Slamdance Team Prospect Baby Ghosts

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slugmag.com 1 2 SaltLakeUnderGround slugmag.com 3 SaltLakeUnderGround • Vol. 23 • Issue #289 • Jan. 2013 • slugmag.com Publisher: Eighteen Percent Gray Karamea Puriri Editor: Angela H. Brown Marketing Team: Ischa B., Stephanie Managing Editor: Esther Meroño Buschardt, Emily Burkhart, Sabrina Costello, Contributing Editor: Ricky Vigil Taylor Hunsaker, Kristina Sandi, Brooklyn Junior Editor: Alexander Ortega Ottens, Angella Lucisano, Nicole Roccanova, Office Coordinator:Gavin Sheehan Briana Buendia, Raffi Shahinian, Victoria Copy Editing Team: Rebecca Vernon, Loveless, Zac Freeman, Cassie Anderson Ricky Vigil, Esther Meroño, Liz Phillips, Rio Social Media Coordinator: Catie Weimer Connelly, Alexander Ortega, Mary Enge, Cody Kirkland, Johnathan Ford, Eleanor Distribution Manager: Eric Granato Scholz, Alex Cragun, Rachel Miller, Katie Distro: Eric Granato, Tommy Dolph, Tony Bald Bassett, Joe Jewkes, Nancy Burkhart, Joyce Bennett, Adam Okeefe, Ryan Worwood, Cover Photo: Shaul Schwarz John Ford, Cody Kirkland, Nate Brooks, Matt Cover Design: Joshua Joye Pothier, Phil Cannon Lead Designer: Joshua Joye Design Team: Eric Sapp, Eleanor Scholz Senior Staff Writers: Mike Brown, Mariah Design Intern: Jeremy Riley Mann-Mellus, James Orme, Lance Saunders, Ad Designers: Kent Farrington, Sumerset Bryer Wharton, Peter Fryer, James Bennett, Bivens, Christian Broadbent, Kelli Tompkins, Ricky Vigil, Gavin Hoffman, Jon Robertson, Maggie Call, Eric Sapp, Brad Barker, Lindsey Esther Meroño, Rebecca Vernon, Jimmy Morris, Paden Bischoff, Maggie Zukowski, Martin, Ben Trentelman, Princess Kennedy, Thy Doan Sean Zimmerman-Wall, Cody Hudson, Shawn Website Design: Kate Colgan Mayer, Rio Connelly, Courtney Blair, Dean O. Office Interns: Carl Acheson, Alex Cragun Hillis, Jessie Wood, Chris Proctor, Alexander Illustrators: Ryan Perkins, Phil Cannon, Ortega, Jeanette D. Moses, Madelyn Bou- Benji Pierson, Maggie Zukowski, Sean dreaux, Gavin Sheehan Hennefer, Robin Banks, Timm Paxton, Dylan Monkeys with Computers: Brian Kubary- Chadwick, Eleanor Scholz, Jared Smith cz, Some Cop Dude, Nate Housley, Dylan Photographers: Katie Panzer, Dave Chadwick, Megan Kennedy, Mame Wallace, Brewer, Barrett Doran, Jesse Anderson, John Tom Winkley, Henry Glasheen, Kia McGinnis, Barkiple, Chad Kirkland, Melissa Cohn, John Ford, Lauren Ashley Paul, Gregory Megan Kennedy, Michael Schwartz, Brent Gerulat, Westin Porter, Cody Kirkland, Timo Rowland, Eric Scott Russell, Alex Pastucha, H., Ryan Hall, Jory Carroll, Ischa B., Alex Weston Colton, Jake Vivori, Gavan Nelson, Cragun, Kendal Gillett, Alex Springer, Nate Andy Wright, Gilbert Garcia, Paul Duane Perkins, Brinley Froelich, Justin Gallegos, Scott Videographers: Mary Catrow, Slugger, Farley, Steve Richardson, LeAundra Jeffs, Brian Baade, Andrew Schummer, Brock Steve Goemaat, Darcy Wouters-Russell, Chris- Grossl, Candida Duran, Matthew Pothier, tian Schultz, Matt Brunk, Jordan Devereaux, Perrylane Deker-Tate, Cole Quartuccio Anna Kate Gedal, Jesse Thomas, Rebecca Frost, Mike Riedel, Tim Kronenberg Ad Sales: SLUG HQ 801.487.9221 Angela Brown: SLUG Magazine’s Official Podcast: [email protected] Soundwaves From The Underground Mike Brown: Host: Dan Nailen [email protected] Producer: Gavin Sheehan John Ford: Executive Producer: Angela H. Brown [email protected] Associate Producers: Ricky Vigil, Esther Meroño, Alexander Ortega, Dan Nailen Marketing Manager: About the Cover: Filmmaker and world-renowned journalist Shaul Schwarz shot this image of the narco band BuKnas de Culiacan overlooking LA. Tubas and bazookas may seem like a silly combination, but the bloody ballads the band sings about the drug cartels are very real, and very serious. Read more about them and Schwarz’s Sundance film, Narco Cultura, on pages 36-37. 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: Mike Riedel – Beer Columnist Mike Riedel recently brought his wealth of beer knowledge to SLUG Magazine as our monthly Beer Columnist. Riedel started his Utah Beer blog (utahbeer. blogspot.com) in 2005, unpaid and on his free time, out of a sense of frustration toward people’s misconceptions of Utah craft beers, as well as the desire to create a community focused on local brews and breweries. The blog grew in popularity when the craft beer movement that swept the country a decade ago found a home within the Zion Curtain. Many local beer blogs have come and gone, but like a finely crafted brew, only Riedel’s has stood the test of time. During the week, Riedel gets paid to be a photojournalist for KSTU - Fox 13, getting interviews and footage from around the state for your viewing pleasure, whether it be politicians fighting on the hill or stranded hikers in the snow. In his spare time, Riedel enjoys bicycling, skiing, cars, drawing and of course, photography. Next time you see Riedel out at one of your favorite pubs or breweries trying the latest frosty concoction, buy him a glass and toast our latest great addition to the SLUG team. 4 SaltLakeUnderGround slugmag.com 5 Dear SLUG; dressed in twenty-year-old bondage pants and a black You seem to be in the know (or at mesh shirt at Area 51’s Fetish least pretend to), so what the fuck is Ball, complaining about the up with Geeks Who Drink and Trivia loud music and nurse outfits. Factory invading our bars? Don’t get Jentzen, get off your “locally me wrong, I enjoy the occasional made, locally played” high- quiz night with friends from one of horse and embrace reality: Yes, the locally-created games, but these it is the same game over and bullshit monstrosity quiz nights have over again, and yes, it is all invaded our valley and turned every about the money. The bar own- night of the week into a super-strict ers don’t care, the patrons don’t by-the-book yelling match between care, the quiz game producers nerds. Yeah, I know, fucking shock don’t care and you shouldn’t that a bar is a place for people to either. Fuck, Jent, the sheer fact complain at full volume about trivial you wrote this letter shows how things, but these national quiz shows much you belong in that crowd. have taken up a night at almost every You are complaining about bar and made it difficult to just go widespread trivia. You want to somewhere for a drink without having start your own bar quiz? Great! every single table taken up by a team I’m pretty sure the Bongo, of people who don’t know shit. Do we Mixed Emotions or Bout Time need so many quizzes that are all the would welcome your sorry ass same? Can’t they just shrink it down with open arms, along with to one night instead of running the your “local quiz.” Do you have same questions seven nights a week at time to produce 20 questions a 20 different bars? Or are these things week about music, TV, current such a great money making scam that events and themes like “Indirect I need to look into taking over Poplar References to Genitals in Litera- Street or Squatters every night as a ture”? Unless you’re still riding “regional quizmaster whore” too? the mom-and-dad gravy train, which wouldn’t surprise me, Love; I doubt you do. Until then, sit Jentzen your ass on the bar stool, turn off your phone’s network and Dear Jentzy, tell me: Which ‘70s pop duo I bet you bitch about being covered a song about heralding dragged to The Spazmatics at nearby aliens? Liquid Joe’s. Every. Saturday. xoxo, SLUG Night. I bet you’re the fucker 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 slugmag.com 7 David Ross Fetzer 12.17.82 – 12.20.12

The first time I met David Fetzer, we bumped heads. Literally. I rounded a corner in the Tower Theatre too quickly and ran into David head first. After two minutes of apologies, he introduced me to the event’s co-creator for an interview, we exchanged numbers, and then he took off to go act in a play. Since that time, I’ve had the honorary pleasure of being able to call David a good friend ... and a great co-conspirator for creativity.

With all of his talents––writing, acting and musicianship (Mushman)––David had a gift for influence and encouragement. Any time I saw him on the street or at a function, he would always be engaging, warm and kind with his soft-toned voice to ask how I was doing and what I was working on. And if I had nothing, he’d modestly tell me about his stuff and inspire me to do something. One of my favorite memories was riding in the back seat of his car to watch a rehearsal at the U for New Works Theatre Machine. Somehow, we got onto the topic of The Simpsons and argued over which season was the best, which eventually led to us talking about writing a one-act play based on that friendly argument. Through his own passion for creativity, he would encourage others to put forth their own creations and inspire people to put more art and culture into this city. He had an infectious attitude and a bright sensibility that I wish we all had more of.

Back in March, I saw David in the halls of the Rose Wagner where he was acting in not one, but two productions at the same time: playing the iconic Arthur Dimmesdale in Plan-B’s Scarlet, while simultaneously playing multiple characters in The Third Crossing. He would get down on himself about blowing lines during rehearsals, but then would immediately perk up and point out how fun it was with the knowledge that even though it was a job, it was a fun job, and he wouldn’t trade it for anything. The last time I saw him was at the Salt Lake City Film Festival premiere of Must Come Down, where he happily let Kenny Riches do most of the talking during the film’s Q&A. We hugged, asked about each other’s projects, promised to do lunch soon and then laughed because we both knew “soon” meant February. I congratulated him on the film and he thanked me for the support before being led to the foyer to sign DVDs. The last thing he said to me was, “Thank you for coming—it means a lot.”

That was David to me: always kind, always creative, always encouraging and thankful for everything. He was a testament to the idea that if you work hard and are kind to everyone, great things can happen. –Gavin Sheehan Photo: TJ Nelson

8 SaltLakeUnderGround slugmag.com 9 Like many groups, Simian Greed owe their existence with Left For Dead, Sanchez was also playing in a Bennett says of their stage presence, “[Sanchez] to the evolution of a list of predecessors. For three more experimental punk band called Shackleton usually plays guitar in bands, so he has a little of the four members (Dave Sanchez, Johnny that had other musical elements such as jazz thrown more freedom just being on a mic.” But, as every Lyon and Corey Stan), that list began with a band in the mix. Lyon says, “I took a note from [Shackleton] parent knows, too much freedom can get you hurt. called Left For Dead. About three years ago, they and wanted to try my hand at composing some stuff Sanchez has a long scar running up the inside of his wanted to expand their creativity and do something in that vein.” They wanted to push past the restraints left wrist—what remains after wrist surgery from a completely different. That’s where Flipper Kitten, of genre and now have something they can’t classify break playing at Bar Deluxe. He was attempting a an intermediate band with the same lineup as Simian beyond “rock n’ roll.” Trying to describe their sound, stage dive when a monitor rolled as he was jumping Greed (including guitarist Matt Bennett), came Bennett says, “I hate to use the term hardcore, from it and he fell from the stage. Stan says, “I could from. Bennett knew Sanchez (vocalist) and Stan because that generally means the culture and not hear his wrist snap when I was behind the [drum] (drummer) from Bar X where the two had worked. necessarily the music … but maybe medium-well- set.” Sanchez walked around to the stairs and got Bennett and Stan had seen each other’s bands play, core.” In an attempt to classify their sound through back onstage, where he finished the set. Still, he and when Flipper Kitten needed a guitarist, Stan comparison, Lyon recognizes musical influences says his focus is on the creation and not a physical suggested Bennett. Lyon (bassist) says, “[Bennett]’s a from three-chord punk to metal to stoner rock, but performance, and shifts the spotlight from himself. noisy-ass guitar player. That’s what we were looking can’t narrow it down. Bennett remembers someone Sanchez says, “I think [Bennett] is pretty raucous.” for. We said, ‘If we’re going to add a guitarist, let’s describing Simian Greed as “metal-informed rock n’ As much of a party as a Simian Greed performance find somebody that’s open-minded and isn’t going to roll.” Although he can see some metal attributes, like might sound like, they discount their antics. Lyon says, give us just three chords.’” being a heavy band, he doesn’t agree. Still, Simian “I don’t think that it’s any kind of a preconceived Greed are happy to elude classification. notion that we should have this type of a stage Unless you’re friends with the guys in Simian Greed, presence.” Simian Greed are just in it to play shows you haven’t heard of Flipper Kitten. Their run was Lyon put the name “Simian Greed” on the table, and have a good time. short—little more than a starting block for Simian having heard it at some point in Planet of the Apes. Greed. They only lasted a few weeks, wrote two Sanchez says, “I think it just sounded fucking cool.” Aside from a single track on Rock Salt #2, Simian songs and never played a show. Simian Greed The band sees the meaning behind the name as a Greed haven’t released anything. They see the incorporated those two songs into their material. type of political commentary on greed as the base band as more of a creative outlet than a way to Sanchez says, “[Both Flipper Kitten songs] might human emotion and origin to all the ills of the world. make money or sell merch, and have spent the actually be in one song—it was the idea of ripping Sanchez says, “The first murder, the first monkey- last few years creating and perfecting a set they off a chunk of a riff, being like, ‘That worked, but on-monkey killing, was probably perpetrated over can be proud of. Bennett says, “That’s why we add six things to it.’” greed.” Simian Greed may comment on the problems haven’t recorded yet. We wanted to be able to pull they see within humanity, but they leave it at that, a everything off perfectly live before we recorded Simian Greed deliberately sound nothing like commentary. Sanchez says, “There are no fucking it.” That being said, Simian Greed have honed

