticket, Have you ever thought that art was over The anniversary show runs April 23 ing, and I mean hardcore. Every week drop his white trash ass at Uncle your head? How could something that through May 31 at the Hive Gallery on the second floor of Trolley Square. there’s some kind of knockdown- Elmer’s farm 500 miles away, looks like a cat stepped in paint and Headlining the show will be Todd Pow- dragout between them. Just last week and I guarantee he’ll be back then rolled around a canvas be consid- elson’s cubist oil paintings and marker the woman cut the guy up all across lightspeed, beating on Trailer Park ered art? (That really happened and the cat became famous—but only in crazy drawings, along with intergalactically his back, leaving him bleeding and Barbie before you crack another yelling for help. More specifically, yell- cat-person circles.) famous artists Jesse Reno, Veronica beer. By booking one of them DeJesus and Zach Medler. The work ing at her for help, only to receive a into jail, not only does the copper The funny thing about art is that it’s of local artists Teresa Flowers, Colt rapid succession of “fuck you,” in re- avoid repeated visits that night, made out to be more complicated than Bowden, Angela Brown, Dallas turn. (Can you tell it’s a small complex but the bookee gets a 24-hour no it is. Art is created either by emotion Russell, Matt Monson, Portia Early, yet?) Another neighbor eventually contact order. If he (or, I should or inspiration––both very personal Heidi Gress, Justin Wheatley, Mela- called the cops. When they arrived also say, she) violates that order, experiences. As someone who can not nie McGee Evans, Peter Mooseman, they tackled the guy to the ground it’s an additional Class A charge, paint, draw or sculpt, I view art with an Dave Borba, Shawna Powelson after he tried to keep them out. He which is worse than the original appreciation for the work put into it and and Tonya Vistaunet will also be on immediately yelled out “I didn’t do assault, not to mention the huge the gut reaction I have towards it. Using display. Crafts from the Craft Sabbath that equation, I’ve critiqued my way co-op will also be for sale and Youth anything, she didn’t cut me, I’m not liability to the cop if someone through countless galleries during the City’s Ottinger Hall’s 9- to 14-year-old pressing charges, everything’s fine!” goes back and kills the other monthly gallery stroll. Don’t be afraid— students will have an art wall, too. I can’t tell you whether this was an person because he was too lazy actual emergency or if this is just it’s just art! to run to jail. On May 20, the masses are invited to foreplay for them, but at the end of Artist Todd Powelson and writer Anna party at The Hive—it’s Gallery Stroll, the night they talked their way out of Seriously though, your described West know that taking themselves and duh! The night includes Transfusion going to jail and no paramedic arrived ringside drama, which is most do- art too seriously makes for a dull life, Hype’s break-dancers. Strollers are to help the guy. So my questions to mestic violence cases, has noth- and these two are anything but dull. invited between 6 and 10 p.m.—vintage you ... how the fuck does no one go ing to do with domestic violence Powelson is an experienced artist, ‘50s wardrobe is recommended, though to jail after all that? And is there ever abuse. The only person being graphic designer and illustrator, and not required. There is no cost for this art a point where the officers step in and abused in your complex is you. West is a marketing guru and writer. extravaganza, but West and Powelson call bullshit on a story like this, or do Serious domestic violence abuse Together they created the fun, off the ask every artist out there to raid their they have to take their word on it? is a whole different monster. Most wall, all-encompassing art blog known art supply stashes for unneeded art supplies to replenish the art cupboards street cops are trained very well as ArtDuh. at Ottinger Hall. Items like duct tape, Love & Sconecutter; to discern the difference between S.K. ArtDuh is updated three times a week markers, fabric and paint are the most the case you described and those and covers everything from the visual needed. involving real victims of abuse. Dear Your Complex Sucks, and performing arts to fashion, archi- Those cases will involve victim ad- tecture, culinary arts and new media Also as part of this month’s Gallery Damn! I’d move, unless you like vocates, sanctuaries and shelters, arts. It’s all art—duh. Celebrating the Stroll on May 20, Blonde Grizzly will be the entertainment. You’re mostly as well as protection orders from one-year anniversary of ArtDuh.com, hosting the Salt Lake City Film Festival’s right in that the coppers who re- the court. the couple has invited all of the artists Retro Vision of the Future. The show will feature works from local artists in spond on domestic violence calls featured on their blog to join them with Now back to my original point. a huge art show at the Hive Gallery in the classic style of ‘60s and ‘70s sci fi like this really couldn’t give a shit You should move. Living in your Salt Lake City. movie posters. if the Whiskey Tangos want to beat complex makes you a victim twice. or slice on each other. So, Utah “We’ve met artists all over the country I believe if you use my criteria of hard First, having to listen to your shitty laws, and most states’ laws for simply by looking them up and writing work plus gut reaction (and read ArtDuh neighbors’ foreplay, and second, that matter, took the arrest deci- about them,” says West, The Duchess regularly), you can set out for Salt having lazy cops do nothing about sion out of the cops’ hands many of Duh (aka Art Duh’s editor-in-chief). Lake’s monthly Gallery Stroll with the your shitty neighbors. It doesn’t years ago. “That’s why we’re inviting local and confidence that you know art when you sound like money well spent, on non-local talent to converge at the see it. The rest is just free entertain- rent or taxes. anniversary show. We are hoping they ment. Thanks for supporting local art! 24 SaltLakeUnderGround SaltLakeUnderGround 25 Midnight Records Celebrates Three Years By Ryan Hall [email protected]

In 1985, Kent Rigby, founder and proprietor of charges a flat, $75 rate per song, which includes been behind the successful EP of Max Pain & the Midnight Records Recording studio, began playing mixing, mastering and a CD, or a $45 hourly rate, which Groovies and the forthcoming Wolves Among Us and recording music in the New Wave group Us At includes mastering. The flat-rate pricing allows a more full-length, as well as upcoming releases by Isle of Midnight. At that time, there were few options to relaxed and interactive recording environment. “What I Skye, Fauna, YYBS and Merit Badge. With the bottom help poor, young bands with big dreams. For bands enjoyed through the recording process was essentially line of money largely cut out, Rigby and Cruz are free without a recording deal, years of touring under their the ability to take your time and not feeling like you had to put all of their time and energy into creating with, belt or corporate radio endorsements, the bottom line to go in and crank out an album in a day,” says J. Scott rather than taking from, a band. “We are more than often seemed too high of a hurdle to jump in order Lee of Merit Badge. “Kent and Cal have the patience willing to work with the artists, trying to get as good of to start a viable career as a musician. Fast-forward and want to work with you through the process and product or as good of a record as we can—no matter to 2011, and things are rapidly beginning to change. help you to make it the best it could be. It makes for a what. That is another principle of ours. No matter what Multimillion-dollar recording deals, secured radio play much more fluid and communal album.” When faced it takes, let’s try to do the best we can as a studio and and corporate tastemakers are falling to the leveling with a high overhead and a for-profit system in place, work together with the band or musician. Anybody can and democratizing tools of social media, word-of-mouth time is often something many recording studios cannot do it on a laptop, but this gives a sense of community,” marketing and cheap and proficient home-recording afford to give. “There was this feeling of it doesn’t Cruz says. technology. Like totalitarian rulers, totalitarian business matter how long it takes, we can keep doing it and keep models often fall at the hands of their own constituents. doing it and we are welcomed back the next time,” says This spirit of cooperation and co-creating reflects Tres Wilson of YYBS. the ethos of the statement, “Punk is reflex. Throwing Founded in 2008 and located in the back of the Utah a brick is reaction. Building community is action.” Arts Alliance on 127 S. Main Street, Midnight Records In an era of “instant everything, constant nothing” Allowing young—and largely unknown—artists to has beaten the odds by flourishing and growing in surplus of over-hyped, over-blogged download-only create music in a space with state-of-the-art equipment this incredibly volatile time of transition in the music singles, an almost casual relationship to music has and knowledgeable professionals fosters a sense of industry. arisen. The ability to produce an album under the community that reaches beyond the artists using the tutelage of a recording engineer, and in many cases a services. Beyond the mutual benefit of the musician In a year when many in the recording industry are producer, that reflects your best work has become an learning the ins and outs of recording and the recording closing their doors, Midnight Records is expanding outdated standard that seems to exist on shaky ground. studio, the community at large can support a music and gaining more clients. I spoke with Rigby, recording “The supposed democratization of media has created scene without having to suffer through sloppily technician Cal Cruz and a handful of musicians a glut of music that nobody cares about, nobody wants recorded, barely mixed, shitty sounding demos from who have recorded at Midnight Records about their to listen to—it is recorded the exact same way, and their friends’ projects.” experience. Rigby attributes the success primarily to there is a lack of variety in the sounds,” says Christian their nonprofit status. “We are a 501c3 nonprofit, so Arial of Isle of Skye. “Recording well and caring about To celebrate Midnight Records’ third year of existence, we specialize in affordable recording services for area sounds is what [music] is supposed to be about—it J. Scott Lee from Merit Badge is organizing a Midnight musicians, emerging artists and local bands. That is our isn’t supposed to be a forum for your latest photo on Records benefit show May 7 at the Woodshed to help primary service, to provide quality recordings for kids MySpace or a vanity propulsion mechanism.” cover the cost of fixing a leaky roof after extensive water who are coming up in the music business,” says Rigby. leakage this winter/spring. Merit Badge, Max Pain and What Midnight champions, however, is that recording the Groovies and Dizzy Desoto will be performing. This nonprofit status allows Midnight to charge prices music, while intentional, doesn’t need to be out of the Come and be part of the growing community far below the norm of most recording studios. Midnight grasp of even the greenest of bands. Midnight has supporting Midnight Records. Photo: Ruby Johnson

L – R: Executive Director of Utah Arts Alliance, Derek Dyer, recording technician, Cal Cruz and founder of Midnight Records, Kent Rigby in the Midnight Records Studio.

26 SaltLakeUnderGround SaltLakeUnderGround 27 Henry Owings may be the highest profile modern hipster culture. In doing so, it picks for a creative project chooses a deadline, music fan in the world, and “fan” is the exact apart both the reader and underground and a target minimum of funds to raise. word that he uses to describe himself. Yet culture in general. Individual chapters fix They give specifics about their projects somehow, he has managed to parlay his their crosshairs on topics as diverse as and often will offer incentives for those fandom into being on the forefront of many the reader’s DVD and record collections, who pledge money. If the target amount ridiculously important music and book proj- their work history, their friends and their is reached by the deadline, then the proj- ects as of late. In addition to editing and lifestyle. The real question is how serious ect is considered funded and the pledged publishing the much-lauded Chunklet Mag- the audience is supposed to take it. Does money is collected. If it isn’t successful, azine (whose twentieth issue just turned Owings really expect us to sharpen a No. 2 then the funds are not collected. Owings two years old), Owings was tapped to write pencil and approach it like the ACT? “Well, became aware of the crowd-funding site an introductory essay for the massive book I don’t really feel like I need to defend it through Kickstarter co-founder and former that compiled and reprinted every issue of or explain it,” he says. “It is what it is. It Chunklet contributor Yancey Strickler. A the notorious Touch and Go punk zine. He blurs the line between reality and a joke. site was set up where donors were offered also wrote an impressive amount of text for I’m fine if people take it seriously and I’m copies of the completed book, an exclu- the Touchable Sound book—a tome that fine if they don’t.” sive Fucked Up LP, and Chunklet-themed sought to visually chronicle the best of ‘90s apparel in exchange for a start-up money American 7-inch record design. His further Why a book? The truth is, there are not donation. The resulting campaign raised al- contributions to music media included be- very many people writing this style of satiri- most $20,000—a sum that was instrumen- ing involved with a Jesus Lizard book, cal culture book anymore. What was once tal in getting the book finished and printed. contributing pieces about Pittsburgh col- a large chunk of humor writing has been lege rock to the Pukekos blog and using farmed out to blogs and comment sections Other than the financing speed bump, his own website to chronicle the books and of websites. Almost no one is taking the Owings says the rest of the book came music that are currently on his mind. So how time to lay out and print a book these days. together quite organically. Many long-time did a regular guy in Atlanta become every- Owings says, “Creating this kind of book is Chunklet contributors were missing during one’s favorite contributor? “I would like to a lot of fun, but other than The Onion and the writing process for the Cred Test, but think that I’m the music publishing world’s maybe Mental Floss, no one is taking the the project still went from idea to page quite go-to guy,” he says. “But I really am just time or spending the money on making quickly. Owings says, “It came together in a fan. There are so many people out there a cohesive book.” He went on to say that three months. Not everyone was on board, who are better qualified than me. Let’s face those that are still publishing seemed to be but so many people wanted to pitch their it, I’m no Thurston Moore. I think I’m just almost on another plane of humor. When ideas to me that it just exploded.” He con- easier to find, and people know that I put a pressed to speculate on why there seemed tinued, “It was great to work with some lot of thought into what I write.” to be so few people putting out books that old friends and also with so many new fuse humor and real life, Owings offered people. It quickly turned into a big mess, He may be just a fan, but he’s one that up a single reason: financing. Money al- and it became my job to hammer it all into makes it a point to put in his two bits when- most killed this project before it got off the shape.” Hammer it into shape he did. The ever possible—he’s incredibly prolific in ground. The publishing houses that had final product is beautiful. Whether you are his own right. In getting his own work out backed the first two Chunklet books both browsing the section on Acceptable Rea- there, Owings has been the guiding force passed on this one. Owings knew he was sons to Quit Drinking (“You routinely get behind three Chunklet books: The Over- going to need to go outside the channels of mistaken for being GG Allin’s dead body” rated Book (Last Gasp), The Rock Bible traditional financing if he was going to get is my favorite) or the chapter on wardrobe (Quirk) and his latest, the self-published the money he needed to put out a nontradi- and fashion (“Do you believe there is such The Indie Cred Test. The Indie Cred Test tional book. He turned to Kickstarter.com. a thing as a gender-neutral pant?”) this is written in the style of a standardized book scores homerun after homerun. If you exam, with its final goal being a complete Kickstarter is an online venture capital net- take it seriously or just read it for laughs, assessment of just how cool the reader is. work that uses a fundraising idea termed it is well worth the conservative $17.98 At almost 200 pages, the book is thick on “crowd funding.” The way it works is that price tag. Get it at Slowtrain Records or at content and tries to address every facet of the person or company that needs funding Chunklet.com.

YES NO YES NO Were you once vegan or straight edge but you’re not anymore? Do you currently own a Heavy Metal Shop hoodie but have never purchased a CD/record from said shop? Do you have XXX tattoos but now you drink and smoke? Do you only go to shows if you are on the guest list? Did you recently trade in your mountian bike for a fixie? Photo: Ian Cone Does wearing Toms shoes make you feel like you are saving the world? Have you ever been sent to rehab for recreationally taking your mom’s Prozac? Do you play in a band that could get signed if you really wanted to, but you don’t really want to so you won’t? Have you ever “dated” Mike Brown? Have you ever worked at Urban Outfitters? Henry Owings, editor and publisher of Chunklet Magazine, dives Have you ever puked in the girl’s bathroom at Urban Lounge? into the world of self-publishing with his new book The Indie Cred Test. Have you ever “worked” for SLUG Magazine? Are you rebelling against your Mormon upbringing? Do you wear chicken feather extensions in your hair?

28 SaltLakeUnderGround SaltLakeUnderGround 29 Photo: Peter Anderson

L-R: Pat Thompson, Eli Sasich, Dom Jefferies and Chris Sasich, the masterminds behind web series Small Timers.