Photo: Russel Daniels the Ramones/Misfits-style horror-punk of their answers contained in Simian Greed.” their songs to the point where they aim to have evolutionary ancestor, Left For Dead. During his time consumable tunes early on this year, which will surely (L-R) Greg Hillis, Tige Campbell, Sam Compton and John Paterson produce incite a greedy mania. eardrum-hammering rock without pretention in Screaming Condors. Localized By Steve Richardson (L-R) Don’t let Simian Greed members Johnny Lyon, Dave Sanchez, Corey Stan and [email protected] Matt Bennett’s smiles fool you, their inner apes thrash out raucous shows. Embarrassment might hold you back from admitting you were scared to make plans beyond forced to. They all laugh about fine-tuning lyrics while Dec. 21, but if you’re reading this, the new year came and you survived the world’s end. Come laying down a track in the studio. Screaming Condors celebrate your survival with the thrash-punk-metal noise of Screaming Condors and Simian don’t have a lead singer—Campbell, Paterson and Hillis share that duty, so the writing of lyrics gets split Greed at Urban Lounge on Jan. 12. Cancer Culture open at 10 p.m.—your 21-plus ID and $5 between all three. Each vocalist will sing the song they get you in. pen while the other two provide backup vocals. Even though they might not collaborate lyrically on a single The Screaming Condors’ origin can be traced back with the image of a condor shredding its vocal cords song, they say they each have a pretty even number roughly to 2004 and a group called Hot Buttered in an all-out scream. of songs to sing. Campbell says, “There was a while Fart Pumper (HBFP). John Paterson and Greg there where we were like, ‘Should we have just one Hillis got their start playing guitars together in HBFP, Screaming Condors didn’t plan their sound—it was lead singer like your typical band?’ But we were like, which would later become Screaming Condors. After just what came out. Paterson says, “I always knew ‘Fuck it, we’re having fun with all of us singing.’” They about a year, enough time for Screaming Condors I wanted to play metal, but we’ve all got different say they are more worried about having a good time to get serious, the original bass player and drummer backgrounds, so it sounds different. We don’t try to than what others might think. left. Sam Compton, a local drummer who was sound like something … Everyone plays their own friends with Hillis and Paterson and had jammed with thing, whatever feels good.” Compton cites their Screaming Condors haven’t released an album since them in Hillis’ basement, saw their potential and was preliminary sound as being more metal, then growing 2010’s Nature’s Nightmare, which you can find on interested in joining. Compton says, “I kind of came from there. He says, “When I’m on drums, it has to iTunes or at their shows, but they’re excited about in and was like, ‘Yeah, I’ve got a bass player buddy, have a punk rock feel, ’cause that’s where my roots their recent material and plan to record a new album too.’ So, I brought Tige [Campbell] over, and it are.” They all agree their sound resembles Metallica, soon. Hillis says, “All the new stuff is awesome. It just happened instantly,” which locked in the rhythm specifically Kill ’Em All, but, like most groups, they’re just gets better and better.” The new album might section to solidify the band. Campbell and Compton reluctant to commit themselves to a single genre. They sound a bit heavier, but they haven’t made any major had played in a lot of other bands together, and so all classify their music a little differently—Compton changes—nothing beyond a more refined sound. had Paterson and Hillis. “We just kind of united,” says calls it “skate-thrash-metal,” and Hillis laughs when he Hillis says, “We’re getting so much better at the vocals Campbell. Screaming Condors have been playing says, “I call it aggressive rock.” that I think we’re going to push singing more, at least with their lineup dynamic for five years now. background singing … and give the songs more Songs mostly sprout from collaborated writing sessions fullness.” The group’s name has nothing to do with the within the Condors’ lair. A song could grow from Taiwanese roller coaster that sits atop the list of one of Compton’s drumbeats or from an improvised When it comes to some of the local venues, there are “Screaming Condors” Google search results, even jam that goes well. Campbell says, “A guy brings a places they could play every weekend if they wanted, though the band does have a song titled, “Colossus,” song to the table and then we play it, for the most but they plan to hold off on shows in order to get their after the ride at Lagoon. The name was conjured on a part … We all put our two cents in.” Not every set polished for the January Localized show. Compton drunken trip to Echo Lake. Hillis says, “I was all pissed song is a complete collaboration, though. Compton says, “We’re excited to play at Urban coming up because there were all these bands with intellectual says, “Sometimes Tige will put together a song because the sound is so juicy over there.” Other than names and all this shit, and I was like, ‘Dude we completely, like totally do his homework and bring Localized, Screaming Condors plan to focus on getting need something like a badass football team coming to it … He’ll have a completed song with parts and some awesome shows lined up and record their new town to kick some ass!’ and it stuck.” Plus, you have everything.” Screaming Condors’ lyrical writing is album in the near future. to admit: They have countless potential album covers less collaborative, and they write lyrics when they’re Photo: Russel Daniels 10 SaltLakeUnderGround slugmag.com 11 12 SaltLakeUnderGround slugmag.com 13 responsible for Black Sheep’s secret weapon—authentic Navajo fry bread. The venture began with the inspiration that Bleu and Katt gleaned from the traditional food that their mother would make while they were growing up on a Navajo reservation. “My mom is a great cook. When Eat, Drink and Be Merry we were teenagers, I remember going around to the tribal administration buildings to sell burritos and desserts. These Provo’s Up-and-Coming Food Scene experiences made me really love and appreciate the effort that she put into making her food,” Adams says.

By Alex Springer • [email protected] Photos: John Barkiple Adams’s decision to open Black Sheep in Provo was influenced by several different factors. Her parents went to BYU, and as she was already familiar with the culture of returned LDS missionaries living in Provo, Adams Up until recently, I never really considered Provo a place thought that Native American cuisine might appeal to that cultivated any authentic type of food culture. It’s full of the missionaries who have served on reservations. “The various chain restaurants, fast food joints and a few dives food’s a lot different than what you’d get on a reservation, that offer a bit of local charm, but Provo’s food scene was but it’s familiar enough to draw them in and let us Black almost nonexistent. That was until I attended Local First’s introduce them to more contemporary versions of the food Celebrate the Bounty event, where three Provo sparkplugs they’ve already tried,” she says. brought their A-game: The farm-to-table virtuosos of Station 22’s Memphis Communal Restaurant, the Southwestern Native American In addition to dishing up some truly authentic and delicious Chicken Sandwich is Sheep pioneers of Black Sheep Cafe, and the regional comfort food, the restaurant itself serves as a living, breathing a modern take on the food experts of Station 22. I was fascinated by the diversity testament to the relevance of Native American culture in our (L-R) Station 22’s managing operator Jason Talcott and owner Richard Gregory. Southern comfort dish. and presentation of their food, and, when Black Sheep society. “I wanted to create something that incorporated Cafe took home the Best Taste award, I knew I had to make a food, art and my culture, which are three things that I love,” pilgrimage into the heart of Provo. says Adams. Just left of the entrance, you’ll find Winston 19 North University Avenue Mason Design, where Bleu’s father meticulously crafts silver All three of these restaurants can be found on University three of these delectable dishes, I split the entrée with my During my conversation with Adams, I came to the Provo, UT 84601 jewelry. The back of the restaurant has been converted into Black Sheep’s Avenue, between Second North and Center Street. Once wife. The anchor of the dish is the homemade fry bread realization that the reason food tastes so Lunch gallery space and has been set aside for the display of ($4.00)—it’s warm and pillowy, yet more chewy than soft. good is because of its rich cultural tradition. The food that you park, it’s no sweat to visit all three restaurants in one contemporary Native American art. And let’s not overlook Mon. – Sat. 11:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. night—which I highly recommend. After sampling their You can’t really lose no matter what topping you get, but you get here has been perfected with years of traditional the food. Black Sheep’s menu offers several authentic my personal favorite was the pork in red chili sauce. It’s preparation, and it’s made with ingredients that are all Station cuisine and chatting with the people who make them tick, Southwestern options like posole and enchiladas, all of this magically rustic blend of earthy spices distilled into found locally. Black Sheep Cafe is definitely a restaurant Dinner it wouldn’t be too surprising to see more independent which are made completely from scratch. What makes this Mon. – Thu. 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. restaurants start popping up in Utah County. a sauce that made the slow-roasted pork sing. The sauce worthy of a trip to P-Town. place special, however, is the Navajo tacos. is spicy, but not aggressively so—it strikes a comfortable Fri. – Sat. 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. Station 22 Black Sheep Cafe specializes in contemporary Southwestern relationship between heat and flavor, which can be From the outside, resembles a genteel Southern Black Sheep offers three variations of Navajo tacos: one difficult to achieve. The green chili sauce is less spicy and country club. While you wait to be seated, you can smell Closed Sundays Native American cuisine, which means fans of traditional topped with pinto beans that have been slow roasted in Mexican food will be on familiar ground just long enough more herbaceous—it works with the pork in a completely all of their food cooking in this glorious mixture of maple pork juices and topped with tangy queso menonita, and different and delicious way. syrup, toasty waffles and fried chicken—I think the clever T. 801.607.2485 to get their minds blown by the Native American aspects two topped with braised pork and either red or green of the menu. It’s owned and operated by Bleu Adams bastards must pipe it in directly from the kitchen. Both chili sauce. Each of these is available individually, or Black Sheep Station 22 Black Sheep facebook.com/ and her family: sister Katt Mason is co-owner and If you’re lucky, will still be featuring the Hog and are located within Provo Town diners can get the Navajo Taco Trio ($17.00) with smaller Jowl Tacos ($9.00), which earned them the Best Taste Square, which is the property of Richard Gregory, who blacksheepcafe sous chef, her brother Mark Daniel Mason works versions of all three—a great idea for date night. I opted 22 Celebrate the Bounty as executive chef and their mother Alberta Mason is award at . They consist of homemade I’ve come to regard as kind of a Happy Valley godfather— for the Trio, and though I could have easily scarfed all blue corn tortillas stuffed with shredded meat taken from, he’s known for muscling out national chains that want to Cafe yes, the jowl of a hog. Hog jowl has the same flavor as infiltrate his property.Station 22 as we know it today is pulled pork, but it’s much more tender—the stuff melts in actually the result of a fairly new direction that Gregory 22 West Center Street your mouth. The tacos are finished with pickled jicama and has put into motion. Last June, he hired Jason Talcott a sweet maple bay leaf barbecue sauce. A single bite fills as a managing operator, and the two have turned the Provo, UT 84601 the palate with the salty jowl, the acidic jicama and the restaurant into the kind of mythical purveyor of good, local Mon. – Sat. sweetly smoky barbecue sauce—a combination that offers food that you secretly hope every city has. “We want it to 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. an ideal bite of food. feel like we were expecting our customers, like they’re just coming home for dinner,” Gregory says. Closed Sundays Desserts have always been tricky for me. I’ve been to many restaurants that offer great food, but see their dessert menu Gregory is originally an architect from the food and T. 801.607.1803 as an afterthought. Black Sheep offers a dessert that I still wine mecca Napa Valley, and that food culture definitely think about in the wee hours of the evening. It’s known influenced his interest in operating a restaurant. “Growing station22cafe.com as Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding ($8.00), and up in Napa Valley, we have food and wine and that’s it. I’ve it’s fantastic—two triangles of pumpkin bread baked with always loved food, and I’m able to articulate what I like. As chocolate chips from Orem’s Amano Artisan Chocolate, long as I have the right help, it works. That’s where Jason served warm and soaked with a caramel bourbon sauce. comes in,” Gregory says. Talcott is a Utah local who was with a few of their signature dishes: The The warm bread soaks up all that gooey chocolate and working for the Heirloom Restaurant Group when he Memphis Chicken Sandwich ($9.99) and the caramel for a truly decadent taste of autumnal flavors. met Gregory. “I started following Station 22 on Facebook. I Sage-Fried Chicken and Waffles ($10.99). came in, looked around, and saw it as the place I had been The candied bacon and maple syrup provide Within the last few months, Black Sheep has added several dreaming of opening. I was so jealous! As fate would have the sweet and salty element that I love about local beer and wine options to their ever-expanding menu. it, I was running a dining booth at the Rooftop Concert Series, this dish. The waffle was thick and crispy, Diners can now find beer from local breweries such as and the folks from the Provo Downtown Alliance introduced and it worked well with the dish as a whole,

Black Sheep’s Photos: John Barkiple Epic, Squatters and Uinta along with a fully stocked wine me to Richard. We talked for about an hour about food, but, on its own, it wasn’t too memorable. Hog Jowl Tacos are a list. In addition, Katt Mason has collaborated with Chef music and all things Provo,” Talcott says. Overall, the Memphis Chicken Sandwich mouth-watering twist on (L-R) Black Sheep owner and sous chef Katt Mason, sous chef and pastry chef Mark Daniel Mason to create some unique cocktails was decent. I really liked the ciabatta roll, Native American cuisine. Miah Richmond, owner Bleu Adams and executive chef Mark Daniel Mason. to complement their menu. Diners can look forward to Their menu is made up of dishes from all over the place— and the spicy fried chicken delivered a nice enjoying Cactus Pear Margaritas and Chipotle-Cilantro ratatouille, pot pies and Adventist veggie burgers. I started kick to the tastebuds. The slaw provided 14 SaltLakeUnderGround Bloody Marys along with their Southwestern menu. slugmag.com 15 some crunch, but I would have liked some in Station 22’s famous root beer gravy. I love a good hot The last stop on this journey was Communal Restaurant, sweetness to counter balance the heat of the turkey sandwich, and the subtle sweetness of the gravy which many people consider to be a true pioneer of the spicy butter glaze. I was also hoping for a along with the buttermilk fried onions made this one stand Utah County food scene. As the name would suggest, more substantial piece of chicken—the meat out from the rest. diners join one another at a large wooden table, and of my sandwich may have been fried for a the food is prepared in portions that are big enough to little too long, which sapped the chicken of From a service standpoint, my visits to Station 22 had a share. All of the ingredients are acquired locally, and it some necessary juiciness. My wife ordered few hiccups. On one visit, we had three different waiters communicates a strong sense of what Utah is capable of Belle’s Turkey ($10.99), which is a traditional checking up on us. Initially, I thought this was nice—our as a producer of food. Communal is part of the Heirloom hot turkey sandwich with a few twists thrown drinks were always kept full and our food arrived promptly. Restaurant Group, a collection of local restaurants and in. Instead of a dollop of mashed potatoes, However, it became a problem towards the end of our visit. caterers of which Orem’s Pizzeria 712 is a member. Colton the sandwich is paired with a healthy serving As they were out of soup and sweet potato wedges, I asked Soelberg is the man behind this local collective, running of mashed root vegetables and smothered if I could have a side of collard greens instead. When our the show with co-owner and director of catering, Joseph first waiter brought my check, I noticed that they charged McRae, and it’s evident that he’s passionate about treating me for the side. After explaining the situation to our second his diners to an excellent experience. “You have a finite waiter, he informed me that I wouldn’t be charged. When amount of bites in this life, and each bite is one less that our third waiter brought me the receipt, it turned out that I you’re going to be able to experience. We’re committed to was charged after all. All the waiter juggling created a bit making those bites the best they can be,” Soelberg says. of a failure to communicate, which ended up costing me a Communal couple of bucks. Despite these few missteps, it’s important to Soelberg grew up in Provo, and after working in note that Station 22 has been entertaining the dinner crowd restaurants all over the country, he decided to bring his for just under a month, and with that comes a few kinks culinary expertise back home. “After seeing some of the Restaurant to work out. I have faith that Station 22 will fully realize its more unique restaurants in New York and San Francisco, I potential for greatness as their experience grows. realized that Utah County didn’t really have anything like 102 North University Avenue that. It was like a blank slate,” says Soelberg. Provo, UT 84601 In addition to supplying Utahns with comfort food from Brunch all over the nation was the idea of having a place where From a culinary point of view, Communal is all about Sat. 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. people from all walks of life could meet and socialize crafting sophisticated yet comforting dishes from the best comfortably. Station 22 offers an eclectic menu of sodas seasonal ingredients that Utah has to offer. When dining Lunch for the non-drinkers in the area. Gregory’s experience at Communal, it’s a good idea to start with some of their Tues. – Fri. with wine tastings in Napa Valley inspired him to create menu’s Small Shares. The La Ney Ferme Beets ($8.00) a similar option for folks who don’t drink alcohol. Some and the Mixed Radish Salad ($12.00) are both cool and 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. of the brands they have available are Brigham’s Brew refreshing. The beets are cooked to an al dente consistency, from Wasatch Brewers, Cheerwine, Virgil’s Special Edition and each one packs a surprising pop of sweetness. In Dinner Bavarian Nutmeg Rootbeer, Cock n’ Bull Ginger Beer, contrast, the Mixed Radish Salad is pleasantly crunchy Tues. – Sat. 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. Reed’s Ginger Beers, Butterscotch Beer and many more. and the lemongrass dressing adds an acidic tone that “There are lots of places for LDS folks and non-LDS folks complements the fresh radishes nicely. I also couldn’t Closed individually. Our craft soda list is a way to bridge that pass up their Deviled Farm Eggs ($2.00 per egg). Their Sunday – Monday gap,” Gregory says. Soon, Station 22 will be providing its preparation varies from night to night, and I liked the two customers with a selection of beer and wine that will satiate options that I tried. One of them was prepared with crispy T. 801.373.8000 those customers who like something a bit stronger with their bacon, and the other was adorned with a slice of smoked communalrestaurant.com comfort food. Overall, Station 22 has definitely created an salmon. They were delicious, but two bucks is a bit steep atmosphere that is conducive to socializing regardless of considering their dainty size. As an entrée, the Koosharem one’s background, and I look forward to the day when it Valley Steelhead Trout (half portion $13.00; full portion hits its stride and everything comes together. $24.00) is excellent. It’s cooked in a glorious mixture of brown butter, lemon and capers, which emphasize the trout’s natural flavor. It’s rich, flaky and best of all, it tastes like it came from Utah’s own waters.

Both Soelberg and the staff of Communal are dedicated to a professionalism that comes through in their food. I had a few minutes to watch sous chef Vance Lott prepare the night’s orders. Despite preparing food for dozens of guests, he remained enthusiastic about the work that he and his colleagues do at Communal. Soelberg says, “We’re dedicated to commitment and consistency, no matter what. It’s making that decision to spend two hours

Photos: John Barkiple cleaning the kitchen after closing, even though you’ve just been slammed by the Friday night dinner crowd.”

In addition to serving great food, these three restaurants have come to represent a movement to bring more local flair to Utah County. Whenever local businesses can cause people to reinvest in their community, that community inevitably becomes stronger. If the occasion to visit downtown Provo ever comes your way, it’s worth it to stop by any of these three fine establishments for a memorable culinary experience. Communal’s Roasted Colton Soelberg runs the day-to- Mary’s Farm Chicken with day operations of Communal. thyme-scented pan jus.

16 SaltLakeUnderGround slugmag.com 17 18 SaltLakeUnderGround slugmag.com 19 Photo: Teryn Mendenhall Photo: Teryn

By Ricky Vigil / [email protected]

Part Provo and part Salt Lake, the aggro-adorable music of Baby Ghosts exists in a nebulous world where pop-punk, cuddlecore, anime, garage rock and 8-bit video games coalesce into a perfect party says. The band attempted to incorporate Zobrist’s he says. “We like the idea of something that’s very soundtrack. The co-ed four piece utilizes three of woodwind experience into their sound, but as cute and childish that can mean something more.” its members as vocalists—singing, screaming and Meisenbach says, “It never sounded good.” harmonizing playful yet thoughtful lyrics over bouncy This January, the band will embark on a tour to melodies that give way to some certifiably shredding A sense of fun radiates from the band’s recorded work support a new 7” being released jointly by Lost Cat guitar work. The band has a wide appeal, equally and is especially prevalent in their live show. Smiles Records in the U.S. and Drunken Sailor Records embraced by the more indie rock-oriented crowds are often plastered across the members’ faces as they in the UK. The opportunity to release the 7” arose of Velour as well as the blossoming Provo hardcore sweat and scream through their sets, and laughter when the band sent CD-Rs of three new songs out scene. “I’ve been in a lot of different bands. I’m either even seems to find its way into some of the more tense to about 40 DIY labels throughout the country. “Lost in really mellow bands or intense punk bands, so this moments onstage. “Me playing guitar is Bret’s worst Cat Records from [Minnesota] was the only one who is actually kind of in the middle,” says drummer Bret nightmare,” Zobrist says. It may look like Zobrist and responded. Initially, the owner said he didn’t have Meisenbach. Meisenbach are constantly at odds, but they are quick money to put the 7” out, but wanted to distribute to explain that it’s just part of the band’s dynamic. the album,” says Meisenbach. Two weeks later, Meisenbach is a veteran of the Provo music scene, “We have a weird relationship where I can get really however, Lost Cat contacted the band and told them serving time in Big Trub and The Mighty mean when she isn’t doing something right, but that Drunken Sailor would help foot the bill, giving Sequoyah among others, as well as being one nothing bothers her, which makes me get even more the band motivation to book a 10-show tour travelling half of Black Pyramid Recording. He formed mean because she’s not listening,” Meisenbach says. out to Washington D.C., hitting DIY hotbeds such as Baby Ghosts in late 2010 as a duo with the band’s “When I’m yelling at somebody, I’m not actually mad, Columbus, Ohio and Bloomington, Ind. along the original vocalist, Laurie, taking influence from The that’s just how I talk. And when Karly’s laughing at way. Raveonettes. “We would both sing, and there was you, she is actually listening, she’s just laughing at you a drum machine and a guitar. Then we decided to at the same time.” Baby Ghosts is a hard band to pin down. There’s turn these songs that had really beautiful melodies into influence from a wide variety of music, pop culture punk songs and play them really hard and really fast,” The band has also remained conscious of the way and various aspects of nerd-dom, but more than he says. “I try to write meaningful chord progressions they portray themselves through the artwork featured anything else, they’re unabashedly adorable and and pretty melodies, but that can be played really on their physical releases. Both of the cassettes they enjoyable. “We’re not really heavy enough to play fast. I don’t really know if it’s working or not, but that’s released in 2011 (Baby Tape and Spacebook) as well with heavy bands, but not quiet enough to play with what I want to do.” After several lineup changes, the as last year’s full-length album (Let’s Always Hang quiet bands,” Meisenbach says. “We play a lot of band’s current lineup of bassist/vocalist Katrina Out Together, Okay?) feature cutesy anime artwork mixed genre shows where we’re the odd man out, Ricks, guitarist/vocalist Karly Zobrist and guitarist contributed by Pittsburgh artist Naomi Martin. It’s but it tends to work out.” Visit Baby Ghosts online Pat Boyer (with “understudy” Mike Dixon filling an unusual aesthetic choice, and Baby Ghosts have at lilbabyghosts.com to play the official Baby Ghosts in while Boyer is on tour with his other band, Desert received criticism for it, but Meisenbach believes that video game and at lilbabyghosts.tumblr.com to keep Noises) solidified in 2011. The band’s youngest it is representative of the motivation behind the band. up with the band and find out which Internet memes member, Zobrist, only had limited musical experience “They think it’s weird or childish, and one person told make them laugh the most. before joining Baby Ghosts: “I was in band in middle us that if we don’t change our art, no one would ever school and high school. I played the flute,” she sign us or even take us seriously. But that’s the whole point: We don’t really want to be taken that seriously,” 20 SaltLakeUnderGround slugmag.com 21 22 SaltLakeUnderGround slugmag.com 23 Whether she’s wigging out as a rock star, a fun-loving blonde or a sassy redhead, she’ll always be the one and only Princess Kennedy. Photo: Chad Kirkland THE GREAT WIG-OUT OF

By Princess Kennedy2013 • [email protected] leopatra had hers dyed with saffron, the ancient are a very small and close-knit group, and I would be a notice how he looks at redheads? Shake up those CRomans made them for their statues, Baroque times big, giant liar-face if I didn’t say that the only reason I office doldrums with a snazzy new ‘do. What are you dictated men wear them, and women adorned them got into it was so that I’d have amazingly flawless hair waiting for, an invitation? That only happens to people with the most preposterous scenes. Pastiche, peruke, all the time. who aren’t you, and a new you is waiting right around rug, weave, periwig or toupee: Welcome to the the corner. Do it, girlfriend—get a wig. wonderful, wacky world of wigs! Eventually, after a couple years, I developed a depression from living in theater basements, not to Now, boys, you’re more than encouraged to join in It doesn’t take a genius to notice the flange of ingénue mention an allergy to opera divas (too many cooks in the fun––not with the overdone upper-lip wig, but with songstresses who have embraced the mop top as part the kitchen). I have since limited my signature pieces for a full-on change! Ever feel like you don’t look Brooklyn of their accessory repertoire. It seems Katy, Nicki, private clients and the occasional party wig that may enough to hangout at Twilite? Just grab those long, Gaga and more have all caught on to what I’ve known come through my chair at Ulysses hair salon, where I beautiful curls I just told her to buy off her nightstand for years. You see, my love affair with the fake hair spend my 9-to-5. and presto: new-age hipster. Yes, there is beauty in a came from quite an early age––birth, to be exact. My man wig, but I fear Mike Brown might flip his if I mother comes from the last great era that featured the A wig is the best and easiest way to become someone don’t stop here and let him indulge you in wig as not only an acceptable form of daily expression, else. I know you’ve looked in the mirror, even recently, that brilliance. but an accessory owned by anyone who was anybody. and said, “God, I just HATE you!” Don’t lie! The best Gone are the days when such piled-on style was cure for that is to throw on somebody else. I’m sad to I know at least half of you have one in the back of necessary, but wigs are still undeniably handy, make say that the past couple years, I haven’t been practicing a closet, like an old, discarded animal in a hoarder one helluvan entrance, and, if you host after-parties, what I am preaching. I worked so hard on becoming house, smelling like Cher and looking like Ke$ha they’re hours of entertainment. recognizable to SLC, the mere thought of having to after a bender. Chances are you just need to give it re-introduce myself as a redhead filled me with anxiety. a little TLC, honey. Try putting a quarter-size dollop of Some may or may not know that before my years as Sure, I dabbled with bobs, but only blonde, and oh, laundry detergent in a gallon bucket of water. Rinse, a highly regarded columnist, I had a life as a wig maybe a shade or two lighter/darker blonde. Recently, dunk and swish till clean, rinse and repeat with fabric mistress. Upon graduating in theater arts from the in honor of my hard-earned roots, I’ve been switching softener and GENTLY comb out. Bet you’ll find it good university, I was immediately snatched up by the San it up with shades of purple, auburn and blue. I as new. Any more severe probs, just bring it to me––I Francisco Opera to run their wig department for all rediscovered throwing on a subtle brunette and getting can revive the sickest of club wigs. road shows and out-of-house performances. I loved this lost in the back of a (non) smoky bar, becoming the job. Because of it, I have seen every state in the union wacky finger-waved good-time-girl on the dance floor Go forth and wig thyself, children! I can’t seem to stop and can tell you where the best thrift stores are in the or the electric rock star with no inhibition (ha, like I ever these days––I’m so enraptured in this hairy ordeal oddest cities, but I digress. I am mastered in the art had any!). because I realized that under the pink, black or copper of making wigs from scratch––hair by hair and stitch tresses, I’m always going to be Princess Kennedy, Salt by stitch. All those fancy SNL wigs are actually done It is my prediction, nay, my challenge that you will Lake’s dirty blonde. by one of my good friends and colleagues, Ashley go out and get a wig this 2013. Sick of your blonde Hanson––who also runs the wig shop at Julliard. We friend always getting to be the “blonde friend?” Ever Have a wiggy New Year.