By Levi Rounds It’s clearly well-made, and looks like a pricey bills and snatching purses from old ladies, begins [email protected] endeavor. It makes you wonder if they have rich to dabble in the world of drug dealing. As Elton parents or a gloryhole website funding the project, but dives into more lucrative petty crime, his confidence apparently that’s not the case. Chris Sasich says, “It increases noticeably. According to Chris Sasich, this Approximately two and a half years ago, a group of really didn’t cost that much to do. It’s just a bunch of correlation was not accidental. “I based him off of friends set out to create a 10-episode web series dudes with specific talents that meshed well together. Michael Corleone of the Godfather series,” says Chris called Small Timers. Small Timers follows two college- That, and a website called Kickstarter, which helps Sasich. Elton is essentially the type of character that age students—Steve and Elton—who find themselves fund projects like this.” Through the use of Kickstarter, didn’t know what he was getting into, but instead of in huge amounts of debt for various reasons. To try to they were able to raise $3,050 in two weeks—$50 dealing with a horse head in a bed, he wears a wig solve their financial woes, the two turn to the world of over their initial goal. The money raised covered 100% and fake mustache at a party, trying to find drugs. petty crime, initially attempting ridiculous stunts such of the filming and production costs, with most of it Steve, one of Elton’s accomplices, might be my as snatching old ladies’ purses before figuring out that being spent on hard gear like sound equipment and favorite character in the series, because Chris Sasich the real way to cold hard cash is through drug dealing. batteries for cameras. wanted him to be a character like Walter Sobchak of The Big Lebowski. Any series that features characters Chris Sasich, the writer behind Small Timers, landed They are all funny people, and the end product is a inspired by Corleone and Sobchak is definitely worth on the idea for a webisode series after becoming testament to that. Small Timers features a dry sense following. somewhat frustrated with his experience in college. of humor that is not opposed to the occasional gag. “I thought film school was shit,” says Chris Sasich Although there are literally thousands of web series The decision to deal drugs leads Elton and Steve to (who also produced the series and portrayed the available, Small Timers stands well above most of meet an aloof drug dealer named Benny (played by character of Steve). “We just wanted to dive into what can be found on YouTube. “We watch a lot something head first and see if we could handle it.” Jeffries), who gets them into trouble that I don’t even of them, and they aren’t great,” says Chris Sasich. think he saw coming. Lady problems, beatings and After scrapping some initial scripts, Sasich teamed up “We think [Small Timers] is fucking good.” It might with a handful of fellow Judge Memorial graduates to chases ensue, and before Elton and Steve know it sound like arrogance, but there’s a fine line between they are in way over their heads. create what would eventually become Small Timers. arrogance and confidence, and once you watch a few other web series and compare them to Small Once the ideas were set, Chris and Eli Sasich, Although associate producer Jefferies says that Small Timers, you realize he’s right. According to Eli Sasich, Timers is completed and there are no further plans for along with Dom Jeffries and Pat Thompson on the one of their bigger influences is It’s Always Sunny in technical end of things, took approximately a year of that series, the crew behind the web series has some Philadelphia. “They didn’t so much make webisodes, other projects in the works. They plan to create and their lives to create the finished product: 10 webisodes, they made a rough version of that show, somebody the majority of which fall under 10 minutes, that were submit a short to Sundance next year and hope to picked it up, and now they get to make the show how start work on another web series soon. released weekly on their website, smalltimerstheseries. they want,” he says. com. They filmed for about a month last May and Check out all ten episodes of Small Timers on edited for the next eight months. All 10 webisodes are As the series progresses, Elton, who initially attempts currently available on their website. smalltimerswebseries.com. to get rich by looking under dumpsters for dollar 30 SaltLakeUnderGround SaltLakeUnderGround 31 This Will Destroy You By Esther Meroño [email protected]

Perhaps it’s blasphemy, but Texas-based This Will instruments. We wanted to explore as many different their fuckin’ Macbook. If you listen to our record on little Destroy You are what I imagine god would sound like if options for sound as we could with the record, and I laptop speakers, you’re not going to be hearing half of he were real and in an instrumental rock quartet. Their think we’ll continue to do that and try to keep making the information. I would love it if more people would give name may be just as pretentious as that statement, new sounds––keep trying to go into new territory with thoughtful listens to records that take a little patience. but once you hear any of the powerful tracks off their the band. upcoming album Tunnel Blanket, to be released May 10 SLUG: What’s your live show like? It sounds like it’d be on Suicide Squeeze, it’s clear This Will Destroy You SLUG: How do you like the new record? difficult to pull off that much sound with just four of you are not feigning ambition. Blowing eardrums since ’05, Bhore: I feel really happy with it overall, and I think on stage, especially in small venues. the band is hard to peg into any one genre. Not quite we all realized that a lot of the people that liked Young Bhore: I feel that on the records, we’re very dynamic–– post-rock, definitely experimental, noisy in all the right Mountain, the band’s first record, aren’t going to totally very loud at points and also very quiet at points––I ways and dynamic as a good fuck, This Will Destroy dig this stuff, but that’s OK. We feel like we’re really think we all kind of dig doing that live and shocking a You succeeds in taking the abstract and forming it into trying as hard as we can to keep pushing ourselves crowd, going from 0 to 100 really fast, that’s fun for us. beautiful, wordless songs (with incredibly wordy titles). musically. That’s really a big part of why we’re doing There are spaces between certain songs that are very SLUG had the privilege of speaking with drummer Alex what we’re doing. We all like making music and pushing improvisational, and different things happen every night. Bhore about all things TWDY before they headed out ourselves and expanding our horizons. We like playing in different types of places—whether on their next tour. it’s a dive bar or a pristine beautiful hall, both extremes SLUG: How do you think TWDY fans will react to the have their perks. SLUG: Do you think that being a band that plays solely tracks on Tunnel Blanket? instrumental music hinders your success, or do you Bhore: They’re a little more bleak––there aren’t any Salt Lake City is fortunate enough to host Bhore and think there’s a definite market for that kind of music? songs about happiness. I hope that people won’t his bandmates, Chris King (guitar), Jeremy Galindo Bhore: There’s definitely a niche in the culture that has discount listening to the record because it is kind of (guitar) and Donovan Jones (bass/keys) at Kilby Court a fonder appreciation for music like we’re making, but it a dark record, but there are brighter moments in it. I on May 25. Get ready to rebuild your definition of music goes both ways, we’re starting to have the opportunity hope more people will start to give records a few spins because This Will Destroy You. Read the extended to do a little bit of film scoring, things that a traditionally instead of just listening to 30 seconds of a track on interview on slugmag.com. arranged pop/rock band wouldn’t necessarily be able to do. There are some sorts of boundaries as far as how popular our band could become, but that’s okay. It’s something to be said to having your niche, especially This Will Destroy You doesn’t fuck around when it comes to music. with how the whole music thing is now. Having a niche is, to me, an advantage. If you’re doing something worthwhile, [there are people that] will really get behind your music and be loyal supporters of it instead of just fuckin’ fair-weather fans that are into the flavor of the week.

SLUG: What was the concept behind Tunnel Blanket, and what kind of influences were you pulling from to create it? Bhore: The new record is really dark, [but] it’s also really dynamic. It’s incredibly quiet at times and incredibly loud at times, and that was something that we were pretty intent on focusing on. One major thing is that some of us in the band dealt with loss of friends

and family, and that had a lot to do with it. Musically, it’s Photo: Malcolm Elijah definitely all over the map.

SLUG: What kind of “rock n’ roll” instruments are you using? Bhore: On the record, we used 30 or 40 instruments, and there’s a lot of stuff going on. On the previous releases, it wasn’t completely limited to just this, but the band, for the most part, is a lot of guitar, a lot of bass, a lot of drums. Sometimes we’ll just get on the instruments and work like that, but a lot of times people are on keyboards or other instruments that we’ve been using a lot more with the [new] music. It’s fun to kind of travel around to different instruments when you’re writing and see what pops out. [On the new album] there’s a lot of strings and brass, a couple of instruments that people in the band made. A lot of the music that we’re into involves a lot of ethnic

32 SaltLakeUnderGround SaltLakeUnderGround 33 were packed and ran the gamut of refining singletail (whipping) DR. EVIL’S skills, gender-queer bondage, erotic embarrassment, electronic NAUGHTY BITS stapling, creative disobedience, age play, cock and ball teasing, fisting and making scenes soar. There were almost three dozen vendors selling kinky supplies, from clothes to toys, affordable and elegant. I especially liked the new wearable bear and bunny claws. Seeing my supplier (kinky- medical.net) was a treat––Bruce had excellent deals on sutures Kinky Convention and needles for play piercings. Season Kink events are so numerous By Dr. Evil, Ph.D these days that the task of finding the right one for you and your kink It’s officially ‘kinky convention’ can be overwhelming. All-male season and Dr. Evil has just event? Trans event? Women-only returned from the aptly named event? Pan Play? One of my favor- Kinkfest in Oregon. This year, the ite sites to find conventions and event broke all records for at- friends is the social network site tendance (almost 1,000 kinksters) “Fetlife.” My friend John Baku, and is now the largest event of its a Canadian software engineer, kind west of the Mississippi, with started Fetlife in 2008. It has over the exception of the Folsom Street half a million members worldwide Fair in San Francisco (200,000 and is free to join. There are attendees) in September. almost twice as many discussion threads as members on virtually Anyone interested in all things every fetish and kinky topic. Ads consensually kinky can find an (not pop-ups) are nicely displayed event to attend from spring to fall in a small format off to the side, so in the U.S., Canada, Australia, the site is much more pleasant to Asia and Europe. These conven- participate in and read than porn tions generally focus on education sites. There are 2,000-plus event during the day with nightly play listings on Fetlife. Members cre- parties for men, women, queers ate their own profile, add photos and trans people over the age of and information about themselves 18. Although some events differ and most use a nom de plume in minimum age requirements, or ‘scene name’ rather than their all are open to paying registrants real life ‘Facebook’ bio info. If you who are living or exploring a more donate to Fetlife, you will receive alternative lifestyle and have a access to videos made by mem- desire to connect with people of bers, professional films and clips similar interests. of a gamut of kinky stuff––funny, freaky, hot and horrid. The three-day Kinkfest was held at the Oregon Convention Center, As of June, Dr. Evil’s column can and the main dungeon had be found exclusively on SLUG’s 18,000 square feet of play space. website and not the paper ver- Opening ceremonies featured sion—the change allows for the a human mobile of people tied column to be larger, naughtier Shibari-style hanging from I- and even include interviews and beams from the ceiling. Classes reviews with a feedback area on many topics were held daily. I where you can ask questions or assisted Fakir in a branding class chime in. See you on the web, and will go down in history as ‘the kids, and be safe, sane AND person who almost blew up Fakir’ consensual. because the torch malfunctioned! No harm, though. One instruc- Dr. Evil. is a Ph.D. and not a medi- tor taught a class on the art of cal doctor. If you have medical ‘figging’––using a finger of fresh questions please see your medical ginger as a slow arouser in the professional or make an appoint- entrance of the anus. Classes ment at Planned Parenthood.

34 SaltLakeUnderGround SaltLakeUnderGround 35 and skateboarding is exactly that. It’s a task that requires the kids’ attention. They have to Conserving A Culture, be focused, in the moment. They have to know what skills they have and don’t have—they can’t fake it,” says Thomas. Framing The Future Thus, the foundation’s partnership with Youth City was formed. Youth City helped Skate 4 Homies founder Todd Ingersol reconnects with skateboarding through a youth mentoring program dedicated to introduced Skate 4 Homies into the community the preservation of skateboarding. Words and photography by: Chris Swainston [email protected] of non-profits, while covering them under their insurance. The partnership presented Ingersoll and his foundation the opportunity to reach out and help the kids he was seeking. “I want to give these kids focus and give them a drive, to have them realize no matter what background you have or what financial situation you come from, you can do well in skateboarding,” says Ingersoll.

The first program launched in October of 2010 through the Youth City after school program at Ottinger Hall (233 N. Canyon Road). Fast- forward seven months and the program has expanded to Liberty Park, Fairmont Park and both the youth and teen programs at Central City Recreation Center. There are a total of 160 students enrolled in the program, which meets five nights a week from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., with Sage Brandt spreads his the teens meeting on Wednesday from 6 p.m. wings and soars a BS 180. to 8 p.m.

In the beginning, Ingersoll worked out of his home, where he stored all the equipment and supplies he need for each class. He visited each facility on their scheduled day, then took the kids to a nearby skatepark for the lesson program. It worked, but the foundation lacked a place to call home and valuable time was wasted traveling to and from the different sites. Ingersoll wanted to expand the foundation into a warehouse that could be a homebase for Skate 4 Homies. “Having a warehouse has always been a long-term goal for the foundation. I was looking for a space downtown to be our own private training compound for these kids,” says Ingersoll.

Pictured from left to right, the Liberty Park class lines up with Ingersoll and their instructors: James Nichols, Sage Brandt, Calvin Demery (S4H in- In March 2011—one year after the conception of Skate 4 Homies—Ingersoll structor), Koty Lopez (Youth City Instructor), Kasim BakenRa, Todd Ingersoll, Elijah Fryman, Ozzly Rallis, Devon O’Brian, Rahsaan Tronier, Donte acquired a 7,000 square foot warehouse. The plan is to design a place for Stroud, Sam Bray, Copper, Hedi Bogus, Erin Kelleher (Youth City instructor), James Jette. skaters of all different abilities to come and skate: from kids that can’t push, to pros and locals that are taking skateboarding to new levels. Ingersoll also hopes that the warehouse will give the kids a feeling of ownership. The main “I wanted to do something that was a collective doing anything I did for nearly three-fourths of my initial attempts were immediately shut down. “I space (approximately 49 feet by 52 feet) will house a semi-permanent street good, to show kids that they can be good and life. I’m wasting my life by not enjoying this stuff,” could get a contracting license tomorrow and setup and two loft spaces for spectators and kids to hang out in. The second do good things together and have good things he says. blow somebody’s house up, but to help people space (approximately 30 feet by 60 feet) will be a freeform, ever-changing happen,” says Todd Ingersoll, founder of Skate is a ridiculous deal. It’s like a secret society,” says space filled with movable 4 Homies. It was a little over a year ago when In March 2010, Ingersoll sat in his garage staring Ingersoll. obstacles. Skateboarding Ingersoll had the idea to create a non-profit at an old pile of skateboards, thinking of how he never stays the same— “Really, what Skate 4 organization focused around the preservation could get out of construction and reconnect with Not one to let others thwart his efforts, he kept neither should the things of skateboarding through youth mentoring skateboarding. “The skate company and clothing searching for an organization that wanted what he you skate. Mid-July 2011 is Homies is all about programs. “Really, what [Skate 4 Homies] is all company thing has all been done before,” says had to offer. Eventually, it was Kim Thomas, the the projected date to finish is giving back, doing about is giving back, doing the community a Ingersoll. “It seems like everyone in the industry program manager at Youth City, that took a liking the park. The first feature, a service,” says Ingersoll. wants to make money, be on top and be the man. to Ingersoll’s proposal. Youth City is an inclusive manual pad and concrete the community a I wanted to do something that gave back and be after-school development program working with ledge setup, is finished, and In 2000, Ingersoll moved to Salt Lake City in the man that way.” He thought starting a non- mostly middle-to low-income youth. “Skate 4 the second, a long and low service.” pursuit of a professional snowboarding career. profit would give him a chance to reconnect with Homies’ goal is the same as ours, and that is five stair with ledges on either He spent the next three years snowboarding and skateboarding and give back to the community at to work with kids. They are amazing—I’m glad I side, is underway. working at the Snowbird Mountain School before the same time. From that moment on, he started said yes,” says Thomas. According to Ingersoll, a slew of injuries pushed him out. For seven building towards launching Skate 4 Homies. Youth City wasn’t immediately concerned about With help from attorney and girlfriend Heidi Bogus, Ingersoll has filed the years, Ingersoll ignored his lifelong passions of the lack of tax codes and paperwork. Anything he 501c3 federal tax code paperwork and is six months into the two-year skateboarding and snowboarding to make a living Using his own money, he rounded up 30 brand- wanted to incorporate was a go with Youth City. probationary period before their non-profit status can be approved. “It’s in construction. “I looked back at seven years new skateboards and started searching for an They just wanted him to show up and implement a scary thing. If the state doesn’t approve us, they will make us dissolve of hustling in the construction industry trying to existing foundation to partner with. Unfortunately, skateboard culture, along with technique instantaneously and they are dead serious about it,” says Ingersoll. Stomping out the basics. James make a living and I thought, I’m not skateboarding because he did not have the appropriate tax and safety, to the kids. “Much of Youth City’s Nichols hovers above a kickflip. anymore, I’m not snowboarding anymore. I’m not codes and government paperwork filled out, his programs are based on sequential skill building,