24 SaltLakeUnderGround slugmag.com 25 Mike Brown’s Monthly Dirt

humans, if you let a cat’s puke dry, chances family party. Puke! are he will just eat it up later that day. At least By Mike Brown that’s what Jet Pack does. This is why I don’t Puking voluntarily is not just important to girls Instagram: @Fagatron feed him Science Diet. What’s the point of on special diets. It is also an important skill for feeding your pet fancy food if they are just go- any college freshman to hone. Hence, the puke To be a decent writer, I feel that it’s important to ing to recycle it anyway? and rally. The puke and rally is an important write about stuff you know about. Refer to the technique in the realm of house parties and saying: “Never trust a skinny chef.” I am by no But there are many more social dynamics to cheap booze. In a day and age where passing means an expert on writing, but if there’s one barfing than our relationships with our pets out and getting a dick drawn on your face thing I do know a thing or two about, it’s vomit. and our relationships with alcohol. Take, for impacts your social credibility and ability to Having hurled many, many times in my short example, one of my ex-girlfriends’ awesome get laid, the puke and rally can upgrade your life, I feel I’m a skinny chef you actually can diet that she was on for several years. The diet status as a professional party-goer. trust while navigating the seas of puke. So, for Here’s how to pull off a perfect puke and rally: this article all about throw-up, please allow me Basically, in the middle of the party, if you to be your chumpass. feel like you might have to tap out/pass out I have no problems writing on this important by 12:30 a.m. and it’s only 11:00 p.m., go topic. After years in the bartending industry, outside to where most of the party goers are I’ve seen and cleaned enough vomit firsthand smoking. Shove your favorite finger down your to make me immune to other people’s puke. throat and unleash, promptly look the disgusted Like how a homicide detective doesn’t get crowd in the eyes and shotgun a beer. If you freaked out by a gruesome crime scene, can Teen Wolf the beer (don’t open it, but bite the smell and audacious aroma of a lunch through the side of it), you will earn extra party upheaval is just so natural to me. If I’m at any points. Some of the babes might be grossed bar drinking these days, and some dipshit can’t out, but most of those party girls are probably hold his own and makes a mess of the bar, I’ll familiar with the diet mentioned above, and enthusiastically volunteer to clean it up. It’s one you will secretly gain their respect. Either way, of the best ways to get free drinks ever. emptying your stomach this way will enable you to actually drink more, hence the rally part I’m sure I can’t remember my very first puke, of the equation. but I do remember the first time that upchuck- ing had a positive impact on my life. I was This amazing house-party move can lead to 8 years old and in Cub Scouts. We had just an even smoother, suave move later in the wrapped up our meeting and our den mother, night: The “hold your hair back” move. This Mrs. Pope, was loading me and all the rest of is a tremendous bonding experience between us little rugrats in the minivan to take us to get Photo: Mike Brown men and women that I think sometimes goes un- Slurpees. I was feeling queasy from too many noticed in our culture. There is no denying the Capri Suns that day, so I begged to have the You can count on Mike Brown to hold bonding effect that holding a girl’s hair back as front seat, because when you are a dumb little your hair back and clean up what she kneels down and caresses your cool toilet kid, somehow, riding shotgun creates immunity doesn’t make it in the toilet. has on a couple. Grab that girl a cup of water, to puking. I was denied riding in the front seat, and she will most likely remember you forever. so, on the way home, I spewed a massive puke is as follows and, in my opinion, is highly effec- I can honestly say that I remember and ap- pile all over the interior of the minivan. From tive: She would eat whatever she wanted, then preciate every woman who has ever nursed me that day on, I always got to ride shotgun to any immediately shove a finger down her throat through a violent vomit storm. Whether I was and every Cub Scout event. and continue eating whatever she wanted, peaking on mushrooms or actually had the flu, I also believe that puke is a universal bond and get skinny in the process. Jenny Craig there is something special about that moment between humans and their pets. Take me and can eat a bowl of dick flakes, because this diet when you are curled up in the fetal position my cat, Jet Pack, for example. He’s a cat, is cost-effective and somewhat genius. I call and that cool cup of water is delivered by a therefore he throws up. We have a pretty solid the finger-to-throat-to-puke method “pulling the benevolent angel. It makes me feel glad to be routine where he pukes about once every trigger,” and I myself have pulled the trigger on a human and optimistic about all my future couple weeks from eating his Friskeys too fast, occasion. It can be a great way to get yourself pukes. and I hesitate to clean it up right away. Unlike out of an awkward situation or a boring 26 SaltLakeUnderGround slugmag.com 27 Best Friends Forever producer/co-writer Vera Miao and director/co-writer Brea Grant on set in the middle of Marfa, Texas. Photo: Terry Norman Photo: Terry “It’s All Heartfelt and Shit”: Best Friends Forever Takes Slamdance By JOHN FORD • [email protected]

ack in the beginning of December, after writing nearly 80 pages of it to switch to a You,” and is currently working on a second Slamdance announced the narrative and hybrid story that would eventually became Best series called “Suicide Girls.” Miao, on the other Bdocumentary feature competition programs Friends Forever. Getting into Slamdance was a hand, was born and raised in Guam and has for their 19th annual film festival. At the top huge achievement for the film, but, Grant says, quite a unique background. “[Before getting of the list for the narrative feature competition “We’re just excited that people are gonna into acting,] I was the Executive Director of a was Best Friends Forever. Now, if you found see it.” nonprofit organization,” she says. Though, Miao yourself fully disappointed in the lackluster did live briefly in Texas while growing up, and, affair that was last month’s Mayan apocalypse, Apocalypse scenarios provide everything according to her website, veramiao.com, she “is then Best Friends Forever is the movie for you. needed for a good horror film: loss of societal most widely known for her sensitive portrayals BFF is an indie film that blends together dark rules, mass panic, personal suffering and, most of Asian-woman-in-a-blazer.” Also starring in BFF comedy, sci-fi and horror into a road trip—in a importantly, a constant fear of death. The genre is Sean Maher, whom some might remember ’76 AMC Pacer—which takes place during a of horror comes with plenty of stereotypes, from Party of Five, but everyone who worships nuclear apocalypse. Co-written by Brea Grant which Grant and Miao readily embrace. “We the name of Whedon will recognize from (Heroes, Dexter, Halloween II) and Vera Miao love movies, but like movies that a 13-year-old his portrayal of Dr. Simon Tam in Firefly and (NCIS, No Ordinary Family, Important Things boy would love,” Miao says. These types of Serenity. with Demetri Martin), BFF is an examination of movies usually contain a plethora of misogynistic what’s truly important in life. In a video from the material and negative stereotypes around Filming almost entirely on location in Marfa, film’s website, Miao describes BFF by saying, women, which Grant and Miao, as feminists, Texas, the film crew ran into plenty of difficulties. “It’s all heartfelt and shit,” and anyone who had to address while writing their own story. Because Marfa is in the middle of nowhere, has had a “BFF” before knows that’s a perfect “The film was our opportunity to tell a story they would sometimes end up driving for days description of a good friendship. that reflects the fact that you could have … a looking for locations to shoot. BFF was also meaningful friendship story evolve while still filmed on Super 16mm film, which provides a After meeting in an acting class in Los Angeles, paying homage to the things that we love in this better quality and resolution in the final product, Grant and Miao became fast friends. “[We] genre, and you could do something that doesn’t but is limiting at the same time. “There were quickly realized that we shared a lot of the same fit so cleanly into all of the boxes … and on top days when I could only shoot 1,200 feet of likes: movies, comic books, feminism … It was a of it, have a lot of fun,” says Miao. film, and anybody who’s ever worked with film quick connection,” says Miao. As the friendship knows that’s really, really limited,” says Grant. developed, they started doing more and more In addition to co-writing, Grant and Miao also After each day of shooting, they would have to together, and, being in the film industry, it produced and starred in BFF. Grant plays send the film off to be processed, and then they wasn’t long before they started thinking about Harriet, a young comic-book artist who is would wait at least three days before getting to screenplays. Grant says, “We were interested leaving Los Angeles to start over in Texas, and see whether or not the shot worked the way they in writing a similar kind of [story], so we started Miao plays Reba, Harriet’s “BFF” who joins wanted it to. Then there was the car. There’s a writing together. When there are two of you, her on the road trip. Sharing similarities with reason Shannon Deane, the movie’s Sound it’s so much easier. You can just get going and her character, Grant is a native Texan currently Recordist, is also credited as “BFF ’76 AMC work on it.” They initially started writing a movie living in LA, she co-wrote a 1920s comic book Pacer Mechanic” at the end of the film. Miao that was strictly horror, but scrapped that script series about zombies titled “We Will Bury says, “We lost a lot of time [because the car 28 SaltLakeUnderGround slugmag.com 29 wasn’t working], and without [Deane] … we things off the ground if they want to have total direct, I produced, Stacey produced, we funded wouldn’t have had our picture car operating.” control over it, or if they don’t have the kind of the post[-production] through Kickstarter—all profile or access to resources and money on of it was because it enabled us to make all of While Grant and Miao were able to fund the their own,” says Miao. Before and during the the decisions ourselves,” says Miao. About role production of the movie itself, they needed campaign, artists Fábio Moon and Ryan models for young women, Grant says, “Things some help to make it through post-production— Kelly created some intensely remarkable poster are changing quite a bit, and hopefully they’ll so they turned to the crowd-funding magic art for the film. In the end, with 939 backers, change even more in our lifetimes … I know of Kickstarter. They set a goal of $75,000, they raised $81,797—109 percent of the for me, personally, … when I moved out to LA, which Miao referred to as “a larger amount original goal. directing wasn’t even on my radar as something by Kickstarter averages,” and it made for a that I could do… [but now] there are a lot of daunting task, considering the majority of In their first Kickstarter video, Grant and amazing role models out there for women, their donations would come in $25 and $50 Miao mention several statistics about women especially young women, because there are chunks. According to Miao, Kickstarter’s staff in filmmaking from 2011, and convey that young women out there making movies.” even “gently” encouraged them to lower the increasing those numbers was an important goal considerably, but they stuck with it. The reason why people should support them. The In the end, BFF appears to be a movie about campaign quickly turned into a full-time job for video showcased Grant and Miao’s feminist friendship, which translates to people no matter the producers of the film. “I tell people that some roots. Everything they do seems to empower which genre it’s presented from. Miao says, days, it was harder than working on production, women in one way or another, and they’re “It’s a reflection of the kind of friendship that we which is crazy if you think about how hard constantly striving for equality. In an article have.” But is friendship enough to help a person working on production is … We had three posted on Huffingtonpost.com, Miao even talks make it through a nuclear apocalypse? You’ll people working on the Kickstarter campaign: about the Bechdel Test—a set of three rules have to head up to Park City this month to find Vera, me and our other producer, Stacey created by cartoonist Alison Bechdel that out. [Storey]. We would work around the clock … rate a movie’s gender bias based on whether and we were always [making] videos,” says or not the film (1) has at least two women, with Check out bestfriendsforeverfilm.com to learn Grant. In fact, in the 36 days of their campaign, names, in it (2) who talk to each other (3) about more about the film and find the link to their they posted 52 videos—including a fabulous something besides a man—a test that BFF passes Kickstarter page—even though the Kickstarter tribute to Wayne’s World that features Grant, with flying colors. “It’s incredible that at the was funded back in April of 2012, the page still Miao, Storey and Grant’s dog, Hattie Jones, Slamdance Festival, it’s equal between male and has all their awesome videos. Then, be sure to rocking out to Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody.” female directors, at least for the features, and hit up this year’s Slamdance Film Festival, which “I feel like this is the way the creation of art in that’s impressive. It’s … about decision makers. runs Jan. 18–24, for the World Premiere of Best general has been going for a while … because This project we made, it’s super small, but the Friends Forever at the Treasure Mountain Inn in [Kickstarter is] the only way people can get route that we took—where Brea stepped in to Park City. Go to slamdance.com for all the details.

Brazilian comic book artist Fábio Moon designed this comic-style poster art for the film.

30 SaltLakeUnderGround slugmag.com 31 32 SaltLakeUnderGround slugmag.com 33 which earned Vitriol Comadre’s partnership amid various label offers over the years. Jack affirms that the band would not have signed on had the label not belonged to a close HEAD friend. Still, Comadre is handling the bulk of their creative outlet with Jack recording, UNLEASHES Steven handling finances, Juan creating artwork, his brother, guitarist Kenny Gabe, booking and organizing tours and promoting ROOM online, and Elsbree helping out wherever he can. Smith tops it off with a wider PR network, reaching more people than Comadre have previously. Jack says, “The thing that Justin was excited about was that By Alexander Ortega way. Thus, Comadre has avoided any “loud we’re doing it all by ourselves.” [email protected] wash of cymbals” and superfluous guitar, freeing up sonic volume and space, which After about 10 months of not playing shows has allowed the other instrumental parts to or even their preexisting set, Comadre shape the energy of each song on the album. look to integrate their new songs into their “It’s head room that’s left by not having live set, but without the accompanying “We write until we everything completely full all the time,” says instrumentation. “The whole idea with this Jack. “If everything’s loud, then nothing’s thing was to make a studio album and loud.” The band additionally took the helm have it be just that,” says Jack. “It’s not like feel like we don’t have of a foreign song-arrangement style wherein we’re going to show up with a bunch of their new songs repeat parts—for the first keyboards and an accordion and all that good ideas anymore,” time in their recording history—a more stuff.” Unfortunately, not all the songs will “classic” style of songwriting in “an effort to work in a live set, but Comadre’s vast catalog says Jack Shirley, guitarist of the Bay Area keep things a lot more straightforward and and live energy will surely shine through punk band, Comadre. For a band that has less spastic and stream-of-consciousness,” nonetheless to make for killer shows. As a put out three previous, full-length albums, says Jack. “Summercide,” for example, band that has traveled to Malaysia and had splits with Trainwreck and Glasses, five exhibits garage-like riffs on the keys. The monkeys steal food out of their hands while mixtapes, an EP and a self-titled record second time that riff comes around, the on tour, Comadre’s own hunger for playing out Jan. 8 on Vitriol Records, it’s clear accompanying guitar mutates into a bending abroad has surely grown after nearly a year that they are nowhere near a drought of lead that bolsters the second round of the of starvation. Jack reminisces on the strong creativity. What’s more is that Comadre have chorus with Juan screaming lyrics that read, community that Salt Lake/Utah County has underpinned their existence with a tenure of “It was the summer suicide. [T]he sun was shown the band, who aim to return sometime DIY ethics, having self-released all of their sinking into our moonlight.” around June. Though Juan and Steven’s releases up until this one on bassist—and touring schedules now have to work around Jack’s brother—Steven Shirley’s label, Although Comadre are transferring from their teaching day jobs and Jack’s recording Bloodtown Records. Considering all of Bloodtown to Vitriol, their DIY spirit still studio is as busy as ever, the dual sets of vocalist Juan Gabe’s passionate screams rings true. “Vitriol is run by a super close brothers and longtime friend Elsbree are throughout the years, the aural textures of friend of ours, Justin [Smith], who we’ve committed to the band just as much as they Comadre certainly demonstrate that the been involved with in some capacity since are to each other. Jack says, “We all are album’s namesake is still “interested in a we’ve been a band,” Jack says. Smith has totally stuck with each other because without raw kind of emotional approach to making played alongside Comadre in his bands one of the five people, the band just doesn’t music,” as Jack puts it. Graf Orlock, Ghostlimb and Dangers, exist anymore.” Having released music in some form or another every year since their inception in 2004 up until about this time in 2011, Comadre wrote their upcoming album with a more calculated approach to song dynamics, which has taken nearly two years to accomplish. “There definitely was a conscious effort to change it up a bit in terms of not being so guitar-heavy and start to sub out some guitars,” says Jack. Indeed, one may notice the addition of keys on the track “King Worm” or trumpet on “Drag Photo: Lev Perry Blood” in places where guitar lines would have normally been in Comadre’s previous oeuvre. Jack attributes their instrumental decision-making to a desire to change things up “texturally.” Jack says, “I’m a big Tom Waits fan, and I listen to so much of that music—I thought it would be cool to make a punk rock record that had a little bit more of that organic, old-school [feel].” The band also afforded themselves these instrumental moves largely in part by not recording Wes Elsbree’s drumming with any type of cymbal strike besides that of a hi-hat in the large, open space of Jack’s neighbor’s antique restoration business; Jack, (who has recorded all of Comadre’s albums), added in cymbals to the cuts retroactively, in a purely accentual Two sets of brothers and a longtime, close friend spurred the cogent and fluid songwriting on the new self-titled album from Comadre. 34 SaltLakeUnderGround slugmag.com 35 The narco band BuKnas de Culiacan wear masks and decorated bulletproof vests as costumes for 2 their national tour. Photo: Shaul Schwarz