36 SaltLakeUnderGround SaltLakeUnderGround 37 As it stands now, all students of Skate 4 Homies have learning disabilities and we didn’t name and logo that I screen printed onto T-shirts and must also be a part of Youth City. Ingersoll teaches know that going into it. It is a role model bandanas for them. They were super hyped on that,” the majority of classes with additional help from situation. The kids look at me like I’m says Ingersoll. volunteers like Calvin Demery from the teen somebody, so they feel special being a program at Central City and local skaters from part of it all,” says Ingersoll. As far as funding for the program goes, Ingersoll has around the valley. Class starts with a freeform had tremendous help with gear from S-One Helmets, warm-up session before moving to the more When it’s not four wheels down, it’s URF boards based out of L.A., Habitat Skateboards and structured curriculum focused on mastering the heads up with teachings about skatepark local shops like Brick and Mortar, Technique and Epic basics. “Right from the beginning, I noticed there etiquette, spatial awareness, safety Boardshop in Park City—who just donated $2,600 dollars were a lot of problems with kids pushing mongo in product. Although he has had some help from private and wanting to have their trucks overly tight. So funding and is in the process of looking for grants that step one was a push-glide-push then drag your “I want to give these are specific to Skate 4 Homies, ultimately when it’s time foot to stop,” says Ingersoll. From there, he works to pony up cash for things like rent for the warehouse with them on balance and turning with one foot kids focus and give and building materials, Ingersoll pays out of pocket. “I’m and tic-tacing around for better board control. He them a drive ...” really poor, really broke, but I love every day. It’s so much has the better kids run in with more speed and better than making money in construction. I hated my life practice in their switch stance along with trick- then. Now I love it. It’s like, who cares, let’s go skate with oriented basics like ollies, dropping in and kick kids,” says Ingersoll. turns. “Every day I come up with a new idea and I courses, skateboard maintenance and test a portion of that. I don’t ever want to get lame. even creative art projects. In December, The foundation’s footprint is rapidly growing. Ingersoll Being lame would do [Skate 4 Homies] no justice Skate 4 Homies had a painted board art says he is already getting emails from other people that for what it could be,” says Ingersoll. show that hung at the Discovery Gateway. want to start chapters of Skate 4 Homies in other parts of Ingersoll also implemented a logo design the country. “Basically, for Skate 4 Homies to expand who Skate 4 Homies is much more than just learning course over the winter. “It was snowing we’re helping right now, I want to reach more kids,” says how to skateboard, though. “Some of these kids and we didn’t have our own park yet. I Ingersoll. Working towards that goal, Skate 4 Homies will come from really poor homes, some of them had all the kids create their own company be teaming up with Maloof Skateboarding, an organization aimed at bringing a broader view of skateboarding to the world through professional and amateur contests. On June 4 and 5, Skate 4 Homies will be hosting a skate valet and information booth at the Maloof Money Cup tour in Flushing Meadows, New York—the organization’s most widely known premier skateboard event. They will continue the tour with the Money Cup to events in Orange County and South Africa—dates for those events have yet to be released. On July 24, Ingersoll will again team up with Maloof on their nationwide give-back skate tour, a two-day event that features a local contest at the Orem Milosport and provides a community service project that correlates with skateboarding on the second day. In addition to these events, Ingersoll will host a premier of the Technique video on May 13 at the Skate 4 Homies warehouse.

Ingersoll plans to continue building the program and hopes to eventually expand to a much larger warehouse while working with other foundations like Autism Hope and the Utah Arts Alliance to give back as a collective good. “Sky’s the limit,” says Ingersoll regarding Skate 4 Homies’ future. “I want to have Skate 4 Homies all over the country, maybe all over the world.”

Check out skate4homies.com for more information about the foundation and ways to give back and donate to the foundation. Visit slugmag.com for more photos.

Beyond the basic, Elijah Fryman takes his tranny to the next level, blunt pull. Todd Ingersol welding for the future.

38 SaltLakeUnderGround SaltLakeUnderGround 39 he demonstrates this idea with his hands. about this outfit all my life—brown with gold Saving the Planet One Pair of Slacks at a Time Hanes and Fruit of the Loom don’t know what thread and a custom fit—ready for the track, progressive-minded people want. I guess it’s yoga mat or skatepark. You can find your that we don’t want to look like we came out of inner Zen too, simply by supporting local a cookie cutter. There’s just something about business. Do what you love and the clams being comfortable in a T-shirt and slacks just jump in your bucket, no big deal, it’s just that money can’t buy. They’ve painstakingly that simple. created all original patterns because they know what works. You can tell by their look You can find their pants at Brick & Mortar, of total disgust over things like the “cupcake” Blindside and Fresh for now, but as summer look that a poorly designed hoodie can approaches, expect reversible tank tops, hats create. When you’re wearing ED gear, you’re and other accessories to start appearing. It By Tully Flynn going to look like you just stepped out of the will only be a matter of time ‘til the revolution [email protected] tailor’s. catches on and their quality gear finds itself on shelves all across the valley. I’m fucking fed up with to get caught up in the “Come down, drink a beer, we’ll make you a this doom and gloom. The money side of things. They pair of pants,” Gustafson tells me. That’s the sun came up this morning aren’t trying to make it rich, beauty of it—they’re not trying to break into so I’m happy as a clam. by any means. “Do what some high fashion shit, they are blue-collar Barring the next global you love and the money dudes who get their seam on. ED specializes calamity, I think we should will follow,” he says. in four varieties of pants: a stretch denim that is all splash some cold water They’ve set up shop down good for street wear, a polyester Wrangler-style on our faces and take a at Kilby Court, in a studio grandpa pant, a specialized sweatpant that chill pill. Like the late great next to Salt Lake’s perfect doesn’t wear like your George Costanza pant master of the moonwalk half-pipe. It seems this and finally, the action slack, which makes for used to say, “Take a look duo can’t spend too much at yourself and make a time away from a ramp. a great springtime snowboard pant. As if this change.” Yes sir, I’m talking That’s why I trust the intent wasn’t perfect enough, every pair of slacks is about the man in the mirror. of what they’re doing. It’s made by hand by Gustafson and Smith. While all the gloomsters a simple love and passion I’ve finally found my Zen. I’m going to have a mope about talking the talk, for things that make sense. custom sweat suit made. I’ve been dreaming Gustafson cutting out a pair of sweats. I met a pair of seamsters Working for the man and who have been doing buying Chinese crap just some walking—walking in doesn’t. They both scream handcrafted threads that in my ear, seemingly in they have created for the practiced unison, “Bring local market. It seems that the business home!” the overwhelming majority loves the big box—just Gustafson says, “The go people watching at bottom line is we’re taking Walmart sometime. I do it back to the roots— not know what cave these before oil happened and Photos: Adam Dorobiala freaks crawled out of, but we were shipping products the word “troglodyte” sure across seas. That doesn’t is fitting. I don’t mean to work. A stable economy judge—I’m the first in line at happens when everything the county fair every year— is local.” It doesn’t stop but why pay for a freak there. In fact, that’s just the show when this shit show beginning. “Change the is churning out mutants by protocol of everything— the dozen? If you can’t beat starting with the way it ‘em, don’t join ‘em. Salt goes from being a plant Lake has a thriving local to being on your body,” community of motivated Jared Smith and Ben Gustafson in their office/studio. says Smith. They have a shakers and movers business plan to be as they couldn’t hear each other talking “sewing creating real change on the local level, and I’m green as possible, including finding organic machine shop” over their own drunken rants. proud to introduce a new crew to the fold— local fabrics. I heard them talking about bamboo On one fateful evening, however, I think a bell Ben Gustafson and Jared Smith, creators of fibers and I started worrying about pandas, but rang in one head as a light bulb went off in the Evryday. they assured me the cuddly guys would have other and it’s been a beautiful thing ever since. plenty of food. Forget cargo ships polluting and Both on their own little trips, slowly throwing Evryday (ED for short) was spinning in the probably killing dolphins as they molest the together designs, patterns and styles. Smith was A.D.D.-riddled heads of Smith and Gustafson oceans, Gustafson is going to be out delivering mastering custom hats while Gustafson was for years. Although Gustafson and Smith had his goods via bike. focusing more on the pant. This is where their been acquaintances for a number of years, O.C.D. came into play—they both just couldn’t they didn’t start hanging out until last summer, They’re doing their part to make this world a find anything that fit in the Chinese product- which is when they realized they had a lot in better place to breathe, but that’s only the first based stores. So they took it upon themselves to common. They both have half-pipes in their objective of ED, the second being custom fit. make shit that fit. backyard, work at local bars, share common “There is a disconnect between China and mental disorders and get really loud when drunk. what people want. They’ve told us how it fits, “We’re not capitalizing, we’re just clamming,” This last commonality was probably the reason but it doesn’t fit. We’re going to make it fit— says Smith. Not wanting to turn this into some they hadn’t collaborated sooner, seeing as how people aren’t squares,” says Gustafson as stressful business venture, they aren’t going Smith, finishing some pants. 40 SaltLakeUnderGround SaltLakeUnderGround 41 Semifold unnecessary. Plus, it came with band-aids, gauze like a gold-plated stereo plug, among a few others, The Charlie Baker Sneaker pads and alcohol prep wipes. You’re not going which make them stand above their rivals in the Semifold.com to need any of that at a resort, so the backcountry price range. The style, however, is another story would be the obvious place to use it. Even there, altogether. The “revolutionary” design of the clips are cuts and scrapes really what you’re going to holding on to your earlobes while, and I quote, “… be worried about? Although it didn’t seem very Clips on and hangs tough through all your tricks, promising, this little accessory turned out to be flips and whatever,” are more of a pain than a help. pretty cool. I decided to try it as a place to put my It feels like you are trying to stretch your gauges out phone and pass, since my hip new snow pants are after extended use with the clips in place. With that too tight for either of those. It didn’t get in the way said, if you are looking for quality headphones, look of my high back like I initially thought it would, and I no further. The only catch is that you just may have actually forgot I was wearing it until the lifty checked to modify the earbuds to sit/clip comfortably with me for my pass. Other than a phone, the pocket your lobes. –Rusty Shackelford is good for keeping a ratchet, keys, money, candy and I’m sure there’s at least one other thing that I’m Face Nozzle not thinking of that you’d generally want to keep Custom Face Nozzle hidden. Even if you don’t find a use for the backup Facenozzle.com pocket while snowboarding or skiing, you can just Face Nozzle is a facemask company based right as easily take it hiking or camping with you where here in Salt Lake City. Every single facemask is the gauze pads and band-aids would actually serve handmade and completely unique, which means a purpose. –Chris Proctor once you have your facemask, nobody else has that same design. Even better, they take requests. This When SLUG’s action sports editor, Adam Ecko UNLTD means you are the designer. Pick any picture, logo Dorobiala, said these shoes made him think of me, Boat Shoe or pattern you want and they will make it for you. I was a little offended. These shoes are totally fugly. ShopEcko.com As for functionality, the facemasks are reversible Remember when Kris Kross was cool? Yeah, me Take ‘em to the streets. These Ecko UNLTD boat with cloth on one side and fleece on the other, held neither. They’re like a bad China Town knock off, like shoes are a utility. A playful, fire-engine red on these around your face with Velcro. Nothing too fancy, but someone tried really hard to rip off Chuck Taylors with white trim makes ‘em perfect for any occasion. it gets the job done. For instance, I wore mine to but they totally fucked up. Plus, tying your shoes Red is my color and, luckily, it goes well with a PCMR the other day and got this girl’s number who I backward is rather difficult. After struggling like a lot of spring fashions this year. The canvas upper rode the chairlift with. Coincidence? I think not. Right six-year-old every time I wanted to wear these, I tied makes for a comfy ride all day, from hustlin’ the now on their website, they have about 35 different them so they could slip on and off. The first night I streets to gettin’ it on at the club, these jams come designs, ranging from douchey sports logos and wore them I went dancing at the W Lounge. Even in hot. Truth be told, I got mine a bit dirty getting into American flags to tie-dye or plaid. Remember, you though everyone I was with made fun of me, they some healthy mischief and they are still shining like can request your own, but if you see one you like, were surprisingly good dancing shoes—I busted a whore’s gold tooth. If you’re a fan of the waffle you better snatch it up quick ‘cause “once they’re lame dance moves all night. When the snow gods soles on Vans, then these will not disappoint. They gone, they’re gone.” –Chris Proctor have a real low profile so you get a good feel for the took a fat dump on the valley, I was skeptical about Salon Grafix Charlie’s performance in the snow due to memories earth. My only complaint about these things is the Travel-Size Invisible Dry Spray Shampoo of miserable walks home from high school in soggy toe cap area—a lack of design definition at the toe Salongrafix.com Chucks. These, however, are far more waterproof ridge makes these seem similar to clown shoes, and I had never heard of spray-on shampoo until I was than their unretarded brethren. Throw on a pair of with red laces, it can push it. That being said, these handed a little bottle of Salon Grafix Dry Spray wool socks and your feet are guaranteed to stay are still fresh, and perfect for your spring lineup. Get Shampoo. Since my hair was in its typical state dry and toasty. Over the past few weeks, I’ve fallen out there! – Jemie Sprankle. of supreme greasiness, my coworkers suggested in love with these shoes. I’ve come to find their Sony/ PIIQ I try it right away. I sprayed one side of my head oddities endearing, and I’m glad Dorobiala thought Qlasp Clip On Earbuds and gently massaged it into my scalp. Result: One of me when he saw them. They might be ugly, but Piiq.com side of my head looked like a wet dog and the they’re great shoes and I totally see them catching It seems like most brands are hopping on the other a nice fresh head of hair! If you’re a fellow dirt on. Plus, they’re ironic and everyone knows hipsters bandwagon in creating offshoot product lines to merchant like myself and don’t feel it necessary to love irony. If you want to stay ahead of the hip kids, cater to those extreme sports enthusiasts, and wash your hair every time you shower to keep that I suggest you swoop a pair ASAP. Hurry up so I can Sony is no exception. The new PIIQ line from Sony greasy look that women love, but don’t want your stop looking like a dumbass. –Katie Panzer is marketed towards the youth skateboarders and mom or boss to yell at you, I suggest you buy a Backup Pocket Co. snowboarders out there who like to skate/ride bottle of this. Apply it to your nappy hair before your Backup Pocket with music in ear at all times, and they have come mom visits or you go to work, and no one will know Backuppocketco.com out with a team of skateboarders that have the you haven’t washed your hair for the past three From the Backup Pocket Co. comes this back- marketability of grossing intense net income for months. This would also be useful for those ladies up first-aid and accessory pocket that straps the company. Tom Asta and Chris Cole have that who feel it necessary to have their hair nice and conveniently to the outside of your snowboard or ski genre-specific ability to promote a product they may clean on camping trips (because animals judge, boot. As with most new products, I was skeptical not give a shit about, hence why they are on the too). So I suggest you go grab a $3.00 bottle of this of how practical and “convenient” this backup ‘team.’ The Qlasp earbuds are actually rather nice, for your next camping trip or daily life. – Jeremy Riley pocket really was. At first look, it was just bulky and with sound performance for days and other features, 42 SaltLakeUnderGround SaltLakeUnderGround 43 SKATESUGGESTIONS OF A SAGESENSEI Words and ILLUSTRATIONS By: TULLY FLYNN [email protected] It is my true will to guide you, my dear student, on a journey—a quest into the realm unbeknownst to the many—a path less tread. In realization of certain mystery, I must be careful to speak in clear, concise language free from elicit jargon and fancy-free phantasmagoria. The concepts I allege apply to mystical acts, known by the blind as skateboard tricks. Once we clear the cobwebs of confusion, the simplicity of skate mastery can be seen clearly. I have chosen to gently persuade you through a thought I call “The Manhole Theory.” The Manhole Theory is a scientifically sound objective lesson designed to prove the existence of God, but more importantly, teach a novice skateboarder how to kickflip (or switch heelflip, which is what I have demonstrated) a 10 stair.

It is not my will to sell you into slavery of some new thought pattern to be used for material gain and ultimately your imprisoned demise. No, the machinations of the perverted soul (the mass of you carrying the cross of capitalism), will not easily be attained through my cosmic-tested, mother- approved methods. Oppositely, the pure of spirit (the few imaginative truth seekers treading lightly in muddy waters), will thrive in skateboarding bliss as the young apprentice divulges, meditates and actively practices the soon-to- be discussed lesson. And finally, as our pagan roots unearth, we find the type who simply yearns for pleasure— whatever his/her desire might be regarding the outcome of aforementioned stimulus. But let’s not denounce the heathen. In fact, praise be on them from up high. However, stimulus will be your end result, missing out on the ambrosia when you divert course for the Kool-Aid, man.

Let us begin with a fresh mind, seeking truth and seeing reality. Our mission, namely, is to demystify the simple machine we will investigate metaphysically. Devised of common Egyptian pyramid building mechanics (go figure), the skateboard becomes a magic carpet given the proper circumstance. Forgive my jest and I will get down to brass tacks. The heart of the skateboard would be the wood, or deck, which is (when activated) a lever. Now, the other obvious machines at work here are the axle and wheel—mounted to the trucks using a pivot system, they engage the soul of the setup. All that is left is you, the pilot, and you know who you are and what you are made of so let’s move on quickly, before we muddle ourselves in philosophy. It has been said by the magician/yogi Aleister Crowley, and I will make mention to it once again, “For, like all great things, it is simple; but like all great things, it is masked by confused thinking.” With that as our guide, let us make a vow of beginner’s mind as we venture the causeways of mystical skateboarding.

Lesson #1 The Manhole Theory

As our first lesson, I see it fitting that we start with a universal theme and at beginner level entry. Now let me quickly state, as we lose ourselves to semantics, we must find ourselves again through universal truths. In this case, we must ponder the territory of physics, more astutely—speed and time. These two laws generally add up to the universal idea of space and, in our case, the diameter of a sewer lid. Being earth stricken, men are on average within the maximum size limit of being able to fit down a manhole, thus they are, universally speaking, the same size. And so I can, with 44 SaltLakeUnderGround SaltLakeUnderGround 45 confidence, state that any trick done over a Epilogue manhole can be done down a 10 stair. I care not As a post-script, I will address the nature of the to verbally describe the trivial details pertaining seeming madness I just discussed. To know is faith is light, to The Manhole Theory (i.e. stair size, etc.), simple. It is to use one’s senses and intellect given that stairs are not a universal size, the to devise a mind pattern regarding an object or light is love, count could be different. For those of you who idea desiring knowledge of, making this object wish for visualization, I have drawn up a detailed a piece of the mind, a phantom in that endless schematic pinpointing your spiritual liberation on abyss of the imagination. This, then, is an infinite love is truth, the following pages. It comes down to the matter of chaos, where nothing is as it seems and of speed to clear the manhole and time to do the therefore there is no truth. In a world truth is freedom. feat—simple as one plus one. Two manholes, devoid of truth, we cannot become equal trickery down a 20 stair and so on until masters of spirit left to roam the your knees explode, and riding away cleanly is murky waters of bondage in complete of a completely separate matter. The only way to servitude to the material world of eat an elephant is one bite at a time. suffering and the like.

This same theory can be chalked up to a Now we will handrail equation, but given the differing redirect our variables of differing handrail heights, I will keep intent to its desired our first lesson novice-worthy and stick with course: that of faith. stairs/gaps this month. Now that I have offered Faith is pure like light and this incredibly idiosyncratic idea, you must want exists in the realm of will, to tell me how I speak ideally on purely relative love and truth. It is what terms—making me quite the naif. Expecting cannot be destroyed nothing less from my pupils, I applaud you. because of its However, the grand variable that always wiggles eternal in is our arcane, truly unevolved minds. Do you nature of really think that if you used your gigantic brain for only existing in the little more than survival, we as a species would present moment. Only able be where we are today and where we are going to live in the now, it can never for that matter? No! For Christ’s sake, it’s going decay, become mutated, to take a miracle to open the mind however corrupted, exploited or briefly, to accomplish the obviously possible given to chaos. Now impossible. To you, my devout, I conclude with that we see faith is this obscure relevance that may have profound our freedom in a consequence: You either know The Manhole dark world, once Theory or you have faith in The Manhole Theory. we fix our stars, Faith being the eternal component, coursing orbit with the light of faith, we find that throughout every cell in our bodies as it strives love is our true will where infinitely to liberate the soul. I find it hard to believe that anything is possible. I say these things without it the impossible is possible. in the name of Bear Christ, amen.

The proof is in the pudding. The Manhole Theory soundly applied. Photo: Adam Dorobiala

46 SaltLakeUnderGround SaltLakeUnderGround 47 to become more comfortable with the cycling community.” He h of believes SaltCycle helps many lone cyclists assimilate into the SLC d Rebirt cycling community. “[SaltCycle] is a vehicle … to make things bigger The Rise, Fall an and better in Salt Lake, get more people out to events,” says Trepp. The two have completely revamped the website, adding a “personal touch” in an effort to reach out to the community and it has already seen an increase in posts and comments since last year. A cle Facebook group started tCy by dedicated cyclist Ryan al [email protected] Current King of the Hipsters, Gary Hurst, S By Esther Meroño McCalmon has also ponders the weight of his crown/bag. helped with the promotion of events and organization of rides, and can be found by searching “SaltCycle” on Facebook, but Trepp and Millar hope to redirect some of that traffic to the website so that information is more easily accessible to the community as a whole. “Hopefully it gets to the point where it’s like, I’m unemployed, I want to save money, recently lost my license, just want to ride a bike to get in shape, whatever, SaltCycle, for those living in Salt Lake Neglected in dark closets, rusting alongside chain link fences and perhaps City, is their resource,” says Trepp. “They go to SaltCycle even torn apart and piled into boxes, the bicycles in this city have suffered a with this notion in mind, ‘I need to get on a bike, I want to long, lonely winter as their owners set them aside to don ski masks and snow become a biker.’ It may not give them enough info for what boots. to do with the bike, but it’ll tell them where to go.”