Edgar Quintero, frontman for the BuKnas de Culiacan, sings narcocorridos to a packed 3 house with a bazooka strapped to his back. Photo: Shaul Schwarz

“Out of poverty, danceable polka rhythms, the vocalists of these and Richi Olguin, a crime scene investigator commission corridos from Quintero like a … he doesn’t want to sing about Pancho culture side to the drug war is key. “I knew groups sing lyrics glorifying the violent lives who has lived his entire life in Juarez. The royal minstrel. He also allowed Schwarz Villa. This is how he finds his Mexicanhood.” that in the end, I wanted a story that was poetry; out of and conquests of Mexican drug lords, such as film swings back and forth between Olguin to accompany him on a trip to Sinaloa, the Narcocorridos tell the story of the heroes, driven by characters and a story that feels … 1 these lines by BuKnas de Culiacan in their cleaning up the aftermath of gruesome cartel home base of the world’s largest and most the winners, the people with power—and almost fictional. A story that, through people suffering, song.” popular hit, “Los Sanguinarios del M1”: “With executions, and Quintero singing praise of powerful drug trafficking organization— in Mexico, there is no one more successful and through feelings, you get the bigger an AK-47 and a bazooka on my shoulder/ the bad guys to sold-out crowds on tour in the the Sinaloan Cartel run by “El Chapo” than the lords of the drug cartels. Though the picture,” he says. This old Mexican saying, pulled from the Cross my path and I’ll chop your head off/ U.S. Schwarz initially met both men while on Guzman, the most wanted man in Mexico. most shocking footage was shot at the crime Borderlands/La Frontera Gloria book by We’re bloodthirsty, crazy and we like to kill!/ his photo assignment. Olguin was entrusted “Initially, we didn’t even think we’d get that scenes in Juarez, the most dangerous moments So what is the solution? Schwarz says there Anzaldúa , has proven its merit throughout We are the best at kidnapping/Our gang by his department to guide Schwarz through deep through the song side,” says Schwarz. for Schwarz and Bertrán were in Sinaloa. is no simple fix. Narco Cultura’s reoccurring history—from the soulful hymns sung in tobacco always travels in a caravan/With bulletproof the crime scenes and in the film, he becomes “We were like, ‘All right, we’re gonna see Schwarz tells me that while filming at a private question is “Will this change?” but its filmmaker fields by African slaves, to the tortured punk vests, ready to execute!” an unfortunate representation of the failing some heavy shit in Juarez.’ A lot of the actual narco party, they got an unsettling feeling isn’t optimistic—his goal is simply to create rock anthems belted onstage by contemporary system. “These guys work so hard, but it’s rubbing with the bad guys came through the and decided to leave. Speeding away, they awareness. “I’m a journalist at heart: The less musicians. World-renowned photojournalist Much like their watered-down cousin, gangsta all for show, because everyone in Juarez access of BuKnas, of Edgar.” were unexpectedly stopped by federal cops. I say, the less you know,” says Schwarz. “It’s Shaul Schwarz and filmmaker came rap, narcocorridos have infiltrated the club knows that nothing gets done about this,” They had no choice but to tell the truth about so big and powerful, this monster. Maybe [the across this cultural connection in one of the scenes and even the radio waves from coast says Schwarz. At the same time, Olguin’s love Though the lives of Olguin and Quintero are being at a narco party. The cops let them film] will put in the tiniest dent.” most controversial yet underground conflicts to coast and border to border. Sometimes for Juarez and his dedication to a thankless starkly different, they run parallel to each go, and when Schwarz recounted the story currently marring our continent: the drug commissioned by the cartel members they’re and dangerous job also make him a small other, and their juxtaposition is a product of to the narcos, they laughed and told him the For his first time at Sundance, Schwarz hopes Sundance war. Schwarz makes his debut this about, the corridos idolize the violent and beacon of hope. “He’s a believer … That’s Schwarz’s vision as a filmmaker. “People tend cops are there at every party, serving as a the film’s screenings will gain excitement for Narco Cultura January with , a unique and extravagant lifestyles of narcos and cater to what the film wanted to show,” says Schwarz. to simplify and say it’s just the criminals killing checkpoint to protect them. “I was like, OK, I the project, providing venues for distribution. engrossing film documenting the plague of a fast-growing fanbase that includes everyone Olguin leads the audience through some of each other, and it’s not. Beyond that, they don’t even know who I’m afraid of anymore,” “People tend to look at this subject and say, ‘I cartel-related murders that infect the border from Mexican-American cowboys in North the most graphic portions of the film—bloody kill a lot of other people, and beyond that, says Schwarz. don’t want to deal with this,’” he says. “I think city of Juarez, Mexico, and the subculture that Carolina to the narcos themselves. Schwarz scenes of death and violence—with somber everybody and everything is kind of dancing that [Narco Cultura] is really different, and I has sprouted from the bloodbath, making its came across this phenomenon on a photo and introspective voice-overs that provide a around this monster,” says Schwarz. “I thought Schwarz often worked with the help of local hope that’s what we can portray, that this film way onto U.S. stages and airwaves. assignment for Time Magazine that focused narrative throughout the film, setting it apart that was something that was a completely journalists, through which he came across is important and strong and documentary, but on the narcocorrido culture specifically, but from the usual talking-heads documentary. different take, to show this bigger picture. footage shot by another photographer, who it’s also entertaining.” Born in Israel, Schwarz has spent two decades soon realized that photos wouldn’t suffice. “You always go out with a prayer on your lips, It’s something that a lot of us are involved in contributes one of the most powerful scenes in as a photojournalist, covering war and disaster “Sometimes photography is the most powerful you don’t know when things will happen,” and that creates culture and is all part of that the film. After her son is found chopped up in Watch the trailer, read Schwarz’s Time National in places like Haiti and Gaza for , tool in the world,” says Schwarz. “ … But when says Olguin at one point in the film. same cycle.” The irony prevails from the very 16 different pieces, a woman is seen banging coverage and look through a Geographic Newsweek The New York Times , , you do this for 20 years as I’ve been doing, opening shot of the giant fence separating a newspaper against a table, screaming and gallery of his provocative images Magazine and more. In early 2008, Schwarz you understand, sometimes, that’s not true. Quintero didn’t become a character in Narco Juarez, one of the murder capitals of the crying over and over in Spanish, “Nobody at narcoculture.com. Schwarz will found himself on a still photography assignment Sometimes … [a] picture isn’t really telling the Cultura until almost a year after the project world, from El Paso, Texas, ranked one of the shouts! Why do all the mothers stay silent?!” be present for a Q&A at four of that lasted almost two years, covering the full story.” Already an experienced filmmaker, began. Schwarz met the singer when BuKnas safest cities in the United States. A little boy Schwarz remembers the moment he saw this 4 the film’s screenings: increase in violence and murders across the shooting shorts for various publications and a played a club in Riverside, Calif., but initially sticks his fingers through the wire and looks clip, tearing up as Bertrán fell to his knees, border due to conflicts between Mexican feature-length documentary, The Block, back in followed El Komander, another popular across to the other side, saying, “They say that and knowing it needed to be included in the drug cartels. Schwarz describes Juarez as 2005, Schwarz’s transition was seamless as narcocorrido singer, whom Schwarz hoped it’s safe on the other side. That people don’t film. “It had such a strong impact on me and I Jan. 21, 8:30 p.m., Library Center Theatre, a haunting city with a different set of rules he began to film for Time before deciding to would open more doors through his fame and kill over there. But the narcos are over here.” knew why: Nobody talks in Juarez—nobody Park City than war zones like Iraq or Afghanistan. “The make Narco Cultura a feature in early 2010. connections. “It took me a little bit of time to It’s in this liminal space that narco culture has lets this out. That’s what’s so frustrating. It’s Jan. 23, 11:45 a.m., MARC, Park City bodies would just drop and drop,” he says. For the next two years, Schwarz retraced his see that Quintero was my guy, both because rooted and branched out. all there, but it’s all this thing under the table Jan. 24, 9:15 p.m., Broadway Theatre, SLC “You never see where the bad guys are, you steps with a Canon 5D, Spanish sound man he was willing to open up, and I thought and nobody would dare speak,” he says. Jan. 25, 9:00 a.m., Temple Theatre, Park City just see the pain it leaves and the shock on the Juan Bertrán, and a new focus: characters. that his story of not being the star and being “When I saw this culture at first, I was kind “I think this woman, in her crazy grief, she Jan. 26, 3:30 p.m., Redstone Cinema 1, society.” The never-ending conflict (which has the American-born Mexican was way more of angry. I couldn’t understand it, but as I really actually nailed the words. She says Park City claimed nearly 100,000 lives), has led to the Narco Cultura zeroes in on two seemingly interesting to me,” says Schwarz. Quintero spent time there, although I don’t see eye to all of what you want to scream about that rise of a pustule of pop culture: narcocorridos, divergent perspectives: That of Edgar ended up being an invaluable key to eye with it, I understood where it was coming place.” The intensity of this moment would The Sundance Film Festival runs from Jan. 17- or drug ballads. Backed by a band comprised Quintero, the LA-based, Mexican-American coverage, providing Schwarz with access to from,” says Schwarz. “It’s a way for people go unnoticed without Schwarz’s buildup, 27. Go to sundance.org for details. of tubas, trumpets and accordions playing narcocorrido singer of BuKnas de Culiacan; phone calls with cartel members who would to relate. To them, it’s culture. To Quintero however, and he says that including the PHOTO FEATURE

By Andy Wright andywrightphoto.com Dylan Thompson – Backside Nosepress Alf’s Restaurant , Alta And that’s why I’m not a betting man. Have these taken that wager.I would have most certainly would cave in and finally allow snowboarding, black president before Alta we’d have a two-term and in a few states, gay people could marry years ago that weed would be completely legal on its slopes. If anyone would have bet me 25 the fact that Alta still won’t allow snowboarders I can’t believe it’s 2013 and I’m writing about pissed off. anymore. We are coming for you, and we won’t away our dollars be able to afford turn little selves? It’s just a matter of time before you women that you wish to hoard for your greedy precious powder? Or is it your Lycra-panted scared of snowboarders scraping away your c’mon you elitist skier fascists, are really so people not heard of Shaun White ?!? I mean,

38 SaltLakeUnderGround slugmag.com 39 Digging f o r Gold p Dee ckle s Knu Goe ect rosp am P Te

By Shawn Mayer [email protected] Photo: Erik Hoffman Recently, I lost a job (or two or three). After a right here in Utah and created the first sealed Ozzy Henning’s built-in talent few days of depression (or partying), I decided lenses goggles with ventable foam (both features and opportunities through Team it was time to pull myself up by the bootstraps are still used to this day). Long story short, his Prospect will find him at “pro” and secure employment for myself. I fine-tuned product gained momentum, and Smith Optics status in the near future. my resume, ironed my slacks and slid my tie up ultimately became one of the world’s largest and high enough to create a double chin that I was most recognizable eyewear manufacturers in sure would land me that overpaid office job I action sports. had been searching for. Turns out I wasn’t the organization from top to bottom. The riders are only one. Group interviews with bums in cut-off backed by seasoned leaders and a company The company created its first Utah grassroots jean shorts, conference calls with a dozen other dedicated to life-long relationships, offering program back in 2001. Garret Rose, the “qualified” applicants—this was becoming rider input and a larger-than-most advertising/ Rockies Territory sales manager, began to too much. After being offered minimum wage marketing budget for its riders, regardless of their “flow” Hayden Price, a local skier, with for over 15 years of experience, I was done status. Like the current job market, it’s hard to land product to help him enhance his skills while looking for that managerial ski shop position. yourself on the radar without the right amount of pursuing a professional career. Over the next Thanks to a nationwide unemployment rate of exposure and connections. This is the difference few seasons, Smith’s grassroots program grew 7.9 percent, I was competing with every kind with Team Prospect: The goal is to assemble exponentially, and the brand realized that of applicant: the up-and-comers, the has-beens the most talented riders and provide them with the free goodies were helping expand their and the never-weres. I didn’t stand a chance. the opportunity of exposure and advancement. exposure. Due to its success, a team manager If only I could have made it as a professional Though, ultimately, it’s up to the athlete to decide was brought in to oversee and organize a snowboarder, I’d be jet-setting the globe with his or her own fate. The objective is to “… Make team of “potential” talent for the pro team my long hair, tight leather outfit, and fighting the great shredders better,” says Team Prospect manager to farm from. Tidwell, who grew up off groupies instead of the repo. If only I’d had Team Manager Jeremy Tidwell. snowboarding in Utah and has worked in the somebody to guide me in my ways, instead of industry for countless years, was put in charge making poor decisions, choosing bar tabs over In order to understand how this branding tool of the team two years ago. hot laps. If only there was a company or team was created, we need to take a quick look into dedicated to offering hope and optimism. If the history of the company. Smith Optics was In 2010, Smith began a marketing initiative only I had Team Prospect. created in 1965 before snowboarding was called “Prospecting Idaho”: a social media even a glimmer in Jake Carpenter’s eye (or web series that showcased the sponsored Team Prospect is Smith Optics’ and Spacecraft whomever is getting credited as the pioneer athletes riding and developing product at the Collective’s Intermountain, regional grassroots, these days), in nearby Sun Valley, Idaho. Smith’s Headquarters in Ketchum, Idaho. Team ski and snowboard team. Being a part of this When not practicing dentistry (orthodontics in Prospect was a direct result of the success of experience offers local athletes the opportunity particular), Bob Smith, a ski buff and skilled this marketing two years later. “For years, the to fast-track advancement through their five-tier handyman, began to create ski goggles that he program was just casually called the Smith sponsorship program. What sets Team Prospect would trade in exchange for daily lift tickets. Grassroots Team. We wanted to bring a new apart from other flow sponsorships is the Soon after, Smith struck up a manufacturing deal feel to things, give ourselves a name and at 40 SaltLakeUnderGround slugmag.com 41 the same time, tie into the marketing initiatives of Smith Optics [Prospecting Idaho]. So, we came up with Team Prospect as kind of a play on words and our team name,” says Tidwell. Spacecraft jumped on board to help increase the team’s budget and provide additional support while expanding their own brand image. Now with its own webpage full of videos showcasing the team’s talents and endeavors, Team Prospect is bringing about a change in how flow teams are managed.

“Having athletes who realize that being a part of this team is a huge opportunity that can be used to jumpstart a professional career in winter action sports—that’s what we are going for. For the right people, at the right time, this program should be nothing but a hit.” The way Team Prospect is structured differs immensely from other companies’ flow teams. Long gone are the days when flow implies “homie hookup.” Due to the increasing numbers in participants every year, the brand decided it was time to shy away from handouts and concentrate on opportunity. Through Tidwell and Snowboard Promotions Manager Nate Farrell (who was once a Grassroots member back in Vermont), participants have Photo: Thomas Haraden years of industry insight. Activities are organized before, during This season’s Team Prospect got an early start with some team building and and after the season to create familiarity between riders and bonding before the snow hit the ground. managers, and hopefully create bonds in order to progress and push each other. The communication between the two managers creates a seamless transition from one tier of sponsorship to the next for the riders. “I couldn’t be happier knowing that there is someone spearheading the program with such passion. Jeremy has really put his heart into this team,” says Farrell.

In the last few years, the team has produced a ton of talent. After being a part of the team for just one season, two riders quickly advanced from flow to factory status, thanks to Team Prospect. On the women’s side, Stephanie Sue Feld displayed plenty of freestyle ability to promote herself to the factory team (amateur in layman’s terms). “The team was an awesome opportunity to meet some rad riders and expose [myself]. I expected a well put-together program with a supportive crew, and that’s what [I] got: life-long friends and a way to advance to the next level,” she says.

Local rider Ozzy Henning also caught Farrell’s eye with his rail skills and love of snowboarding. He was quickly brought up and will certainly be on the verge of pro status shortly. This year, with 45 riders on the team, Tidwell can see the future growing before his eyes. “Maybel Harris gets me really hyped. She is the youngest athlete on our team. The girl is better and meaner than most boys her age at 11, and rides tram laps at Snowbird faster than many full-time shredding adults. I have no doubt that she will be turning heads on her shred stick for many years to come,” he says. “John Rodosky is a young buck from Jackson Hole who has basically ‘willed’ his way into the invite-only graces of the 2013 Freeride World Tour. Also, watch out for Alex Gavic, Alex Lockwood and Treyson Allen. These dudes have proven early to be more motivated to grab this opportunity and run away with it than most.”

Coming into this season, Team Prospect plans on enabling local talent to concentrate on getting to that next level. Tidwell shared with me that he plans on not only offering his knowledge, but also organizing more events, like gathering the team for the upcoming SLUG Games. Farrell hopes to “… Get a bunch of rippers stoked. Hopefully, once the season is over, a few team members will have risen to the top and can make the jump to factory status.” Me, I hope to get some more riders educated on these types of teams and programs so I have fewer “experienced” applicants cutting me in the food stamps line.

For more information on Team Prospect or to be considered for next year’s team, visit them on Facebook at facebook.com/ Orton Photo: Tyler teamprospect. You can also find Prospecting Idaho’s webisodes on John Rodosky is another promising athlete on Team smithoptics.com/prospectingidaho. Prospect from Jackson Hole, Wyo.

42 SaltLakeUnderGround slugmag.com 43 PHOTO FEATURE

By Weston Colton westoncolton.com Mike Murdock – Varial Flip – Salt Lake City, Utah exhausting hour of trying the exhausting hour of trying planned trick, you decide to move on and try something move on and try photo––that doesn’t always work. else. Sometimes you strike about going out with a real tight plan to get a

Sometimes, after an What I said before plan. Mike Murdock struck one-upped himself and made gold at this barely skateable this varial flip just before the pop shove-it to the street, he bump. After landing a huge something better than the gold and end up with cops showed up.

44 SaltLakeUnderGround slugmag.com 45 Building Boards After Dark

By Billy Ditzig [email protected] Photo: Jake Vivori

Mark Judd spends about 30 hours a week, in addition to his full-time job, working on After Dark Skateboards.

After Dark Skateboards is a new, thriving project interested in it I was. I got the opportunity to work The quality and locality of the boards sparked in the Salt Lake City community. Owner, creator in the veneer room at my day job, so I was able interest from local skate crew Sk801, who has and visionary Mark Judd brings his fine-tuned to start holding on to the scraps a little better,” commissioned Judd to make boards for them. woodworking expertise from the cabinetry indus- says Judd. His employer had a surplus of wood “Doing the Sk801 boards has really helped me try to his passion for skateboarding, making some due to some changes in specifications, so Judd to see that there is potential to push it. I’ve always of the highest-quality handmade skateboards in was able to buy the rest of what they had. Mean- kept it low key, but Jason [Gianchetta, Sk801 America. Between a full-time job and a family, while, he was still building his press. The mold of owner] is definitely not that type of person. He’s Judd spends around 30 hours every week in his the press was built from slats of 1”x10” wood cut been out there pushing it and selling boards, wood shop. On an almost daily basis, you will in various shapes and stuck together, then sanded bringing me some cash flow and giving me the find him slaving away at his craft, making sure smooth. The press was originally made of wood ability to spend some cash on the shop––get every After Dark skateboard is pressed, shaped, clamps, but Judd knew that to get the quality he more tools, and get shit rolling,” says Judd. printed and packaged to meet his personal stan- wanted, he would have to contract his brother-in- dard. Every step is done by hand to provide the law to weld him a steel hydraulic press. For the future, he plans to continue working on lightest—and possibly the strongest—skateboard I the process and the quality of the boards while have ever skated. I wanted to find out what made Building a skateboard out of scrap wood might growing his brand: “I want––hopefully and these skateboards so great, so I went down to the sound kind of sketchy, but the veneer scraps eventually––to get a team together and start mak- A.D. factory to learn, firsthand, what it takes to from the cabinets are the perfect size for making videos. I’d also like to serve other people make AA grade wood. ing skateboards. Judd’s employer uses only the [who get] boards made through a custom board highest specification AA grade wood—only market: bars, skate shops, people who just want A.D. spawned from a skate crew of homies when one out of 100 trees cut down meet it. These to get boards made to start up a company. As a Judd was a kid during the “Dirty Hessian” era. 1 square-foot pieces of wood, either 1/16” or manufacturer, there are so many options to pick The crew was Judd, Casey McBride, Brody 1/24” in thickness, get staggered and glued to- up different distributors or accounts,” says Judd. McBride, Derek Merkly and Caleb Orton, gether, varying the grain directions to help im- Within the next five years, Judd plans to be self- who actually helps Judd a few times a month. prove the strength. Judd speculates most board employed with his budding business. These homies are super important to his direction: companies may use an AA grade top and bot- Judd says, “Once I started making skateboards, tom sheet, but he is inclined to think that these Judd would like to thank a bunch of people for it just seemed like the right logo, and the right foreign-made boards have lower grade cores helping him get to where he is today: Jason, Ca- name, so I talked to my homies and made sure to save a couple dollars. These cores are not leb, Rob, Sam, the whole A.D. crew, his job, his they were all cool with it, and went with that.” visible to the eye, but the lower-grade wood dad for helping him get stuff started, and his wife That was in 2010. For the first year, Judd was creates weaknesses throughout the board. for giving him the time away from home to get doing work out of the basement of his grand- his dreams going. After Dark Skateboards can be mother’s house before moving into the current After the board has sat in the 2-ton press for purchased from Hardcore Tattoo and Skate or any A.D. factory just off of Wright Brothers Drive in an hour, Judd pulls the board out and uses a of your local Sk801 retailers like Annex, BC Surf Salt Lake City. He was building up a stock of template to draw the shape of the board. He and Sport, Blindside, Milo, Salty Peaks or Raunch. maple scraps that some guys from work were then uses a combination of saws and routers to If you’re interested in custom boards for your busi- saving for him. “It’s kind of cool the way shit shape the board. Once this is done, Judd stains ness or occasion, hit up Mark Judd on Facebook worked out ’cause when I started using scraps, I the board to give it a natural look and screen- with any requests or ideas. started realizing how cool veneer was and how prints his graphic on.

46 SaltLakeUnderGround slugmag.com 47 Aaron Schwendiman uses a bevel cutter to get a rounded edge around the newly cut cruiser board. Millworks Skateboard MFG. Millworks is stocked with boards ready for new, unique projects. Out of the Trash, Into the Streets Since the saw only leaves a square edge, he needs a router to clean it up. A router is like a combination drill and saw—it spins like a drill, but will pull off large amounts of material similar to a saw, leaving a nice,

By Billy Ditzig [email protected] Photos: Jake Vivori rounded edge. This is the most dangerous step because of how much material gets ripped Aaron away. Make sure you put on safety glasses Schwendiman’s before you play with one of these bad boys— finished work. you don’t want to shoot your eye out.

After this step, I was starting to get excited. My old board was starting to look like new again, and we weren’t even done yet. He pulls out the sander and starts gradually making my trippy Kool-Aid man graphic vanish away. My excitement quickly turns to panic. I was so hyped on this deck, and the memories that live within it. I want to keep the print that blasted Lizard King on the tail. Schwendiman has no problem with my request—I guess he loves this city, too. He sands off half the graphic to create a mellow fade of the natural wood, and keeps the Aaron Schwendiman in his Millworks workshop. Lizard King blast on the tail. The whole project is finished off with a Millworks “X” logo and a There is something magical about taking what Every board takes three to four hours of time clear coat to stop any moisture from seeping in. some people consider garbage—something from start to finish to recreate. The first and most used, abused, shredded and thrashed—and crucial step of the whole process is getting a These boards are made from older, banged- recycling it to give it new life. This is especially straight line all the way down the middle of the up boards, making them very sustainable. magical when that garbage needing to be deck so the stencil lines up correctly and creates From my experience, I haven’t seen much recycled is your old skateboard. a balanced product. Millworks boards have a increased risk to the integrity of these boards. simple, streamlined, clean look. This first step Schwendiman takes the time to glue and Millworks Skateboard Manufacturing, or in helps ensure every board stays that way. clamp any delaminations he can find, and more appropriate terms, re-manufacturing, is a doesn’t use cracked boards, which makes small venture started about a year ago out of the Next, Schwendiman lays out the stencil on my every Millworks board skateable. Millcreek garage of Aaron Schwendiman. board and outlines it with a Sharpie. It is a sweet Schwendiman has forever been a skateboarder shape: The tail has some small notches cut out, Millworks has three different shapes you can in the Salt Lake valley, and has always found but still remains intact so I can pop up a curb if choose from when picking out your recycled inspiration from skateboarding. “It started from need be, and the nose comes to a sharp point, cruiser, or Schwendiman can hook you up with just a stack of old decks,” Schwendiman says. so I can be more aerodynamic when bombing something custom like the Summer of Death: “Every skateboarder has a pile of old decks—I around campus. Because every board has its Roughside trophies. They were a huge hit, and just wanted to make them skate-able again.” own, unique characteristics, depending on its size one of his biggest successes with Millworks, It isn’t just Schwendiman’s boards anymore, and condition, Schwendiman has three different says Schwendiman, while giving thanks to though. He has teamed up with his friends and shapes to work with in different sizes, always SLUG. “I also want to thank BC, Blindside, Milo, local shops like BC Surf and Sport, Blindside using as much of the board as possible. Caleb Flowers, Dickfoot Crew and my and Milo to keep material coming in. “This is wife, Jen, for letting me spend so much time in something anyone can do in their own garage After the shape is drawn out on the board, the garage,” he says. with just a few tools,” Schwendiman says, but it is time to cut it out. Schwendiman uses I know that’s not accurate. I don’t think just a handheld scroll saw and a customized If you would like to help support the project, “anyone” could do what he does. The man has it sawhorse for this. The sawhorse is built so that you can purchase a reclaimed cruiser from down to a science, and a meticulous one at that. the skateboard will fasten firmly to it, so he Millworks instead of buying a new one. I bought this Deathwish Lizard King pro model doesn’t need to hold the board with his hands Millworks can be found at millworks.ws or just a little while after I moved to Salt Lake in while he cuts. Using the scroll saw, he slowly followed on Facebook at facebook.com/ 2007. I met Lizard at Fairmont and wanted to cuts along the line that he drew only a millworks.boardmFg or Instagram @millworks_ support the cause. That was the best summer couple minutes before, until the new slc. Remember, once you’re finished with your ever, so I never got rid of the deck, and brought it shape is revealed. board, don’t throw it away––give it to your with me to Millworks for Schwendiman to restore. local shop or homie for recycling.