As cuffs slowly rise with the temperature, so do thoughts of smooth saddles, Aside from the history-making Bike Prom 2011 on April 16, e which brought together an unprecedented 100-plus cyclists glistening cranks and spinning spokes. Like lovers reunited, the fair-weather ow ax L to ride in costume as a benefit for the Salt Lake City Bicycle cyclists mount their steeds and hit the salty streets in droves. to: M Pho Collective, most of the recent events on SaltCycle have been lung- Here to organize the enamored masses and spread the love is SaltCycle. cranking races and alleycats organized by cyclists like Millar and Trepp who like a challenge. This, however, should not discourage Founded in 2006 by Cory “Zed” Bailey as a means to promote cycling cyclists of all levels. “I think people need to know that they can throw events and form a community, SaltCycle became an important resource for their own races, they don’t have to go through the bike czars of the growing cycling community in Salt Lake. “It started out as a personal established “The Mantle.” Starting with the SaltCycle,” says Millar. “I think we could do better in fostering that by blog,” says Bailey. “For the longest time, it was just me posting, and then first King of the Hipsters alleycat on Dec. having more fun races, more laid back rides.” people started gaining interest and it started blooming after that.” Blogging 16, 2010, the winner shall be crowned about midnight rides, freak-bike projects and experiences he had out on the “King/Queen of the Hipsters” and must Thus, the growth and success of Salt Lake’s cycling community is road, Bailey’s desire to spread his love of bicycling to others and promote wear the Fucking Hipster bag as much really up to you (yes, YOU!) and your bicycle. “The biggest thing events led him to reach out to fellow cyclists to contribute, most of whom he as possible during a three-month reign. that needs to be avoided is the figurehead mentality of just focusing met at events such as Critical Mass. “It was basically an impetus to say, ‘Let’s After three months, the winner has on one person to bring things. You need to have multiple outlets, take this to the streets,’ so I think from the very beginning of it, I didn’t want it to pass on the bag to a new king or multiple people to bring things,” says Bailey. “So if you’re expecting to be my own recollection, but to spread it further out,” he says. queen by organizing a cycling event, one person to magnificently save you in the cycling scene of Salt alleycat or otherwise—rain or shine. Lake City, it’s just not going to happen.” SaltCycle belongs to all Looking through the archives at SaltCycle.com, it’s amazing to see how “Hopefully it’ll live on forever,” says of us—all you have to do is get out there and ride a bike. “Doesn’t eclectic and prolific the cycling community became through this venue of Joergen Trepp, the second to don matter what you ride. We get so caught up in this fixed gear, single- organization. During its peak in 2008, there were 299 posts about everything the crown of “King of the Hipsters” and speed, geared bike … Who gives a damn? As long as you’re out from alleycat races and group rides to film festivals, protests and product current co-administrator of SaltCycle. there bicycling, you are contributing,” says Bailey. “We need to have reviews. Trepp recently passed the crown to Gary our numbers show that we are a group and we exist, and we deserve Hurst, winner of the last and second King to be on the roads just as much as anyone else. I hope that’s what Unfortunately, unlike the bicycle meccas of Portland and San Francisco, of the Hipsters alleycat. SaltCycle brings, just that single drive of bringing people out.” the “greatest snow on Earth” that brings so many to Salt Lake also drives the multitude of cyclists indoors. The strong and brave who ride through Before leaving for Pakistan, Davis passed Aside from riding your bike as much as possible in the upcoming the ice and snow are few, and as the leaves fall from the trees, so does along his SaltCycle administrative duties months, you can help SaltCycle become all that it can be by attendance. “The problem that exists in Salt Lake City is that every winter, the to Trepp and Tom Millar, who was a fervent attending a benefit alleycat on May 14 at 5:30 p.m. starting at Plum cycling scene dies. Essentially, you have to rebuild it from new, and that’s contributor a couple of years back. These two Alley (across from Gallivan about 50 E. 200 S.), organized to raise not an easy task. Not only are you rebuilding the cycling community from e some funds to get the website up to speed and ready to service the w young cyclists have already made huge steps o scratch, but you get on that bicycle in the spring and you don’t wanna ride,” L in putting SaltCycle back on its feet and have community to its fullest extent. x says Bailey. Slightly burned out from the responsibility and eager to keep a some ambitious plans for its future. Inspired in part : M experimenting with SaltCycle’s format and potential, Bailey stripped down the to by BikePortland.org, the site now has tabs for product Millar also encourages all cyclists to go to as many events as ho site into a forum in 2009, which decreased traffic considerably. He says that Over 100 cyclists rode to the first annual P reviews, cyclist bios and even bicycle-related city projects. possible this month in celebration of Bike Month, all of which will be any mistakes he made concerning the site were due to the fact that nothing Bike Prom last month on April 16. Millar says, “SaltCycle for me, more than anything, has a lot of posted in the calendar on SaltCycle.com. as intimate as SaltCycle had been done before, and laying the groundwork potential. It helped me to meet a lot of people, for something new required experimentation. Bailey ended up passing along made messenger bag from the project to Davey Davis, a longtime staple in the cycling community, who Jacksonville, Fla. based Burro attempted to restore SaltCycle to its former glory and revitalize the scene by Bags for the winner, the words “Look organizing as many events as possible. At That Fucking Hipster” printed boldly across the front. The winner of the alleycat and the bag was Davis’ ceaseless dedication and genuine excitement over cycling and the none other than Davis’ fellow film guru, Alex Haworth. Why anyone would arts led to another burst of enthusiasm from the community, perpetuated willingly tote around such a large magnet for ridicule was considered by the by his short film/bike opera, The Tale of Don Giovanni: That Indomitable two, and perhaps realizing that Davis would not be around forever to keep Hipster. As part of the promotion for the film, Davis held an alleycat race the cycling community afloat (he is currently teaching film in Pakistan), they before its premiere on April 24, 2010, garnering a ridiculously large, custom- 48 SaltLakeUnderGround SaltLakeUnderGround 49 The 2nd amendment’s finest hour is at hand. Beyond Good & Evil HD Homefront Ubisoft Kaos Studios/THQ Reviewed on: Xbox Live Reviewed on: Xbox 360 Arcade Also on: PS3, PC Also on: Playstation Network Street: 03.15 Street: 03.02 There are moments during Home- Downloadable games have become front’s single-player campaign that, a crucial part of the current gaming for me, elicit the caliber of emotional generation, which is good for two big impact you expect from only the most reasons. Firstly, it gives cheap/poor deadly-serious, harrowing dramas. bastards such as myself a welcome There are a thousand reasons gam- alternative to dropping $60 on some ers play games, and everyone has overhyped piece of crap. Secondly, their favorites. I like loot, I like RPG it allows gamers the chance to experi- elements like leveling and skill trees, ence classic games that they may not and I like the fantasy of shooting have played the first time around in things with guns. But most of all, an easily accessible format. Beyond I play games for their ability—just Good & Evil HD fits both of these like books or films—to make me criteria, as it can be had for a mere feel something novel. In this way, $10 (or 800 Microsoft FunBux) and Homefront manages to succeed, but it was critically acclaimed upon its it does so in spite of its massive and original release in 2003, but sold continuous failures in almost every rather poorly. At its core, it’s a classic conceivable aspect of video game adventure game. You control Jade, creation. No joke: In many ways a young reporter who takes care of this game is just flat-out bad. The weird looking orphans and has a pig graphics look one, maybe two years for an uncle, as she unravels a vast old. The gameplay is so fantastically government conspiracy and deals standard that it sets some kind of with a pesky alien invasion. Throw “standard Standard” . . . a nefarious in some stealth elements, a whole meta-standard for all bland shooter- shitload of hovercraft piloting, liberal gameplay to live down to in the usage of an in-game camera, enter- future. The voice acting is a ‘meh’ out taining characters and a well-rounded of 10, and the whole campaign can story and you have a game that’s easily be finished in four hours. Four simply a whole lot of fun. Since this is fucking hours. If you bought Home- a nearly eight-year-old game that has front new, that’s almost $17/hour. been slightly prettied up, the graphics So, you know . . . rent it. I paid $8 at aren’t jaw-dropping and there are a Blockbuster and had a damn good few buggy bits, but Beyond Good & time with this title, but Homefront is Evil really has something for almost only fun if you want to get into its fic- every kind of gamer (no multiplayer, tion. The genocidal violence and intel- no first-person shooting and no ligent writing built in me a surprisingly boobs ... sorry bros). A sequel is powerful sense of national pride, and reportedly on the way, but throw more-than-usual anger at an enemy Ubisoft a few bucks and experience that would dare occupy my country. the original while you’re waiting. It was a fun role to play, and if they –­Ricky Vigil make a sequel, I’ll rent that one, too. –Jesse Hawlish 50 SaltLakeUnderGround SaltLakeUnderGround 51 Tyler Makmell perfumes of oak. With that, the nose [email protected] leads into a bourbon base with heavy earthy oak notes and some caramel Sometimes it feels like I am begin- roast. The drink has a firm amount ning to drink earlier and earlier in the of bourbon oak and some of the day. It’s not a bad thing—it’s just with roasted chocolate characteristics of this arid wasteland of desert we live the pub’s porter. It finishes with some in and those summer months creep- dry oak on the palate. ing up on me, I have a problem trying to meet the needs of my drinking Overview: I have to hand it to the regimen—equalizing the demands brewers of Utah. Outside of the for light and dark beer in my diet. brewing bubble we have here, many Luckily, local brewers have cured my people would say that our typical woes by creating artistic renditions of 4.0% beers do not have enough the breakfast drink. Here is a divine backbone to support the oak. To lineup of brews to enjoy before that them, I say fuck off—we have brew- bastard sun rises. ers like Chris Haas. This delicious oaked beer is just what I was looking Squatters Beerista for, and with the pub’s signature Brewery: Squatters Pub lighter carbonated beers, the Bour- ABV: 6.3% bon Porter has an old world flavor Serving: 22 oz Bottle that I greatly enjoyed. Description: This limited release Nostalgika Chocolager Brewery: Bohemian Brewery ABV: 4.0% Serving: On Tap Description: Yet another in the wave of popular coffee beers being re- leased by our best local brewers, this version of the Cherny Bock pours a wonderful dark brown with very clear garnet highlights and a nice, persis- tent tan head. The aroma is slightly malty with a hint of cocoa powder, while the flavor is still dominated by Cherny’s trademark sooty roast. The pours deep brown to black in color chocolate was added in the form of with a small off-white head. The raw cacao nibs and their flavor is a aroma comes off as a well-balanced little more subtle than the coffee, but amount of coffee, soft chocolate and present largely in the mouthfeel. The some roast. The flavors open up to coffee’s bitterness blends well and a heavy-sweet coffee backing with picks up where the Cherny leaves off. some chalky chocolate and a vanilla/ The overall effect is one of restraint— coffee finish. this beer won’t hit you over the head with a mocha-colored hammer. Overview: Squatters has a reputa- tion of brewing fantastic espresso Overview: It’s been a great year for and coffee stouts, so it was doubtful Cherny Bock. First it came out in that the release of the Beerista that sexy black and gold can, then a would be any different. With the use special oak-aged release in 22 ounce of Millcreek Roasting Company’s El bottles as Oakey and the Bandit, now Carmen Estate Guatemalan Coffee, this! Head brewer Bobby Jackson this breakfast in a bottle disguised has added chocolate before, but this as a beer is very well balanced and is the first time he’s played around brings out the best qualities in both with coffee. What I liked about this brews. If this was not a seasonal beer was how mellow and drinkable release, I think I could give my bottle it is. Many other coffee or chocolate of Bailey’s a rest and make this my beers come off as overwhelming— new regular breakfast apertif. like having your face dunked in a vat of Swiss Miss or drinking an entire Bourbon Porter Starbucks. This Cherny cousin is Brewery: Desert Edge Brewery actually refreshing. I think it could ABV: 4.0% easily replace iced coffee for the Serving: On Tap discerning morning drinker. –Rio Description: Off the tap, this oaky Connelly goodness comes out a deep brown color with an off-tan head and instant 52 SaltLakeUnderGround SaltLakeUnderGround 53 Arthur anything and everything to undermine energetic and charismatic documentar- pedia, Hanna still has never experienced Warner Bros. Annie’s influence. From explosive diar- ian, Morgan Spurlock. In a stroke of the simplicities of the outside world, In Theaters: 04.08 rhea caused by tainted Brazilian food to meta-genius, audiences are included in but, in order to come out of hiding, she Arthur Bach (Russell Brand) is an being removed from a plane for drunk backroom product placement deals and must confront and assassinate the FBI alcoholic celebrity playboy who has no and disorderly conduct, Wiig (who is also negotiations as Spurlock attempts to se- agent (Cate Blanchett) who allegedly reservations about embarrassing his a co-writer) never offers the audience cure funding for the documentary they’re killed her mother. Ronan captures the reputation with one extravagant drunken a moment to breathe between laughs currently watching. Promises are made innocence of a fish-out-of-water scenario escapade after another. Essentially, he’s as she endures the Murphy’s Law of to donating corporations to include com- perfectly while maintaining the threaten- Paris Hilton with testicles. While his weddings. To make the situation worse mercials and product awareness in the ing persona of a merciless killer. As nanny (Helen Mirren) does her best (and by “worse” I mean better), Annie film, and, sure enough, Spurlock meticu- jaw-dropping as it is to see the teen rain to clean up the chaos, his disorderly must endure Lillian’s three other eclectic lously yet playful inserts his hackneyed strategic death blows upon grown men, behavior pushes his overbearing mother acquaintances that include a bitter guarantees without fail. In pure Spurlock it’s beautiful to witness the gifted actress’ over the edge to where an ultimatum is housewife/mother (Reno 911!’s Wendi tradition, not only does the mastermind facial expressions as she encounters established. If Arthur refuses to marry a McLendon-Covey), a naive Disney attack the manipulation advertising can electricity and music for the first time in cold-blooded businesswoman (Jennifer fanatic (The Office’s Ellie Kemper) and have in Hollywood, but the effect it has her sheltered life. Wright continuously Garner) who will eventually take over the the incredibly hilarious and offensive sis- on society as a whole. It’s fascinating increases the pacing’s intensity with family’s wealth, he’ll be left penniless. ter of the groom (Mike & Molly’s Melissa to witness his trip to São Paulo, Brazil, rapid edits and a booming soundtrack After considering life without an unlimited McCarthy). Along with the wonderfully where a ban on outdoor advertisements offered by The Chemical Brothers supply of Cristal, the blitzed billionaire crude humor, Wiig actually squeezes in has had a positive and artistic effect on that’s as necessary to the film as the reluctantly accepts the proposition until a sympathetic romantic side story with its citizens. While Spurlock does not offer actors themselves. –Jimmy Martin he meets a smiley tour guide (Greta a charismatic cop (Chris O’Dowd) that a resolution to the ongoing deception Gerwig) and instantly falls in love. As the audience can cheer for. Without a that occurs on the silver screen and Rio a remake of the 1981 classic, Brand doubt, Wiig has unleashed the surprise off, one isn’t required. His appealing th comedy of the year that surpasses all message is signed, sealed and delivered 20 Century Fox neglects to achieve the charm and wit In Theaters: 04.15 others thus far. –Jimmy Martin with the humor and direction that only that was so memorable with Dudley For years, Disney’s Pixar dominated the Spurlock can provide. –Jimmy Martin Moore’s Oscar-nominated portrayal, cartoon genre with incredible anima- and, instead, offers a weak performance The Greatest Movie tion surrounded by well-constructed, that exposes the actor’s mediocre skills. Ever Sold Hanna multi-tiered storylines. While no other It turns out Brand’s style of humor is Focus Features studio has matched the excellence of the more acceptable in smaller doses, Sony Pictures Classics In Theaters: 05.20 In Theaters: 04.08 second facet, it’s optically pleasing to as it was in Forgetting Sarah Marshall. observe everyone rapidly playing catch- The actor is incapable of sustaining a up. After being captured in the jungles of lead role. The only endearing moments Brazil, an exotic blue macaw, Blu (Jesse caught on film are the ones between Mir- Eisenberg), luckily finds himself in the ren and Gerwig as they playfully banter, caring hands of Linda (Leslie Mann), trying to expose each other’s secrets. and the two form an unbreakable friend- Other than brief appearances made ship. Rather than morphing into the feral by the Batmobile and the Back to the fowl he was destined to be, Blu has Future DeLorean, which are included in become a domesticated intellectual who Arthur’s car collection, there are no other never grasped the art of flight. As the laugh-inducing moments. In fact, I wish I duo lives carefree lives, an ornithologist could use the latter vehicle to travel back arrives on the scene to persuade them in time to warn my previous self to avoid to join him in Rio de Janeiro in order to seeing this terrible remake and stick with have Blu mate with the last female of his the classic. –Jimmy Martin species, Jewel (Anne Hathaway). After careful consideration, the two arrive in Bridesmaids Brazil just in time for Carnival, but the Universal festivities are set aside when the two un- In Theaters: 05.13 likely lovebirds are snatched by a smug- From the trailers, you would think the gler and his bitter cockatoo (Jemaine producers were pushing audiences Clement). Director Carlos Saldanha to experience a female version of The has secured a pitch-perfect leading When you think of the previous period cast as Eisenberg’s shaky and anxious Hangover, but don’t let this unappetizing The notion of product placement in films piece projects executed by Joe Wright vocal patterns are an ideal match for aspect deter you—the original brilliance is nothing new. Marty McFly repeat- (Pride & Prejudice and Atonement), his neurotic animated persona while of the film is nowhere to be found in edly orders one refreshing Pepsi after you wouldn’t initially think of him as the Hathaway’s confident facade shines these deceiving advertisements. Kristen another, James Bond races through the individual to carry out the suspenseful through as well, but it’s Clement whose Wiig stars as Annie, a down-on-her-luck streets in a sleek Aston Martin and E.T. heart-pounding action adventure that devilish charm and wit rests nicely with single gal who lost her bakery during enjoys a bag of Reese’s Pieces every comes with “Hanna,” but by the time his fearsome feathered friend, especially the recession and has never been able now and then. The act has even been the credits roll, you’ll be certainly glad in musical format. However, the same to be more than a one-night-stand with parodied in Wayne’s World as Wayne that he did. Granted, the plot line isn’t cannot be said with the supporting cast most men. (A smarmy yet hilarious and Garth discuss their promotional mor- original in the slightest. Hanna (Saoirse that includes the mind-numbing shrills Jon Hamm certainly takes advantage als while stuffing their face with Pizza Hut Ronan) is a teenage girl who has been of George Lopez, Will.i.Am and Tracy of this predicament.) When Annie’s and being dressed head to toe in Ree- raised in the frosty Finland wilderness Morgan, who offer nothing but stereo- lifelong friend Lillian (Maya Rudolph) bok gear. It’s an interesting and enter- by her former government agent father, typical catchphrases and clichéd gags. announces her engagement, it’s time to taining subject that sparks never-ending Erik (Eric Bana), since she was a tod- Speaking of unoriginality, the entire plot uphold the duties of the maid of honor, debates on the creative control price tag dler. Taught to perform various lethal is eerily similar to two other recent “save but the task quickly becomes excruciat- that arrives with advertising in cinema, martial art forms, speak several foreign the species by mating” animated ingly unbearable once Lillian’s newest and who better to satirically spotlight languages and memorize the encyclo- friend, Helen (Rose Byrne), does the situation than America’s most 54 SaltLakeUnderGround SaltLakeUnderGround 55 films, (Alpha and Omega and Ice Age: tunes, which doesn’t ever happen with on-her-luck orphan who accidently kills nected to the over-the-top campy antics The Meltdown) the latter of which was your typical made-for-kids tunes. There her younger sister while attempting to Wilson brings to the screen. Both tones directed by none other than Saldanha. is nothing cornball about it. I wouldn’t go thwart her sadistic stepfather’s sexual would work well in separate productions, Here’s to repetitive career choices! – as far as to make any claims about the advances. Rather than being thrown but when paired together, neither can Jimmy Martin educational value of the material, but it is behind bars, the blonde adolescent is be enjoyed fully. The first half of the film definitely entertaining, trippy and pretty checked into a psychiatric hospital that struggles to carry its premise without Rubber fun. Download the episodes at rawxtract. secretly operates as an underground dragging its feet, but all of that changes wordpress.com/category/toddler-toonz. bordello. As the freshest meat on the with the arrival of Page, who brings a Magnet Releasing –­Ben Trentelman market, Baby Doll is instantly loathed much-needed dose of youthful energy In Theaters: 05.06 by her fellow inmates, but when she and deviant behavior. –Jimmy Martin If your initial reaction to director/musician receives a mission that could set them all Quentin Dupieux’s unconventional hor- Scream 4 free, the sassy vixens unite to overthrow ror/comedy that centers on an animated Your Highness Dimension Films the corrupt institution. You would think telepathic car tire that wreaks havoc In Theaters: 04.15 a director would determine whether or Universal in the Californian desert is downright Dear Mr. Craven, In Theaters: 04.08 not he/she is developing a music video puzzlement, don’t feel alone. The French First, let me begin by saying I am a huge or a feature-length production before filmmaker uses every trick in his bag fan of your earlier works. The Last House setting up shop, but it’s abundantly of meta to acknowledge the absurdity on the Left, A Nightmare on Elm Street clear Mr. Snyder neglected to complete that has been placed before the viewer. and even The People Under the Stairs this simple task. With a booming literal From a cast of fictional commentating scared the bejesus out of me as a child, soundtrack (i.e. the introduction of an audience members who gaze upon and I genuinely appreciated your unbe- insane asylum calls for a dreadful Pixies’ the destruction from afar to a speech lievable contribution to horror films. I was “Where is My Mind?” cover) drowning delivered by the a local police officer even a fan of the first Scream film when out the artless dialogue amateurishly (Stephen Spinella) that shatters the you revitalized the entire genre. Talk spewed out by Hollywood’s cutest work- fourth wall regarding the “no reason” about a comeback! There’s no doubt ing actresses, Snyder has decided to aspect of cinema classics (i.e. “Why was that what you have accomplished in your focus on spectacular CGI imagery and E.T. brown? No reason.”), Dupieux is career is nothing short of remarkable, but scantily clad young females rather than well aware of the eccentric technique he I must ask you one question before my securing an entertaining storyline. Of exploits. It’s just a shame his creativity head explodes from sheer outrage: What course, the visual mastermind behind failed to manifest itself on camera as the hell happened to you and your craft? 300 and Watchmen utilizes his signature well as he had hoped. Surrounded by I saw a downturn with Scream 3 and Red combination of rapid/slow-motion action gorgeous cinematography and a vigor- Eye, but after the abortion that was My sequences, which still initially amuses ous soundtrack (scored by the director Soul to Take, it would appear the creative but gorges on the same magic trick so himself), Dupieux successfully generates man I admired has been ruthlessly torn many times that the ruse eventually loses intrigue around a 20-pound mound of apart limb from limb by his own cre- its uniqueness and ultimately becomes rubber as it springs to life and discovers ations. If you’re going to have the original stale and lackluster. Snyder does get its own unusual strengths by killing de- band of actors (Neve Campbell, David creative with the idea that while Brown- fenseless animals, but just as this Grind Arquette and Courteney Cox) reprise As Robert Zemeckis has with motion- ing seduces men with her hypnotic hip House-esque film begins to set off for their once beloved roles for a fourth capture projects and Michael Bay shakes, the simple caper antics are rep- gritty maniacal misadventure, the flow is Scream chapter, make the experience with idiotic over-the-top blockbusters, resented with alternate world sequences immediately interrupted with redundant worthy of the congregation and not just it would appear that director David that involve zombie Nazis, beastly ghouls cutaways to the argumentative fictional an opportunity for everyone to produce Gordon Green has found his filmmak- and an overabundance of explosions, audience members, in which the tone unconvincing chemistry while collecting ing niche in gift-wrapping his movies for but the female cast never seems to fully is reset and must be revived again from an undeserved paycheck. Not even absent-minded teenagers and adults envelop themselves within the dreary scratch. Dupieux’s initial gag is a good your next generation of potential victims who find pleasure in the simplest things. 1950s parallel universe Snyder has cre- one, but his joke, as with any, isn’t as (Emma Roberts, Hayden Panettiere This time around, Green dresses up ated for them. –Jimmy Martin funny when the comedian consistently and Rory Culkin) added any form of his former Pineapple Express cronies winks at the audience in the middle of depth or believability to the mix as they Danny McBride and James Franco in the performance. –Jimmy Martin jabbered lines from a contrived screen- Super full-on LARP gear and sets them forth play. Also, if you’re going to repeatedly IFC Films on a medieval adventure that spoofs Scrambled Eggs Toddler rip off the franchise’s first installment, In Theaters: 04.22 the majority of 1970s and ‘80s fantasy please don’t constantly remind me of The superhero genre has completely films. The black sheep son of a royal Toonz Vol. 1 DVD & CD your derivative actions by having your taken over Hollywood with every char- family, Thadeous (McBride) is presented Ami Hanna actors declare “It’s so meta” time and acter comic books have to offer, but it with the opportunity to redeem his Street: 01.01 time again. Every time I was prompted to hasn’t forgotten to stick its crime fighting dignity when his noble and beloved After growing frustrated with all of the recall former scenarios, I wanted to exit justice in recent smaller-budgeted films brother, Fabious (Franco), requests his crap available for her own tot, Ami the theater and view those better and such as Defendor and Kick-Ass as assistance to rescue his fiancée (Zooey Hanna decided to take matters into her scarier moments at home. By the way, well. Now, writer/director James Gunn Deschanel) after she’s kidnapped by own hands and create Scrambled Eggs. please refrain from mixing cheeseball brings another independent project that an evil sorcerer. Together, the brothers Hanna’s video mash-ups blend her own comedy into your films. It doesn’t work revolves around an ordinary individual venture on a quest that pits them against video montages with vintage cartoon and ruins both genres. It breaks my heart destined to bring balance to the world slithery monsters, naked tribal women reels such as Betty Boop and scenes to write this letter, but I must ask that with vigilante actions. Frank D’Arbo and a ruthless female soldier (Natalie from Georges Melies’ A Trip to the you cease all directing operations until (Rainn Wilson) is a spiritual diner cook Portman) determined to complete her Moon. Naturally, I had to have my own you’ve returned to a productive state of who constantly reminds himself of his own vengeful mission. The typical im- 10-month-old tot, Alice, help me out mind, and then, and only then, may you life’s two greatest feats: marrying his mature male viewer will most likely find with the review. We started with “Bring return to the director’s chair. And if that wife (Liv Tyler) and assisting a police humor in the childish schoolboy antics Back the Boop,” which features upbeat moment never arrives, we’ll always have officer in capturing a criminal. However, offered by McBride and company. When hip hop rhythms by Linus Stubbs that Shocker. Stabs and kisses. Sincerely, after losing his bride to a local drug it’s not drugs or sexual innuendos being had Alice shaking her change machine Jimmy Martin dealer (Kevin Bacon), Frank decides to discussed, Green fills the screen with like a maraca. Other videos such as return order to his soiled town with God’s an ample amount of breasts and shots “The Wondering Stars,” with a beat by B. Sucker Punch permission and a skull-crushing pipe of Portman donning nothing but a thong Franks, had more obscure video mon- wrench under the guise of The Crimson and a smile, which is sure to continue tages, and the music is harmonic and Warner Bros. Bolt. As Frank delivers one unrelenting pleasing those male viewers. While the In Theaters: 03.25 easy going. The majority of the music blow after another to thieves, pedophiles cyclical rotation of stoner and dick jokes Since its inception, director Zack available to sample on the demo site is and people who cut in lines, he attracts does ultimately become redundant, Snyder has described his fantasy-action more on the soothing nighttime area of the attention of a local comic book store the production value has a surprisingly escapade as “Alice In Wonderland with kid’s music. I could see myself throwing clerk (Ellen Page) who weasels her high-quality element when it comes to machine guns,” so it’s a shame to see the DVD on when it is time to start wind- way into becoming his overly excited special effects and set design, giving his enthralling description morph into ing down for the night. My wife and I also sidekick, Boltie. Gunn has a difficult time any onlooker something to appreciate such an ostentatious misfire. Emily found ourselves enjoying some of the balancing the realistic drama that’s con- visually. –Jimmy Martin Browning stars as Baby Doll, a down- 56 SaltLakeUnderGround SaltLakeUnderGround 57 2010 Zine Homeless Youth Resource Center Self-Published Street: 12.29.10 This zine, consisting of the poems, stories, thoughts and words written by the youth who attend the Homeless Youth Resource Center, is far from random. I can’t think of a zine that is more reflective and moving than this. There are a number of homeless youth whom we all see walking the streets of downtown SLC, and it is easy to assume that they are bums trying to work the system or that they are secretly the children of doctors and lawyers living along the east bench. These are all stereotypes that are debunked by the powerful stories interesting addendum to this second that are shared within. Everyone has edition is a brief chapter about the a story to share, and these are stories integration of spirituality into the east that reflect on the past, present, and coast hardcore scene in the mid- future, choices made, and mistakes ‘80s—someone seriously needs to that could have been avoided, expos- write an entire book about that shit. If ing the true nature of youth with no you’re a fan of the angry, destructive place else to go. They are smart and uniquely American form of early kids who need a chance. They have hardcore punk, you need to own this something to say if you will listen. The book. –Ricky Vigil Homeless Youth Resource Center is located at 655 S. State Street in SLC Weedopedia: A Totally with drop-in hours for youth from 9:30 Dank A-Z Reefer Refer- a.m. – 5:00 p.m.. If you need to be ence heard and no one will listen, drop by. Will B. High If you want to know what is really hap- Adams Media pening on your streets, check out this Street: 11.16.10 zine. –Ben Trentelman Have you ever read an encyclopedia? What about one all about weed? In American Hardcore this totally dank reference book you (Second Edition): A Tribal can learn what bloodshot eyes are, History who Randy Moss is and a brief Steven Blush description of his cannibanoid beliefs. Feral House You can also learn new ways of Street: 10.19.10 getting creative with your oral hobby There’s no shortage of praise for by learning about new concepts for the original edition of Steven Blush’s creating bongs and other devices. For American Hardcore (Blush has been instance, have you ever thought about interviewed in the pages of SLUG making a bong out of a coconut? Well twice, and the book was adapted into I don’t live in Hawaii, so I personally a Sundance-accepted film in 2006), hadn’t, but I think it’s awesome. This and this second edition is even better. is pretty much a stoner’s handbook. Recalling the early days of hardcore Anything that could be referenced by (1980-1986), American Hardcore is an avid user was most likely thought much like Legs McNeil’s Please Kill of and put in this book. It’s an A to Z Me, with the story of the music told guide to slang terms, funny ideas and through a series of interviews with key various movie titles that were either figures in the scene. Much like the written by stoners or for them. One of music itself, the interviews in American the best entries in this book was for Hardcore are more base, more ag- the word “legalization.” The author gressive—there’s a reason this is says “Legalization, the holy grail of called A Tribal History—and ultimately the pot-smoking community, is a more interesting than the bohe- concept where buying and smoking mian heroin addicts that populated a joint would be just as benevolent McNeil’s account of early punk rock. as purchasing an ice cream cone or The longest chapters are expectedly a stick of gum.” I agree with you, Mr. (and deservedly) dedicated to Black High, and I would like to spend some Flag and Minor Threat, but every quality time with you one day. Put this single hardcore scene in America is book next to your bong (water pipe) documented within this book, includ- for some laughs while stoney or not. ing a very brief mention of Salt Lake –Hessian! City and Massacre Guys. The most 58 SaltLakeUnderGround SaltLakeUnderGround 59 Deny Your Faith to the excellent instrumentation (“My The Toros Taste of Infection Favorite”). If these critiques sound Reading Is Important Self-Released nit-picky and you are a fan of any of Self-Released Street: 10.26.10 the bands listed in the equation, or Street: 09.17.10 Deny Your Faith = Megadeth + of flannel shirts and neck beards (as The Toros = Dead Milkmen + Tutu Alice In Chains + Pantera is this writer), then by all means, go & The Pirates Unfortunately, the first track from see the Ferocious Oaks. –Ryan Hall It’s rare these days to get a punk Deny Your Faith’s Taste the Infection, band with a genuine political state- “Pierce the Vein,” happens to be the Muscle Hawk ment, let alone one tied to localized worst cut of the release. The rest of Superfuture references, but The Toros have Gold Ghost Records Taste of Infection is populated by given it one hell of a shot. Reading Street: 12.31.10 thrashy riffing, some punchy break- Is Important takes aim at the Utah Muscle Hawk = Justice + Daft downs and more than enough guitar establishment with songs like the Punk + Dirty Vegas soloing. Add some great jam-rocking grinding trucker tune “Gay Agenda,” I like to dance, and Muscle Hawk something that feels like the culmina- moments and it’s all a damn fine the singalong diddy “Molly Mor- clearly like to make my booty tion of a young life’s work. Balancing release. It’s a bit hard to pigeonhole mon,” and the hypocritical anthem shake. Their music is relatively the inherent playfulness of Nintendo- Deny Your Faith into any stylistic “Cheerleading Is Not For Gay Boys straightforward techno in the vein of inspired, chiptune melodies with realm. “Behind the Mask” finds the Anymore.” With mashed up and European greats like Justice or Daft more serious explorations into the band channeling mid-career Mega- sometimes inaudible lyrics, it’s a little Punk: The bass is heavy, the beat Cluster worship of synth groups deth, but a few minutes in, a face- difficult to tell which side they’re rep- throbbing and the samples dramatic ARP and Emeralds, OK Ikumi melting, not so Dave Mustaine- resenting or insulting at times, going and super-polished. With only four infuses even his most lighthearted styled solo comes flying at you. back to the traditional punk rock songs, this EP still feels jam-packed. arrangements with a nameless The band’s ability to change pace statement: If you’re going to offend “The RIP” is straightforward trance sense of ennui and genuine human changes the way the songs strike anyone, it might as well be everyone. while “Downstairs Mixup” uses an emotion. The longing on “A New you, transforming from fist-pumping Musically, Reading Is Important ostinato beat and a faux-guitar wah England” with Karl’s sister Kari Jor- metallic anthems to chill and groovy sounds exactly the way The Toros to change it up a little. “We Are gensen (AKA The Boy Who Could moments. Initially, the vocal style perform live—rough and snarky with Vitamin” has got to be my favorite Fly) is an excellent example of this. feels a bit out of place for Deny Your no fine tuning, aiming to make you though, with its synth melody and (The Loft: 05.18) –Ryan Hall Faith’s metallic style, but then again, smile and piss you off at the same fuzzy breaks. This stuff is so good Mr. Mustaine’s vocals have never re- time. Now if only we could get a lyric and so well produced that it’s indis- Pablo Blaqk ally fit Megadeth, so the initial shaki- Sons & Daughters sheet ... –Spencer Ingham ness of the vocals make the band tinguishable from bigger name acts Self Released definitively unique. Thrash, groove that frequent larger scenes. Sure, Street: 01.27 Virgin Sophia/VCR5 and jam it up with this offering from Salt Lake is small, but I’ve seen this V Pablo Blaqk = Brett Dennen + Deny Your Faith—it’s worth the cost local duo perform a few times and Street: 4.04 Damien Rice + Ray LaMontagne of admission. –Bryer Wharton they kill it every time. They bring Exumbrella Records Born to Cuban parents, Pablo Blaqk their own enormous lightshow and VCR5 = Danger + Dan Deacon picked up the guitar at 18 after his Ferocious Oaks backdrop and make packed clubs Virgin Sophia = Boards of Canada father declined his request for a Polyamory EP get all kinds of sweaty on the dance + Air + Prefuse 73 gun. On his debut album, Sons & Self-Released floor. This type of music is better I couldn’t find much press on either Daughters, he proves he made the Street: 02.26 experienced that way than alone at of these guys, and when I did, others right choice. Co-produced by Utah Ferocious Oaks = Rural Alberta home with headphones, but that