48 SaltLakeUnderGround slugmag.com 49 Aurorae is the learning-curve factor: Someone new to yoga will likely need a lot of adjustments from their instructor, and “Synergy” Yoga Mat-Towel Combination the points at which I thought my hands and feet would auoraeyoga.com be for my downward-facing dog and plank are always moving, and so the places where I’ve applied non-sweat moisture were wasted at times. This is just a minor tic that I’m being able to foresee more, now, and for me, it’s helping me hone my positioning nonetheless. Also, the eco-friendly 5mm PER mat is really comfy, so when you’re going through the motions of Shavasana, it’s like you’re wrapped in a warm towel. Lying in fabric that has sucked in your sweat is definitely preferable to lying in puddles of it—trust me. These puppies are on sale on Amazon for just $59.95, so stop sliding and stay grounded. –Alexander Ortega

Plantronics BackBeat GO Wireless Earbuds plantronics.com In theory, these “wireless” headphones are cool. Everything else is wireless, so why shouldn’t your headphones be? I had a great time with these the first time I wore them while I was sitting perfectly still at a desk typing away. The second I tried to use them while I was moving, they turned into something beyond annoying. The wire that runs from earbud to earbud rests on your neck. While walking or attempting to look around, the wire moves and about 90% of the time, catches your collar and rips from your ear. It was one thing to deal with while walking, but the second or third time it happened while riding a bike, I wanted to leave them in the road. While the options available include two film-poster designs from sound quality is leagues ahead of any earbud Skullcandy Episode IV and VI, and four character creations including makes, nothing makes up for the annoying self-removal C-3PO, Chewbacca, Darth Vader and the bravest little feature. Not everything nowadays has to be plugged in droid in the galaxy, R2D2. While we’d love to tell you and charged, but I draw the line at headphones. Whatever it has the high standards of other PowerA creations ... happened to plug and play? –Jemie Sprankle it doesn’t. Product-wise, it’s like any other $10 hardshell case you can buy at a mall kiosk with the same risks for popping and breaking. But let’s be honest, you’re not Point6 purchasing this case for phone protection––you’re buying The Compression Sock it because you’re a Star Wars fan and you want R2D2 in point6.com your pocket! That’s exactly what this was created for and These Point6 socks are the bee’s knees. The compression nothing else. The box it comes in even says “Collector sock is perfect for everyone. Whether you’re riding six Case,” and in no way tries to say it will protect your hours a day, six days a week or standing on your feet iPhone. If you prefer style over substance, this case is for eight hours a day slaving away for the Man, these socks you. If you want your phone to survive beyond a couple will rejuvenate those tired old calves. These compression months, look for gel or silicone. –Gavin Sheehan socks are everything that they should be: They fit tight and are comfortable to wear—not often easy when it comes RAMP to compression. Compression socks are there to push the Bamboo RAMP Ski Poles tired, oxygen-deprived blood from the calves and circulate new oxygen-rich blood to the area for faster and more rampsports.com effective recovery. At just under 40 bucks a pair, these are Utah’s RAMP Sports teamed up with another locally owned undeniable. They won’t make you run or ride faster, but company, Soul Poles, to release the Bamboo RAMP Pole. they will help you recover faster from running and riding Like RAMP’s skis, these poles are handmade in Park harder. Remember, kids: Recovery is half the battle. When City and boast a retro style, durable design and both I looked online to buy a couple pairs for myself, they were companies’ commitment to provide sustainable consumer As a newcomer to yoga over the last few months, there’s all sold out. That, there, speaks for itself. –Jemie Sprankle products. I was anxious to give these poles a good test on one consistent thing that I notice about my own practice the mountain and took them with me on my first day up to more so than anybody else’s: I fucking sweat A LOT. My Brighton. I’m 5’7” and was a little nervous about rocking PowerA the 48-inch poles, thinking they might be a little tall for me. first mat was of standard, rubbery fare, and when my Star Wars R2D2 iPhone Collector Case hands met my perspiration, it was a slippery time. The However, once I planted those pole baskets in the fresh Aurorae mat, however, consists of a towel-like fabric that powera.com pow, I instantly knew the 48-inch-ers were the perfect size prevents slippage—in fact, the instructions for the mat Much to the chagrin of geeks across the globe, Star for my lanky arms. These bamboo poles are a little heavier suggest that you wet the areas where your palms and Wars is everywhere and on everything to the point of than the carbon ones I usually use, but adapting was not and feet will be in your downward-facing dog position. embarrassment, which probably won’t let up with Disney a problem. The only drawback to these bamboo beauties This, in turn, affords friction at those points to ensure zero now owning the franchise. But one of the last Lucas- is that the lacquer does seem to slowly wear off. No slip-slopping around, which allows my body and mind to controlled ventures included working with gaming product worries—I’ll keep sporting these RAMP Bamboo Poles even stay present in what I’m doing. The one oversight that their designer PowerA to create a series of six iPhone hardshell if they aren’t shiny and polished. –AHB creators seem to have had on this particular front, though, cases for the Apple-savvy fan. Built for the 4/4S series, 50 SaltLakeUnderGround slugmag.com 51 By Mariah Mann Mellus [email protected]

January is like rehab for the holidays. If you’re anything like me, you’re still reel- Perkins Illustration: Ryan ing from the physical and mental hangover of the holiday festivus, and this is Down Here, It’s Our Time—It’s my music off for a moment to enjoy the when I begin to consider a self-imposed Our Time, Down Here apocalyptic silence. This is some peo- social hibernation. Drinking beer in By Esther Meroño ple’s nightmare––finding themselves my pajamas while watching Netflix, completely alone––but it’s my solace. wrapped in a furry blanket sounds pretty [email protected] nice! Luckily, the Salt Lake Gallery Stroll A cloud of warm air forces its way I take my hands off the handlebars meets my very strict, three-point criteria through the loose loops of yarn on the and let the frame veer into the middle for leaving the house: A. I can wear crocheted scarf covering my mouth as of the road, balancing over the yellow wool socks to the event, B. Ample park- Scotty Soltronic’s I pull my bike out of the shed. What double lines. Closing my eyes for a ing, and, most importantly, C. I would “Steve Austin” is made from doesn’t make it past my mom’s nee- moment, I let the metronomic pops of not be able to forgive myself for missing repurposed materials such an amazing event, especially after a bent spoke card lull me into medita- welded together. dlework fills in pockets of moist heat I see all the Instagram, Twitter and Face- around my face, providing a comfort- tion until the faraway sound of a siren book posts. The last one gets me every Granato’s paintings have a poetic feel, ing sensation in contrast to the dry forces my lids apart. I move back into time! Here’s a teaser of what you’ll miss so it’s no surprise that he likens his freeze that’s stinging my uncovered the lane and stuff my earbuds under the if you don’t snap up your adult onesie process to developing a riddle. “I start beanie––it’s time to race. and head out for the stroll. with the answer and work backwards. I eyes. I’m wearing enough layers to begin with the final product then figure regret the extra hoodie after the first There’s only one band I’ll trust to bring out how to make it happen,” he says. hill, but if I’d tensed from a single with me on these solo winter night Using his own drawings, photographs shiver walking out the door, I might’ve and sculpted items, he scans them into rides: This Will Destroy You. Their changed my mind and stayed in. Be- the computer. Once happy with the lengthy, instrumental tracks begin composition, he prints them, paints them sides, the only humans awake at this almost inaudibly soft and build to a with oils and finishes the work off with hour to witness my pit stains and mat- heart-pounding crescendo, leading vintage frames. ted hair are busy with someone’s hand my thoughts from strangling despair to up their skirt in the back of a cab. As Taking the old and forgotten and making liberating hope, and coursing notes of it useful again has been a passion for I secure my shoes into my custom Velo energy into my legs. Tonight, I’m work- Soltronic for as long as he can remem- City straps, I wiggle my toes for what ing out some anger, so I put on the ber, but after returning from Silicon Val- may very well be the last time: No mat- ley, he began looking for ways to marry darkest and latest TWDY album, Tunnel ter how many pairs of socks I stuff my his interests in recycling and technology. Blanket. I smile at the subconscious syn- feet into, I will always end the night Anthony Granato’s “Strike” One of Soltronic’s many endeavors is crhonizing. Perched at the light on 100 Building Man, a festival focused on cre- wincing in pain as they slowly prickle combines drawings and pho- South and 200 West, I ride in circles ating green, artistic, functioning tools for back to life under the covers. It’s prob- tographs in an oil painting as the guitars get louder and the drums a sustainable future. The festival, held ably because I only ride in Vans, but with a vintage frame. at the Jenk Star Ranch in Green River, pick up speed until my eardrums are that’s me: stupid and stubborn. Utah, hosts many workshops and group ready to burst. I spring forward, rip building projects, but also allows time off my scarf and let a primal scream Highly regarded artists Scotty Sol- for relaxation. An example of Soltronic’s I huff my way up and over the North tronic and Anthony Granato will innovation and creative spirit is his Temple bridge heading east, leaving tear from my guts as I fly down into the be warming up our cold, winter night “Solar Saucer.” Made from reclaimed behind the muted lights and mumbling, tunnel, bathing in the stagnant, yellow with solo shows at the Utah Arts Alliance materials, this “flying saucer” is mounted light, pedaling as fast as I can as I go and the Gray Wall Gallery. Brothers blanket-wrapped junkies who walk my on a trailer, runs off 1,000 watts of solar under and up. Reaching the top, I run from another mother, these artists both power, and includes a kick-ass sound neighborhood day and night, and I realized their affection for creating art system. Soltronic and his saucer have move into the crisp, white glow that the light through South Temple, laugh- at a young age. Influenced by their made the rounds from Burning Man to emanates from the heart of the city. ing and crying and laughing some fathers, Soltronic would rifle through elementary schools around the state. His My riding is slow and tense at first– more. I turn around, wait for the music, random metal scraps helping his dad latest show, titled Urban Artifacts, high- –I haven’t been out on the road for a and do it over twice more until my face with his siding business while Granato lights the whimsical and extraordinary credits his dad with his first art lessons creations of regular old junk. good six hours, and the temperature is numb from the cold air on my wet in proportion and realism. Growing up has dropped enough to solidify the cheeks and my chest starts to squeeze in Utah but leaving to make names for Not impressed enough to leave the melting snow into sheets of black ice. my lungs into cloudy gasps. themselves in corporate America—Sol- house yet? What about getting to I’ve decided to forego the helmet to- tronic in Silicon Valley and Granato with meet these artists in person? Gallery I switch over to TWDY’s Young Moun- Lucasfilm—both men found themselves Stroll takes place Jan. 18, from 6 p.m. night. I don’t think the beanie over my tain and make my way back to the drawn to their true passion: creating art until 9 p.m. Come by and see Anthony ears will keep my skull from cracking West Side, letting my breath warm in a place they can always call home. Granato at the Art Alliance at Main against the asphalt if I slide out once Street Gallery located at 127 S. Main up my face with satisfied pants under Since focusing exclusively on his art, I pick up speed—but this night isn’t Street and Scotty Soltronic at the Gray the scarf again. In a few hours, these Granato has had over 24 art shows about safety. It’s not about rules or rep- Wall Gallery located at 663 W. 100 S. streets will fill up with cars and people in cities across the United States, and in the Utah Arts Hub. rimands. has been featured in New York and and bikes, and I’ll have to share the BlueCanvas Magazine. Granato’s natural That should do it—now go out and sup- The wide, empty streets of downtown lane and stop at lights and wave hello. art ability won him the 2012 Utah port local art! But right now, it’s my time. RAWawards Visual Artist of the Year for Salt Lake seem to curve with the Earth his mixed-media paintings. as I wind my way through them. I turn 52 SaltLakeUnderGround slugmag.com 53 Feeding Back: The Lowbrow Reader Conversations with Reader Alternative Guitarists Edited by Jay Ruttenburg from Proto-Punk to Drag City Inc. Street: 05.22.12 Post-Rock Despite our own booming zine scene in David Todd Salt Lake City, I miss the opportunities to Chicago Review Press receive some of the bigger titles found Street: 06.01.12 in bigger cities. The online universe has opened those doors, but, really, I would Before the first page, Feeding Back faces love to grab a physical copy of The On- an uphill battle. The tendency to canonize ion or The Lowbrow Reader anyplace cool and idolize the Gods of Rock Guitar looms along with my copy of SLUG. The Lowbrow large. It has only recently been challenged Reader Reader is a best-of collection featur- in rock history, and these conversations re- ing comedic articles, essays and commen- veal that the style of guitar discussed in this Welcome to Auraxis, where support columns kill tary on society, pop culture, the random volume is largely built in conscious oppo- more soldiers than the enemy. and, especially, the obscure. Jay Rutten- sition to that canonization. Alongside the berg, the mastermind behind this rag, reverence for the holy trinity of Hendrix, that, there just aren’t a whole lot of shares his own thoughts on the likes of Billy Planetside 2 Page and Beck, “alternative” too nearly Madison and other subjects imperative Sony Online Entertainment games like Planetside 2 out there. reads “nonessential.” Todd seems to ac- to the survival of mankind. The Lowbrow Reviewed on: PC (Exclusive) Games have been trying to simulate knowledge this fundamental problem, but Reader Reader is also host to a number of Street: 11.20.12 battlefields for generations, rarely does so by underemphasizing the necessi- other writers spilling their guts on juicy tid- succeeding—Planetside 2 delivers, ty of these conversations (From Proto-Punk The game starts with your character bits such as “A visit with Ol’Dirty Bastard,” to Post-Rock almost sounds like an in-joke-- in a drop pod, falling through the and it’s so much fun. –Matt Brunk by Margeaux Rawson, and one of my that’s a pretty miniscule slice of the musical atmosphere to land on the raging favorites in the book, “Ways of Looking at universe) and assumes the reader knows Pokémon: Black Version 2 Gene Wilder,” by M. Sweeney Law- battlefield below. You hit the ground as much about these obscure musicians as Game Freak/Nintendo less. The Reader Reader offers several beside a friendly tank, raise your the author. I’d like to consider myself an Reviewed on: Nintendo 3DS interesting perspectives and original ideas weapon to scan for nearby enemies assiduous student of music history, and I’m on topics that we may already be familiar Also on: DS/DSi even a guitarist, but I’ve never heard of and the friendly tank runs you over with. This is an illustrated magazine, so Street: 10.07.12 Richard Pinhas, for example. He also with the in-game chat reading, “LOL you can expect some classy material from The theory about growing up is that seems to pick pet favorites (Jason Pierce SORRY.” Welcome to Planetside 2— David Berman. –Ben Trentelman but no Kevin Shields?) in addition to that’s going to happen a lot. Plan- you put away childish things, pay your bills and don’t waste time in more universally regarded guitarists.While etside 2 is a massively multiplayer, Todd’s introductions are helpful, and his The Place of Knowing: your day hunting imaginary mon- free-to-play first-person shooter based prose transcends typical rock-crit-ese, the A Spiritual Autobiogra- around the concept of territorial war- sters. So why is it that once a year, significance of the conservations depends fare. The only notable games close I wake up in a dirty hotel room with wholly on the reader’s interest in the guitar- phy to this level of player-fueled combat a Pikachu-shaped needle hanging ist. The Lee Ranaldo interview is great, Emma Lou Warner Thayne are the PS3-exclusive MAG: Massive from my arm? Being the first true but mostly because I really like Sonic iUniverse “sequel” in Pokémon history, you’d Youth. The notable exceptions are Glenn Street: 01.21.12 Action Game, which only supported Branca, who proves especially articulate think that the life-sucking villain in I love a good love-life, feel-good, pick-me- up to 256 players, and the original about his style and process, and Kim question would be less enticing. Two up kinda read, and, though it starts off Planetside. Three different factions Deal, who is just really charming. A more rather darkly to be characterized like that, years after unleashing the legendary compelling book might have had Todd, fight for control over three different this book fits right in that category. It’s an Pokémon and stopping a troubled in his distinctly strong voice, paraphrase continents, liberating and conquer- autobiography, a snippet of time in Emma youth from destroying the world, these conversations in a series of essays ing bases and outposts with the Lou Warner Thayne’s life, when she was that more fully describes these musicians’ blood and sweat of hundreds of you begin as a new trainer ready to forced to look her humanity and mortality place in the history of alternative rock. document all the cute, furry creatures dead in the eye when she was literally im- players viciously tapping away at –Nate Housley their keyboards. Fans of the Battle- and start anew. Characters from paled through her face by a rod that flew field series will find the basic idea the game’s predecessor have taken off a truck in front of her while driving one A Guru Is Born day. Although it was a near-death experi- familiar: Bases are captured by a roles as gym leaders, researchers and even adventurers you encounter Takeshi Kitano ence for her, rather than simply wallowing, squad of troopers holding an objec- Vertical she spent her difficult recovery reflecting tive until the counter ticks down and while reliving events from the past. Street: 06.05.12 on what this life meant to her, and came Because of the two-year gap, closed- back from the experience ready to live its ownership is transferred. Combat A Guru Is Born follows the fictional jour- off areas from the previous world are the rest of her life to the fullest. I love the takes place with a heavy emphasis ney of Kazuo Takayama as he joins a now available and the landscape perspective, and it’s not horribly tainted on vehicles and frequent accidental religious sect and slowly and somewhat with religious references, and certainly not team-killing, and most players are has shifted quite a bit. If anything haphazardly works his way up to become offensive, so it’s a fine read about facing can be dubbed an improvement, it the order’s guru. The book was originally going to want to pick up a headset something all of us will have to at some is the addition of Pokéstar Studios. published in Japanese back in 1990, and and find an outfit of players to join. point: the prospect of dying. Thayne is the biggest problem this translation has is Choice of faction is mostly aesthetic If your time isn’t adequately filled by over 80 years old, so she’s had time to that, in far too many places, it feels like catching and leveling monsters with learn some things about perspective, hard- preference, except for the New Con- a translation. Aside from that, the story is which to beat other children’s pets to ship and perseverance, and she’s a great glomerate faction—their soundtrack interesting on several levels. Kitano pulls death, you can roll to the studio to writer, so the read is smooth and captivat- music is awful, so good luck playing back the curtain on organized religion, ing. If you’re in the mood for a lift, pick it shoot independent, non-pornograph- revealing the ease with which corruption them for more than an hour without up and stop to remember that life is sweet, ic Pokémon snuff films. This game is takes place and questioning faith from trying to murder your sound card. and to appreciate all the little things, all built to take hold and ruin your life— every possible angle. This is definitely a It’s also a gorgeous game, although the good—without having to live through conversation-sparking book, but, keep in the engine is horribly optimized and you must play it. Stop denying your the suffering that inspired Thayne to write mind, if you’re a devout follower from any it takes a pretty hefty computer to inner child, grow out your pedophile this book. –Ischa B. mustache and join the revolution. corner of religion, this dark satire might run it on full graphics. Aside from not be for you. –Johnny Logan –Thomas Winkley 54 SaltLakeUnderGround slugmag.com 55 Dear Seriously Curious,