were just as baffled as I was. It might favorite Joshua James, each track Advantage + Grand Hallway + doesn’t stop Superfuture from kick- just be that the local scene for these reveals raw emotion and beautifully Shugo Tokumaru ing a lot of ass. –Rio Connelly two electro-beat art-noise makers composed tracks. The two minute Things have never quite been the is so underground it makes them atmospheric title track opens with same after Arcade Fire’s Funeral. OK Ikumi seem more enigmatic then they are. delicate keys and Pablo’s soulful The Montreal collective’s quiet-and- 12/10 Unfortunately, their mystery isn’t Self-Released voice. Rebecca Russel’s voice restrained-to-ramshackle-and-blis- enough to make this a solid release. Street: 01.16 arrives midway on the country-tinged teringly-loud dynamic has imprinted It’s not that either of them suck, it’s OK Ikumi = DNTEL + Hey track “Find Your Way,” making a itself all over this ambitious yet that they are just mediocre enough Willpower + ARP nice compliment as Pablo sings, frustrating EP by Orem’s Ferocious to slip through the cracks. Under the Orem’s Karl Jorgensen has been “You are my light that always guides Oaks. While clearly possessing moniker VCR5, Joe Greathouse perfecting this blend of playful chip- my way through / this black maze the passion and romance of trickle makes noisy, Tron-inspired, dark, tune melodies, elegant Komsiche of flesh and pain.” “Family Tree” down, post-Funeral chamber-folk, techno-heavy, chaos IDM. Stand- synth lines, and glitched-out beat offers a lively pop moment, complete the stylistic confusion from song to out track “Onit” was a weirdly palate for five years now. While with an organ, banjo and mandolin song and production quality belabor melodic mash-up player, and “Mud” relatively new to Jorgensen’s output, combination. Where the album really this promising debut. The vocals are was a nice, lyrical wrap-up to the I can’t help but feel like I have stum- progresses is toward the end during too loud to capture the gorgeous end of the set. Patrick Munger, bled on to something that has taken “Annalee” and “Ballerina”—Pablo’s multi-instrumental folk being played. as Virgin Sophia, takes a mellow, years to make. The concept behind voice grows confident, mature and Sung, at times, with a forced Dylan- Valium-soundscape approach, the digital-only 12/10 was to produce adventurous, creating a blanket of esque slur, the vocals highlight the which makes sense when you look one song per day in the month of comfort. –Miss Modular group’s insecurity of when to let the at his video pairings on his blog, December. While the experiment singer be a driver (“Polyamory”) and but doesn’t really stand on its own. only lasted nine days, the record is when to let him take the back seat –Mary Houdini 60 SaltLakeUnderGround SaltLakeUnderGround 61 The Appleseed Cast parts velvety soft and jagged sharp. reiterates anti-consumerist clichés travel. Based out of Sweden, these Middle States Katie Stelmanis’ vocal acrobat- and imagery we’ve already heard. two bring a hazy, grunge-filled ics trill over the hammer of the bass Though much of the album retains a sound with their debut album, Boo. Graveface catching in the pit of your stomach. banal character, the solid songs (e.g., Thick with dirty guitars and waves of Street: 03.29 Her operatic harmonies, enveloping “Click” and “Wake Up”) still warrant washed-out vocals, it’s impressive The Appleseed Cast = Moving each pulsating track, create a trance a listen to this release. (Kilby: 05.28) knowing that just two people are Mountains + Elliott + of layered palpitation. Whether it’s the –Alexander Ortega behind the array of sounds. Touching Red Animal War perfect dance delirium of “Beat and on moments reminiscent of Mazzy The Pulse” that massages the nerve Cute Lepers Star, vocalist Sarah Snavely brings endings or the running command of Adventure Time serious grit and raw energy to the dense gothic drums in “The Villian,” 1-2-3-4 Go! release. In the standout track, “I am the outcome is a perfect score to Street: 04.05 the Assassin,” dark guitar lines lumber a medieval masquerade, but with Cute Lepers = Buzzcocks + behind challenging lyrics and chillingly a pulse. Enable yourself to get lost Johnny Thunders + The Jam sweet howls. From beautiful textures in the somber instrumental duet of to stripped-down melodies, Dag för the tangible and phonic soul of “The Dag does a solid job projecting their Beast.” The experience is purely fluid. wandering journeys through their When Stelmanis sings, “The morning songs. –Ryan Schoeck I was born again/I was turned into a beast/Am I free now/Am I at peace?” Damion Suomi & The consider the unforeseen fulfillment Minor Prophets when you, too, are finally able to feel it Go, and Sell All of Your Evolving more quickly than many of break. –Liz Lucero Things their peers in the parallel worlds of Hopeless Records late ’90s emo and indie rock, The Citizen Fish Street: 04.12 Appleseed Cast have been creating Goods Damion Suomi & The Minor a unique brand of atmospheric and Alternative Tentacles Prophets = Murder By Death’s energetic post-rock for nearly 15 Street: 03.01 Good Morning, Magpie + The years. Though it features only four Citizen Fish = Subhumans + Builders and the Butchers + tracks, Middle States is a satisfying Choking Victim At first listen, The Cute Lepers are Bonanza encapsulation of many of the things poppy and bouncy, but immediately I can’t help but think about The Build- that The Appleseed Cast does well. beyond that is some brilliant rock n’ ers and the Butchers when I listen to The EP opens with the aggressively roll and a little deeper are decimat- this album, but it isn’t a bad thing in spacey “End Frigate Constellation,” ing levels of vigor. Add thoughtful this case. The album is catchy, folksy, propelled by a driving drum beat and lyrics, and this album could win over and whiskey-drunk to perfection. Lyri- washed over by waves of subtle synth, anyone. Adventure Time is the third cally, this band rules, singing, “We’re tripped-out vocals and the band’s outing by the Cute Lepers, who have here to unlearn/The teachings of the always-excellent guitar work. The next risen out of the shadows of The church and State/We’re here to drink track is the aptly titled “Interlude,” Briefs (previous band of lead vocalist beer, we’re here to kill war” in “A Dog reminiscent of the noisy in-between and guitarist Steve E. Nix and bassist From Hell (And His Good Advice).” bits on the band’s landmark Low Level Stevie Kicks) and reflects everything Good advice, I’d say. They sing Owl double album. The title track is that band accomplished and so much about the Bible a little bit too much the most traditional song of the EP, more. The first track, “Tribute to Char- for my liking—in “Camel,” they plead, but it still showcases the band’s ability lie,” an ode to U.K. Subs’ lead singer “Help me get that camel through the to expertly weave their instruments In comparison to the Deadline split Charlie Harper, has this tremendous eye/’Cause I’m a rich man, I know into and out of one another. Unfor- with Leftöver Crack, Goods is better sound with pumping piano and I’m gonna die,” and reference turning tunately, the EP’s 14-minute closing orchestrated and more fun to listen saxophone blasting along and “Head stones into bread in “Stones.” What’s track “Three Rivers” overstays its wel- to—the guitar and horns sections Over Heels” is a catchy power pop to expect with Minor Prophets in the come and ends the release on a down play off each other concordantly, and tune that’ll be in my head for weeks. band, though? “I Hope You Die Sad note. Still, Middle States showcases the vibe leans more to lighthearted, I love hearing a punk rock band that and Alone” is the funniest waltz I’ve The Appleseed Cast doing what they sarcastic ska punk rather than trade- drags the genre wherever they want ever heard, which sounds more like a do best and should generate some offs with sporadic hardcore bits. to. –James Orme letter from a mother getting impatient excitement for their new album next Given the political nature of Citizen for grandchildren. It’s clever. Every year. –Ricky Vigil Fish, however, the album is only as Dag för Dag song is such a toe-tapping good good as how well vocalist Dick Lucas Boo time, magnified with pretty layers of Austra Ceremony Recordings Feel It Break balances essay-esque social criticism piano, mandolin, banjo, lap steel, with clever song-writing. “Marker Pen” Street: 04.26 heavy drum beats, guitar, and upbeat Domino Records illustrates Lucas’ merit as he tells of Dag för Dag = PJ Harvey + harmonies, fronted by a booming Street: 05.17 a man submitted to a nursing home Arcade Fire - Hope Sandoval voice that catalogues a man’s journey Austra = The Knife + Zola Jesus who writes all over the facility, dem- Taking a name from the direct Swed- through wisdom and metaphor. Step out of the light and into the dark onstrating an ironic wisdom that the ish translation “day by day,” this Kyla G. dreamy land of Austra with their de- – character holds over his oppressors. brother-sister team have developed but album Feel It Break. This Toronto “Discomfort Zone,” on the other hand, as a band through constant, curious trio creates a sound that is equal 62 SaltLakeUnderGround SaltLakeUnderGround 63 Deafheaven and Superchunk pioneers Mac just attempted to digest the black, and occasional voices, this album tension before the next rambunctious Roads to Judah McCaughan and Laura Ballance oily, metallic substance that is Nader makes for a riveting listening experi- rock song or synth-driven dance track. also hail from Chapel Hill). It’s true Sadek’s In the Flesh. Backstory of the ence. Mr. Tennant’s unmistakable Their experimentations aren’t self- Street: 04.26 that there was a lot of bad music in band: Its concepts and players I leave voice is heard fairly early in the score, gratifying nonsense, though. Every Deathwish Inc. the ’90s and it was an era that people that to you, the reader, to seek out. midway through the mesmerizing second of this album is genuinely Deafheaven = Boris + Slowdive + easily want to forget, but I implore The more mysterious this record is, “The Grind,” although truthfully, there enjoyable to listen to, which is rare for Wolves in the Throne Room you, dear reader, give this band a the better, and I have no place in ruin- is nothing that could be construed as bands trying to do something bizarre On paper, the combination of silky shot. It has everything that you want ing any first impressions that listeners single-worthy here. There is drama and loud. –CG British shoegaze with the relentless if you are a pop geek. Super happy may gather. Nothing about In the and pathos in the music and elements clatter of Norwegian black metal guitar hooks, driving power chords Flesh is run-of-the-mill—you’ll remem- of surprise in this ballet for sure, but Shannon and seems awful … a foolish experiment and playful boy/girl vocals that are ber the songs once they blitz-attack what resonates the longest is a buoy- The Clams in grasping at ’90s cultural touch- heartfelt, personal, and kind of a bum- you like a hundred wolves descending ant happiness that continually rises to Sleep Talk stones. Regardless, this San-Fran mer will invoke sing-alongs for days. on an unsuspecting flock of sheep. the top. Which for a mostly classical 1-2-3-4 Go! power trio hacks it with spectacular I highly recommend “Fight/Flight” for This album is like a drug. Memories of piece, may be the most incredible Street: 04.05 results (and nary a hint of irony). heart hidden underneath the spiky ably absent and has been replaced The Golden Dogs = Rilo Kiley + the next time you want to drive around its bestial gnawings will linger, but it’s thing of all. –Dean O Hillis Shannon and The Clams = The Blanketed in chiming guitars and an guitars. The climax of the album is with lo-fi vocals, synths that barely The New Pornographers with the top down and pretend you truly like the need for a smoker to huff Fresh & Onlys + Hunx and his understated swirling lushness, open- the outstanding closer “Protection shimmer over the surface and an Canadian rockers The Golden Dogs are in an episode of Gossip Girl. – in their tobacco flavor of choice, or a Psychedelic Horseshit Punx ing track “Violet” lulls the listener into Clause,” which is not coincidentally, ethereal sound created by loads of are back after a while in hibernation, Mary Houdini heroin addict’s obsession with how Laced a long, tranquil stupor before rousing also the most personal. –Nate Housley feedback. “Forget that You’re Young,” and have changed direction on their to get the next fix. The uncanny ability FatCat Records them awake with a bursting bombast and “Let Me On Out” are some of the third full-length album. Coat of Arms The Kills of this album is its way to build up Street: 05.10 of rasping, black metal-fury. The al- Mock Orange only tracks that resemble the group’s revives ’70s rock in a very modern Blood Pressures Disguised As Ghosts a stronghold in your brain stem, but Psychedelic Horseshit = Black bum sustains this pattern seamlessly and indie way. The album is full of Domino Records Lips + M.I.A + Desertion on a earlier work. Although the album takes Wednesday Records still require regular auditory experi- throughout its four dizzying tracks, contagious beats, seductive synths Street: 04.05 desert island a huge leap in a different sonic direc- Street: 04.12 ences to man the stronghold. The dancing back and forth between and surprise—Jessica Grassia can The Kills = The Dead Weather Matt Whitehurst, aka Matt Horseshit of tion, it maintains a feeling of enchant- Mock Orange = MGMT + Arcade truly scary thing about Nader Sadek breathy Slowdive-esque wonder and sing. In fact, some of the album’s + Eagles of Death Metal + Psychedelic Horseshit calls his style of ment and wonder. Raven in the Grave Fire + Paul Simon’s Surprise is that the album is just its starting cacophonic explosions à la Burzum, more “golden” moments are when Spinnerette + The Black Keys music, “Shitgaze.” If the artist himself isn’t as catchy as earlier work—it will Anyone who is a fan of the modern point—promised visual treats to the varying in tempo but never losing its Grassia takes the lead. In “Under- Blood Pressures finds Alison calls it as such, who am I to say it’s take quite a few careful listens to fully psych-pop indie rock movement has sonic deviousness in form of recorded permeating ethereality. It’s an arduous water Goldmine,” the combination Mosshart and Jamie Hince pushing not. Hell, he proved it to me, just lis- devour these songs, but ultimately, it’s probably been awaiting the newest and live creations have only begun to aural journey, one that may discour- of her soft voice, Rhodes piano and their signature bare bones sound in ten! “Shitgaze” is a play on the genre worth it. The Raveonettes may have release from the Evansville, Indiana be unleashed. –Bryer Wharton age impatient listeners, but those who omnichord lends it a very ethereal a fuller and more dynamic direction. of shoegaze, with the latter being lush ditched some of their pop hooks, but band Mock Orange. You won’t be embrace its exhaustiveness will find it quality. Grassia’s vocal stylings in The guitars remain gritty and raw on and sonic guitar-driven ambient rock the result is beautiful songs that feel disappointed. It can’t be said that Dis- Pet Shop Boys quite rewarding. Bewildering, primal “As Long As You Like,” and “Cheap the majority of tracks and the drum music. “Shitgaze,” as it’s presented dreamier and more like lullabies than Sincere and straight out of the ’60s, guised as Ghosts is a departure from The Most Incredible and obstinately beautiful, this risky Umbrellas” are evocative of an earlier machine that backs the two-piece here on the Laced L.P., is lo-fi jungle anything that they’ve done before. – Sleep Talk is something to behold. It their former material, but who needs Thing sonic experiment pays off. –Dylan Jenny Lewis. However, the songs band continues to drive it forward, but Astralwerks psych noise pop. Laced is replete Jeanette D. Moses sounds like the Fresh & Onlys’ less it to be? They had perfected the kind Chadwick where Dave Azzolini sings are just as Moshart’s voice feels more forceful Street: 03.22 with melodies accompanied by sonic aggressive songs (think “August in my of dance pop that made bands like good. “Dear Francis” has a catchy than on earlier albums—possibly a The Most Incredible Thing = Pet freakouts and audio hallucinations. Screens Mind”), with a bit of doo-wop mixed Gang Gang Dance MGMT famous well before MGMT was Dead House melody and “Old Hat” has a roaring result of her time with Jack White Shop Boys + Tchaikovsky + disco The album is a cloudy, inversion-like in. Half of the album sounds like a Eye Contact around, only Mock Orange specializes What Delicate Recordings dinosaur of a guitar. From start to fin- and The Dead Weather. “Future Starts confusion, though it’s not entirely Del Shannon B-side, which hopefully 4AD in fusing their songs with traditional Street: 05.17 ish, the album is unexpectedly fresh, Slow” opens the album with a solid unpleasant. In the book The Electric excites you. The highlight of the album Street: 05.09 folk underpinnings. “Going Away” Screens = Local Natives + Harlem upbeat, energetic and bursting with drumbeat before Mosshart’s vocals Kool-Aid Acid Test, an LSD chemist for most Utahns will hopefully be “The Gang Gang Dance = Zola Jesus + almost sounds like a John Denver Shakes + early Modest Mouse + sunshine. “Coat of Arms” is a perfect cut in and begin crooning, “You can takes too large of a dose and finds Cult Song,” which seems to be an WIN WIN + Fever Ray song that you can show your friends Menomena listen for any spring adventure—now holler, you can wail, you can swing, himself shifting through time and ulti- anti-Mormon anthem (name-dropping After 2008’s surprisingly successful without being embarrassed. On “Si- all they need is a new band name. – you can flail.” It’s a great introduc- mately having to rebuild the universe Moroni and Nephi). These upbeat- Saint Dymphna, the NYC collective are lent Motion,” they not only make 7/4 Julianna Clay tion to the undeniable catchiness of with his mind. Laced would be a fitting sounding downtrodden love songs back with an absolute masterpiece time feel natural and comfortable, but everything that is to come on Blood soundtrack for the early stages of are really enjoyable—it should be a which condenses and amplifies much also pull off using mandolin and banjo I Was Totally Pressures. Although the album such an endeavor. “Tropical Vision,” perfect summer album as our bipolar of the accessibility of their last album. as staple instruments in a rock song. Destroying It sounds dramatically different from with its sun-scorched guitar melody, spring is on its way out. (Urban: 05.08) GGD’s jump to 4AD seems like an This album is essential. –CG Preludes The Kills’ early work, the fuller sound is like the rantings of a madman on a –Cody Hudson appropriate move. Lizzie Bougat- Greyday Records is a welcome change and seems like deserted island listening to the tribal sos’s breathy vocals would have fit Nader Sadek Street: 04.12 a natural progression for Mosshart drums coming his way, considering Sims nicely with 4AD’s roster of dream pop In the Flesh I Was Totally Destroying It = and Hince. Blood Pressures perfectly his impending doom. “Another Side,” Bad Time Zoo chartreuses. While ephemeral and Season of Mist Superchunk + combines nasty grit, sultry sex bomb I have to confess that I don’t have a neo-folk track with a nice harmony, Doomtree auxiliary in the past, Bougatsos’ direct Street: 05.17 Rosebuds + Tsunami style and raw emotional intensity in a much knowledge of classical music— was the most musical track on the Street: 02.15 vocal stylings on Eye Contact is one of Nader Sadek = Morbid Angel + tight little package. Buy this one on This doesn’t mean I don’t like what I LP. Laced is what drum circles sound Sims = Sage Francis + P.O.S. + the album’s most prominent vehicles. Nile + Mayhem vinyl. –Jeanette D. Moses hear—it is just not my cup of tea. If like on Mars. I would advise listening Atmosphere The other element driving these Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe only to it when you’re not actually tripping Producers are doing some very inter- compositions are GGD’s world music- Memory Map made dance and pop music that but just need to make your day a little esting things in hip-hop these days, inspired, polyrhythmic percussion, It’s hard to make general statements Holiday Band was lacking in classical elements, I more interesting. –Tom Bennett and Doomtree’s Lazerbeak is on the ’80s synths, warped electronics and about Screens. They have a different Joyful Noise would have been more apprehensive cutting edge. On his solo release last Josh Diamond’s heavily processed sound from song to song, but one Recordings about this release, which is their The Raveonettes year, Legend Recognize Legend, he guitar playing. As expected, the low thing they have in common is that Street: 05.10 original score for a contemporary Raven in the Grave showed a knack for huge, dramatic end is massive, taking cues from they’re all pretty strange. Musically, Holiday Band = Q and Not U + ballet based on a Hans Christian Vice Records beats. I mention this first because eccentric experimental dub, post-rave they often resemble modern indie- Animal Collective Andersen fairytale. My apprehen- Street: 04.05 every first-rate MC needs a founda- techno and UK grime. Eye Contact is rock bands like Local Natives and Memory Map take a strong cue from sion was unfounded, thankfully, since The Raveonettes = Panda Bear tion of incredible production to work easily one of the most anticipated and Menomena, only instead of singing math rock, but from the tempo chang- this is essentially still a Pet Shop + Siouxsie & The Banshees + A over and Lazerbeak did every single rewarding albums of the year. Gang over the material, vocalist Breck es and pointillist guitar work emerge Boys release, and it is by turns (or Place to Bury Strangers + The beat for Sims’ new record, Bad Time Gang has simply never sounded bet- Brunson usually chooses to scream melodic anthems worthy of their should that be pirouettes?) interest- Jesus and Mary Chain Zoo. As a result, the feel and rhythm ter. –Ryan Hall and holler through a lot of reverb and earnest vocal treatments. The songs, ing, thought-provoking and above From opening track “Recharge & of this record is complex, with choral sometimes fuzzy distortion. When his Wow! This band, hailing from Chapel often not much longer than 2:30, zip all, enjoyably listenable. By mixing Revolt,” it’s clear that Raven in the vocal samples on “Future Shock” The Golden Dogs Pulse: my heart is still beating. Breath: performance is melodic, it resembles Hill, embodies all the nostalgia that by in a flash of guitar pyrotechnics. classical elements (quite beautifully Grave is remarkably different than and a dominant saxophone melody Coat of Arms air still incoming my lungs. Muscles: Geoff Rickly of Thursday a little bit. I feel when I think about the old ’90s Memory Map will appeal to a broader rendered with orchestrations by Sven the music that came before it. The on “Burn It Down.” There’s also an Nevado Records I can at least move my big toe. Hell, I Portions of the album are spent in Merge roster (which makes sense, audience than just the Dismember- Helbig and conducted by Dominic sunny, radiating surf sound found on influence of world music with diverse Street: 04.26 think I may have just had a seizure—I arrhythmic noise sessions that build considering that Merge founders ment Plan fans, and that’s due to the Wheeler) with striking electronic ones earlier Raveonettes albums is notice- instrumentation on many songs—pan 64 SaltLakeUnderGround SaltLakeUnderGround 65 pipes, xylophones, cowbell and The listener is able to get wrapped up it sounds like every Congorock track rise like toxic gas to bone-crunching trumpet all mixed with tight snare and in the damp, whiskey-soaked chaos I’ve ever heard. However, there are drums and guitar stutters. Richard crisp, thumping bass. Sims himself or “Fathomless Deep” a track that some standout tracks, notably those Thomson’s voice is a demonic rip in is flawless—lip-blisteringly quick creates a dynamic instrumental trip, by TOKiMONSTA (from Flying their sound, reminiscent of Heaven flows with his characteristic scratchy which embodies a promising glimpse Lotus’ Brainfeeder label), who is Shall Burn, a surprisingly effective staccato delivery make the rich sonic into what could be a favorable direc- making big waves right now, as well counter to the sludgy strings. Xerath landscapes just that—a background. tion for the band, an awesome silence as Them Jeans’ track, which is a never lets the symphonic overwhelm “Too Much” and “Good Times” and of Wagner’s voice. However close sweet and original blend of house the metal: “Numbered Among the the relatively quiet (yet somehow they come to sounding like an actual with some dub elements, and Felix Dead” is an excellent showcase of vast) “When It Rolls In” are particular band, instead of Wanger’s failed Cartal’s track, which gives an excel- their ability to balance, creating fierce favorites. Our world feels increas- endeavor of mimicking Nick Cave, lent example of his remarkably original atmosphere where lesser musicians ingly like one giant food chain in an we should all raise a glass and drink brand of progressive electro-house. might only find chaos. Ultimately, urban savannah and Sims’ lyrics are (because you are gonna need it) to It’s a fascinating album, and worth however, the album is lacking in like war chants to blast through your The Tunnel. –Liz Lucero picking up for the good parts. memorable moments. When all was headphones as you go out and face –Jessie Wood said and done, ravaged though my it. Another great release from the Vampillia ears were, nothing stuck in my head Doomtree collective. (Kilby/Urban: Alchemic Heart Wormrot for long. –Megan Kennedy 05.12) –Rio Connelly Important Dirge Street: 03.01 Earache Young Widows tUnE-YarDs Vampillia = Swans + Philip Glass Street: 05.03 In and Out of Youth and w h o k i l l x This Mortal Coil Wormrot = Brutal Truth + Insect Lightness 4AD Comprising only two tracks but Warfare + Napalm Death Temporary Residence Street: 04.19 running 50 minutes, this album by a The latest release from Singapore’s Street: 04.12 tUne-YarDs = S.L.F.M + Sister Suvi little-known orchestra from Osaka, Wormrot should include a universal Young Widows = Swans + Liars + Merrill Garbus, aka tUne-YarDs, has Japan, along with members of The sticker that you can place over the Coliseum had an exhausting touring schedule Boredoms, is not for the ADHD play button on your audio-playing de- over the last few years, opening for generation. “Sea” features the leg- vice that simply says “pwn’d.” That’s Sunset Rubdown, Dirty Projec- endary songstress Jarboe (Swans) damn well what Dirge is going to do to tors, Thao Nguyen and Xiu Xiu breathily intoning over a slow-building you—not only when you’ve given it a just in the last couple years (all of swell of orchestral layers mixed by full spin but within the first five minutes whom came to Salt Lake). One of Merzbow that pick up around 11:25, of listening to the new offering. Dirge the biggest complaints you will hear as both orchestra and singer launch is anything but a dirge—once you about her (not from me) is that her into a beautiful lyrical maelstrom. The click “pwn’d,” you’re in for a hell of a first album was too lo-fi to really ocean may be a metaphor for sex, ride of pure ultra-violent grindcore— showcase the incredible voice you will but this is both stormier and prettier no frills—no fucking around—eyeballs hear at her live show. This album will than it is sexy. “Land” is crafted from blowing out of their sockets and leave nobody complaining. All of the the same source material as “Sea,” bleeding ears ferocity in speed-shred- shortfalls of the first album (most of but it is quite different: a digital noize ding-drum kit annihilation (who needs which was recorded with a handheld reinterpretation, with the same layers a bassist) bliss. If you were one of the voice recorder) have been overcome creating a beautiful cacophony of lucky few to catch Wormrot play at Largely abandoning the Jesus and all of the new songs (which you the previous track’s lyricism. I once Raunch Records in March, Dirge puts Lizard-influenced weirdo swagger may have seen performed, if you have heard an apocryphal story about a into perspective the very aspect of the found on 2008’s Old Wounds, Young seen her in the last year) are catchier Japanese musician attending a West- live quality of the band, which is what Widows have become slower, darker, and more well written. The single ern orchestral performance. After the they sound like on record. Well, ex- creepier and noisier on their latest “Bizness” has had a ton of Internet discordant tune-up, he clapped wildly, cept for the fact that live, the drummer effort. Created in the wake of vocalist/ buzz, but my personal favorite has to to the dismay of the Westerners, who has to stop and catch his breath every guitarist Evan Patterson’s divorce, In be “Powa”—with its incredibly simple didn’t consider the preliminary noise few minutes. Keep in mind that the and Out of Youth and Lightness is cold song structure, it will be stuck in your to be music. Land is that tune-up, set drumming is one of Wormrot’s best and distant, maintaining a detached head for days. –Cody Hudson to shine against black velvet earth. – qualities, showing it’s not just all about ambiance throughout the album’s 48 Madelyn Boudreaux grindcore blasting, but executing that minutes. Patterson’s guitar and bass- The Tunnel percussion to near-perfection. Dirge ist Nick Thieneman provide a con- Fathoms Deep Various Artists just may be the best grindcore record stant buzz rather than the jerky riffs of Glorious Alchemical Mortal Kombat: Songs you hear all year. –Bryer Wharton previous albums, as each instrument Street: 04.05 Inspired by the Warriors seems to creep above Jeremy The Tunnel = Swans + Watertower Music Xerath McMonigle’s constant drumming to Nick Cave Street: 04.05 II provide only fleeting licks before being Gritty rockers The Tunnel are back Mortal Kombat = Cold Blank + Candlelight Records devoured once again by the noise. for another round with their second Wolfgang Gartner + Doctor P Street: 05.03 Repeat listens reveal that these songs album, Fathoms Deep. Much like their Produced by JFK from MSTRKRFT Xerath = Meshuggah + film score are actually incredibly well crafted and debut album, Carver Brothers Lullaby, and Death From Above 1979, this + Dimmu Borgir do indeed include catchy moments they keep it simple with dirty guitars album is comprised of 12 original The aptly titled second release (most apparent on “Young Rivers,” and a predictable crack of the bass songs based on characters’ themes from symphonic death metal band “Lean on the Ghost” and “In and Out drum. Because making personal re- from Mortal Kombat. The striking thing Xerath hits like a sledgehammer to of Youth”), but this is still a dark album flections of every horrible mistake into about this compilation is the diversity the knuckles, fearlessly combining that can be an instant bummer—in a dark, sludgy drinking jam is some- of the producers who signed on, but elements from progressive, thrash a good way (at least you’re feeling thing close to talent, The Tunnel could the album is fairly hit or miss. The and even cinematic scores into a something, right?). It may take old have the capacity to be your new biggest miss is Skrillex’s track, which brutal, soaring trip, albeit not in a fans a while to appreciate In and Out favorite bar band. Especially with Jeff sounds just like every other horrible powerful enough way to really stick in of Youth and Lightness, but it is well Wagner’s awkward croaks disguised song he’s ever produced. This guy your mind. The album’s mixing lends worth the patience. (Burt’s: 06.03) as vocals, which create a sound that has one gimmick—he glitches the weight to this unique collective, letting –Ricky Vigil can only be good a few drinks in. In fuck out of every womp—and he beat the vocals accompany rather than track “The Best Catcher,” Wagner’s it to death a while ago. Congorock’s lead. Opening track “Unite to Defy” Check Out More Reviews: vocal mockery is reserved enough. track has the same problem, in that sets the stage with symphonics that SLUGMAG.com 66 SaltLakeUnderGround SaltLakeUnderGround 67 SEND US YOUR DATES BY THE 25TH OF THE PREVIOUS MONTH: Rejoin the Team, DJ Chase One2 & DJ The Genetic Opera – Tower Sandapile – Kilby Godina – Garage Theatre [email protected] Film: My Perestroika – Sabrina and the Funky Old 97’s, Sarah Jaffe – Urban SLC Film Center Gentlemen – Canyon Inn Avenues String Duo – Freedom Writers Kevyn Dern – Hog Vertical Diner Workshop – Salt Lake Wallow Morning Teleportation – Writing Center Just Three Words, Mess Woodshed Captured By Robots, of Me, Bobby and the Tracing Yesterday – Why Sound Friday, May 6 Film: Fruit Fly – SLC Film Center Vivian Girls, No Joy – Kilby Techrise Dance Party – Giraffula – Urban Tiger ­– Kilby Happy Birthday, DJ Vol – Garage May Arts Night ‘Our Generation’ Lucid 8, Rhubarb, Someone’s Murray Theater Radio Moscow, Spell Maggie Zukowski! Patwa – Canyon Inn – Urban Mom – Liquid Joe’s Oneirology Tour: Cunninlinguists, Wednesday, May 18 Talk, Max Pain & The Fue and Taiko: The Sound of Happy Birthday, Mike Brown! Yelle, French Horn Rebellion, Homeboy Sandman, Tonedeff – DJ Chase One2 & DJ Groovies – Urban Sunday, May 29 Japan – Downtown Library Muscle Hawk – Urban Urban Godina – Garage Pernicious Wishes – Why Fire in the Skies, Parley – Tanglewood – Hog Wallow Tuesday, May 10 Patsy Ohio – Vertical Diner Good Question – Sound Basement Joan of Arc, Air Waves, The Carnifex Tour. DJ A-Track, Within Thursday, May 12 Artie Hemphill, Iron Horse Band – Canyon Inn Adele – Depot Lionelle – Kilby The Ruins ­– Complex The Janks, The Shivers, Fictionist Westerner Bayside, Silverstein, Thursday, May 26 Desert Rocks Music Festival – Herban Empire, Slowride, Mixed Staks O’Lee – Garage – Depot Racecar Racecar, Paul Polar Bear Club, The Neon Indian w/Asobi Seksu Joy & eric – Hog Wallow Moab Ape – Liquid Joe’s Raekwon-Shaolin vs. Wu-Tang SKPz – Hog Wallow Christiansen, Me3 – Why Sound Swellers, Texas In July – Nathan Spenser & The Samba Fogo – Urban Utah Arts Alliance Gallery Exhibit Tour – Hotel Elevate The Dope MCs, The Metal Gods Fox Van Cleef, Hip White People Complex @ Urban Lounge on June 2 Low Keys, Jared Mees Where’s A.N.N.A. – Kilby & The Grown Children Monday, May 30 – SLC Main Street Houses, Greybear, Bicycle – Liquid Joe’s – Woodshed Saturday, May 21 Living Traditions Festival – Salt – Kilby Arctic Monkeys ­– In The Venue Trevor Green – Spur Connect: Artist Networking Night– Beach Party w/ Phat Daddy ­– Lake City & County Building The Dope MCs, The Metal Gods Mayer Hawthorne – Urban The Black Angels, Sleepy Sun – UAA Canyon Inn William Fitzsimmons, Slow – Liquid Joe’s Urban SCDG Burlesque Themed Prom Runner – Urban Desert Rocks Music Festival – Tuesday, May 31 Eric McKenna Spreng – Vertical Saturday, May 14 – Complex Tedeschi Trucks Band – Moab Staks O’Lee – Garage Diner Rounds – Bar Deluxe Roller Derby: Fabulous Sin City Kingsbury Hall Sodacon, Nobody Knows, Wistful Autism Hope Foundation Benefit Third Strike, Adrenaline – Opal Hills Drive, J Law, War Roller Girls, Train Wrecks, Railway Vista ­– Urban – Kilby Why Sound Horse – Canyon Inn Banditas, After Shocks– Davis Photo: Elli Radar Thursday, May 19 Hub City Stompers – Piper Down Sir Smooth/Still Born B.Day Conference Center DJ Anthony Motto – Canyon Inn Friday, May 27 Film: Into Eternity – SLC Film Saturday, May 7 Bash: The Fabulous Miss Wendy, Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Curren$y, Trademark, Young DJ Vol – Garage Center Voodoo Glow Skulls – Burt’s American Hitman – Club Vegas Experience – Depot Roddy, Fiend, Corner Boy P – In Channel Z – Canyon Inn Music From The Film Winters Long Distance Operator, King Wolfgang Gartner, Felix Cartal – Matt Hooper, The Trappers – The Venue Roger Clyne, The Peacemakers Bone: Maradith Sisco, Dennis Nico, Bloop – Canyon Inn Complex Garage – Complex Crider, Bo Brown, Van Colbert, Motogratr, Alias Code, Blessed Long Distance Operator, Dirty Marinade – Hog Wallow Benefit for Otis Nebula Literary 2 ½ White Guys – Hog Wallow Tedi May, Linda Stoffel – Urban Of Sin, Scarred For Six, Black Blonde – Garage Stonefed – Johnny’s Syndicate: JPO, Circus, Dancers, Sam Sorenson – Kilby Damp Diery – Club Vegas The Legendary Porch Pounders – Urban Arts Festival – Pierpont Ave Ukeleles – Kilby Desert Rocks Music Festival – Wednesday, June 1 Wasatch Rolller Derby vs Sin City Hog Wallow Spazmatics! – Liquid Joe’s The Dope MCs, The Metal Gods Moab The Airborne Toxic Event – – Derby Depot Sleepwalkers, Super 78, Plastic Kids at the Bar – Urban – Liquid Joe’s Tower Midnight Films: Repo!, The In The Venue Graduation Party w/ DJ Curtis Furs – Kilby Adam Dorius – Vertical Diner The Royal Family Ball, Soulive, Genetic Opera – Tower Theatre David Bazan, Cotton Jones – Strange – Garage The Spazmatics! – Liquid Joe’s Rishka – Woodshed Lettuce – State Room The Devil Whale (CD Release), Kilby Backwash – Hog Wallow Ghostowne – Spur Urban Arts Festival – Pierpont Big Blue Ox – Johnny’s SLUG Localized: The Hungups, Marinade, Pour Horse, Holy The Future of the Ghost, David Travel Writing Workshop – SLCC Water Buffalo – Urban Williams – Urban Community Writing Center YARDgasm – 338 E 700 S Desolate, Problem Daughter- Sunday, May 22 Big Mirror ­– Vertical Diner KRCL Night Out– Keys On Main Jessica Lea Mayfield, Nathaniel Urban Guitar Wolf , Cheap Time, Dessa w/Sims and Lazerbeak Friday, May 20 Ratliff – Kilby Fighting for the Cause: Birthquake – Urban DJ Vol – Garage Saturday, May 28 Thursday, June 2 The Spazmatics! – Liquid Joe’s @ Urban Lounge & Kilby on May 12 Fucktards, Blackhole, Dean Dawn MT vs Sin City – Derby Depot Creative Journaling Workshop – and DJ Numb Nutz, Levi Film Reels – Blonde Grizzly Tough Tittie, Victims Willing, Celldweller – Complex Beach Party w/ Phat Daddy – Thunderfist – Burts Noah and the Whale – Salt Lake Writing Center Voice – Kilby Sims & Dessa, Dopethough – Kris Zeman – Vertical Diner Monday, May 23 Canyon Inn Funk Fu –Canyon Inn In The Venue Colin Robison Trio – Spur Film: Freedom Riders – Kilby Deadbeat, Dut Dut, Nick Jamies Elsewhere –Kilby Christopher Lawrence – Complex Plastic Furs, Pretty Worms, Neon Indian, Asobi Seksu – Dubwise – Urban SLC Film Center Sims & Dessa, Mindstate, Scenic Crossley, Jarom Bischoff – Why Orgone – State Room Bike Bonanza! – Gallivan Center Riffamos – Garage Urban Sarah Olsen, Jake Ballentine – Joe Purdy, Milk Carton Kids – Byway – Urban Sound Living Traditions Festival – Salt Stonefed – Hog Wallow Los Hellcaminos, Ray Rosales – Why Sound State Room Wafer, Shaky Trade – Woodshed Lake City & County Building Dizzy Desoto, Merit Badge, Yacht, Light Asylum, Jeffrey Friday, May 13 This Is Samoan Art Gallery Show Hog Wallow Friday, June 3 – House Gallery Drop Top Lincoln – Johnny’s Black Sabbath Experience, The Max Pain and the Groovies – Jerusalem –Urban DJ Vol – Garage Sunday, May 15 Tuesday, May 24 Future of the Ghost – Kilby Citizen Fish, The Apathy Cycle Velvetones, The Krypled – Burt’s Woodshed Happy Birthday, Mike Murdock, Colt Bowden Art Jimmy Eat World – In The Venue Staks O’Lee – Garage Man Man, Shilpa Ray – In The – Kilby Iron & Wine – In The Venue Kent Farrington! Show – Brick and Mortar Crystal Stilts, Plastic Furs – Urban This Will Destroy You, Pure X, Venue The Spazmatics! – Liquid Joe’s Oddmality – Why Sound Sunday, May 8 Happy Birthday, Opal Hills Drive, J Law, War Sleepover – Kilby Suicycles – Piper Down Burst Your Own Bubble Music Grand Marshal Reception – Joe Pug, Strand of Oaks, Rebecca Vernon! Horse – Canyon Inn Monday, May 16 Film: The Tillman Story – SLC Film Swagger – Spur Fest – Mayhem Music Washington Square Mihaly – Kilby Kiliona, The Voodoo Darlings, Green River Blues, Merit Badges Center Open Studio Event – Spiro Arts Desert Rocks Music Festival – Pick up the new SLUG— Hunx & His Punx, Shannon and Wednesday, May 11 Transfusion Hype, Emmerson – Kilby Dwellers, Rye Wolves, IX Zealot Pato Banton – State Room Moab Anyplace Cool! the Clams, Dances With Wolves DJ Chase One2 & DJ Godina – Kennedy, Mayson Lee, The Roll Fresh Brew Tour: Devin The – Urban The Greenhornes, Jeff the Tower Midnight Films: Repo! – Urban Garage Space Studs – Complex Dude, Coughee Brothaz – Urban The Trappers, Folka Dots – Brotherhood – Urban The Daylights – Avalon Know Your Roots – Hog Wallow Woodshed Yours Truly – Vertical Diner Monday, May 9 Holy Grail, Cauldron, Killbot, Ron Pope, Ari Herstand, Zack Tuesday, May 17 Megan Slankard – Bar Deluxe Leon Russell – Depot Visigoth – Club Vegas Berkman – Kilby Brooke Fraser – In The Venue Nescience – Why Sound Download SLUG Mag’s FREE May Exhibition– Copper Palate Press Of Montreal, Painted Palms – Sun Cloud – Canyon Inn Hour 13, Split Lid, Downfall – Staks O’Lee – Garage Wednesday, May 25 iPhone app on slugmag.com! In The Venue Gyptian & Etana – Hotel Elevate Liquid Joe’s Society Mis-call, Dark Seas, 68 SaltLakeUnderGround SaltLakeUnderGround 69 70 SaltLakeUnderGround SaltLakeUnderGround 71 72 SaltLakeUnderGround