Just as 5 percent of our population is born a douchebag (the wife- Illustration: Sean Hennefer beater you described), the same is true for By Mike Riedel head that look like something right cops. Five percent of [email protected] out of a Calgon Soap commercial. cops are going to be The nose is more like wine than beer. complete fucking idiots. Getting a beer-reviewing gig is no Wood from the barrel comes through You bring up the cop’s easy thing––every asshole out there with hints of tangy citrus. The taste education—know that with a tongue can pretty much tell you starts surprisingly fruity with sweet if they like or don’t like a beer. The grape and nectarine. Subtle notes you only have to have only reason I was able to secure this of coriander and clove hit midway a GED to be a cop. column was that I had the foresight through as well. The finish takes on Granted, many people to roofie Tyler Makmell and send a nice fruity tartness that makes the with college degrees him whirling and screaming into Mon- whole package shine, while woody now want to be cops, tana’s underground sex trade––where notes from the barrel help dry out the so it’s pretty difficult to I believe he will do very well. Apart palate. get hired if you have no from being a conniving bastard, I’ve education, but a GED is also been writing about the local beer Overview: Due to the sweet nature the minimum education scene at the Utah Beer Blog for the of Port Wine and the base beer requirement. last seven years. I think I have a pretty (Wasatch White Label), I was expect- good pulse on Utah’s beer culture ing a much sweeter, brazen beer. The population of the and hope you can find some use for What we got was a complex, subtle, USA—and the world, for my reviews. If you are interested in delightful ale, full of complex flavors that matter—has never and drinkability. This a very limited checking out my daily musings, please shown much demand release and will run you about $20 visit me at utahbeer.blogspot.com. For for highly educated the first reviews of 2013 we have two a bottle. Dear Cop, law enforcement (not brand-new offerings and the return of that more or higher education an award-winning classic. So let’s get About a month ago, I was sitting on on with it. makes you a better cop—it the porch of my apartment with my doesn’t). Most federal jobs brother when, across the street, we Sea Legs Baltic Porter require a bachelor’s degree at saw a woman briskly walking away Brewery/Brand: least, but you’re not talking from a shirtless guy, who eventually Uinta Brewing Co. street-working law enforce- pulled her back down the sidewalk ABV: 8.0% ment in many cases. Ask any Serving Style: 750 ml Bottle out of our sight in clear resistance. FBI dude who actually works Description: This manly looking, My first instinct was to run over there the street (uses his handcuffs) would-be ass-kicker has the appear- and see if she needed help, but my what he thinks about his ance of an old, dark Steinway piano brother helped me reevaluate, and I federal co-workers, and he’ll with mahogany tones when held to called 911. tell you that 95 percent of the light. The deep khaki head rose to When two policemen arrived, they them are office sittin’, hemor- the width of two manly fingers before rhoid spoutin’ douchebags. shrinking to one. The nose is just as asked us what you would think— So, you’re stuck with a lot you’d expect from a black beast such what they were wearing, the direc- of educated and uneducated as this with dark roasty malts, dark tion they went, etc. At one point, fruit, caramel, molasses, chocolate and though, after asking me and my delta bravos. licorice. As it hits your tongue, you get brother how the situation appeared, Yes, you ran into some mi- punched with sweet raisins and brown Fifth Element and after my brother had said sugar, followed by chocolate, vanilla sogynistic, immature asshole. Brewery/Brand: Squatters something along the lines of “She and very light smoke midway through Sometimes, a complaint from ABV: 6.7% definitely didn’t want to go with the swallow. Coffee, light char and someone he serves is what’s Serving Style: 750 ml Bottle him,” one cop, who said he was 24 gentle, woody notes are in the finish. needed to get cops to change, Description: I love the way this beer years old, said, “I don’t know, man, It’s not too heavy and has a somewhat or, better yet, to look in the looks! The way the cloudy apricot/ girls are pretty kinky these days.” creamy carbonation. mirror. I have no idea where straw color and foamy cap appear in you live, but I know for sure Overview: This is a smooth, rich, my tulip-shaped stemware makes me For me, this wasn’t a time to joke want to “rent a room.” The nose has about this type of situation. Also, that SLPD and WVPD use silky beer. This well-crafted baltic por- civilian review boards for ter shows great depth and complexity a bit of a barnyard funkiness to it with I imagine that even if this kid is hints of lemon. The taste starts with concurrently enrolled in some sort all police complaints. Other of flavor. It is an exceptional balance agencies might as well. This of sweet, bitter and roasted character– light citrus notes then transitions into of college program, he’s not exactly guy sounds like a perfect can- –a fine example of this style. This looks tart green apples, peach and white taking Women’s Movements 1010 didate for your complaint. like it will be a limited release, so pepper. Next comes a dry oakiness or anything. My question: Is there don’t wait too long or you’ll be a very that complements the tartness well. The any sort of pedagogical directive for finish is a combination a champagne- Cops receive training con- sad beer geek. the general police mentality to be like dryness and bitter florals. stantly about these issues. mindful of women’s rights, feminism, Switch Barrel Aged Ale Hopefully, nobody becomes a Overview: This is a fantastic take etc.? Did that young officer just have Brewery/Brand: cop to degrade women or the on the saison style. The wild/tart bad timing with what he thought Wasatch Brewing Co. weak. Here’s to hoping they characters really make it stand out. would be a quip? To what extent took the job to protect and ABV: 8.8% It’s not a heavy beer by any means–– is the institution of the police, from Serving Style: 750 ml Bottle serve those who truly need it. the carbonation is bright and a little what you can infer, pushing to be Description: Considering this beer prickly on the tongue. Big flavors and has been sitting in oak barrels for progressive about the trials that Have a question for the cop? the oak aging add many interesting 18 months, it pours a brilliantly clear women face? Email [email protected] dimensions to this highly champagne color with two fingers of sought-after beer. –Curious about being serious 56 SaltLakeUnderGround slugmag.com 57 Color Me Obsessed: A slave within the group who knows the a bit thin, such as comparing the rate real. –Jimmy Martin Film About The identities of the sought-after criminals. that Americans lock up their own Finding the notion of slavery unbe- citizens to an attempted genocide Zero Dark Thirty Replacements coming, Dr. Schultz offers Django a of the lower class. While I agree Columbia Pictures What Were We Thinking deal: In exchange for helping him that it’s absurd that in 2009, 1.7 In Theaters: 01.11.13 Films locate the outlaws, Django will be set million individuals were arrested for Kathryn Bigelow returns to the On DVD: 11.20.12 free, given $75 cash, trained in the nonviolent drug charges, comparing director’s seat after her intense war If you’re not that familiar with the art of bounty hunting and the two will the statistics to genocide is a bit far- drama The Hurt Locker won six music of The Replacements, this set out to rescue Django’s wife from fetched. Eventually, the information in Oscars, including Best Picture and two-hour documentary may fly a the clutches of an infamous plantation the film became incredibly repetitive Best Director at the 2010 Academy little over your head with its wealth owner (Leonardo DiCaprio). Not and it felt as if Jarecki was leading Awards. Back in the Middle East for of knowledge, but it is entertaining one to let his fans down, Taran- the audience in circles. The House I her next project, Bigelow focuses nonetheless. Unlike most music docu- tino packs this rustic rendition with Live In was good, but at 110 minutes, her attention on the global manhunt mentaries, which feature interviews over-the-top violence and gallons probably would benefit from some for the world’s most wanted terrorist and music from the band being upon gallons of blood spilled on the additional editing. of all-time, Osama bin Laden. featured, Color Me Obsessed veers ground and splattered across the –Jeanette D. Moses Bigelow opens the film with a blank away from that path. Instead, the walls. He has assembled a proficient screen and the audio from 911 calls entire film consists of interviews from ensemble with a role that was clearly The Impossible made from victims trapped inside fellow musicians and fans heavily developed and written for Waltz and Summit Entertainment the World Trade Center on that influenced by the Minneapolis punk a never-before-seen merciless mani- In Theaters: 01.18 unforgettable morning. She instantly band. Despite the fact that the surviv- festation personified by DiCaprio. You may not recognize Juan sets the tone on the gravity of the ing members of The Replacements Known for his eccentric soundtracks, Antonio Bayona’s name at first crimes committed and the necessity are not actually featured, there are a Tarantino does tend to go overboard glance since he’s only directed one to capture/kill those responsible. bunch of great stories told by those with this selection that mixes a blend feature (The Orphanage) prior to this Fast-forward to 2003 and we are around them during their 12 years of genres that include 1970s folk and release, but after witnessing his tragic introduced to a CIA interrogator as a band. This is a truly fascinating modern-day hip hop that tends to tale of family, loss, courage and the (Jason Clarke) and Maya (Jessica and well done documentary about distract rather than contribute. kindness of strangers, you won’t be Chastain), a fresh-from-the-farm one of the seminal bands in rock n’ –Jimmy Martin able to stop talking about the director recruit recently deployed to the war roll history. But again, if you are a bit from Barcelona. The Impossible is the zone, attempting to acquire informa- of a stranger to The Replacements, it The House I Live In true story of a family spending their tion from a known terrorist affiliate. might help to listen to some of their Abramorama Christmas vacation in Thailand dur- Once again, Bigelow refuses to pull albums beforehand, which will make In Theaters: 01.04 ing the horrific tsunami that occurred her punches as she spotlights the it easier to understand the references Inspired by director Eugene Jar- on Dec. 26, 2004 and the wide- controversial methods used to extract being thrown around. ecki’s relationship with his childhood spread devastation the country en- the desired information as Clarke –Jory Carroll caretaker, Nannie Jeter, The House dured. After the catastrophe shatters repeatedly states, “When you lie to I Live In serves as a great introduction everything in its path, Mary (Naomi me, I hurt you.” Informational trails Django Unchained and overview of America’s 40-year- Watts) and her eldest son, Lucas are followed and dead ends are The Weinstein Company long War on Drugs. Through a series (Tom Holland), find themselves discovered on a regular basis, but In Theaters: 12.25.12 of interviews with law enforcement separated from Henry (Ewan Mc- Maya, unlike her colleagues, refuses For decades, Quentin Tarantino officers, scientists, drug users, drug Gregor) and the two other children. to take her sights off the goal at hand has borrowed themes, tones, charac- dealers, incarcerated individuals and In need of medical attention and with no matter how far off the path she’s ters and other elements from earlier the families of the incarcerated, Jar- his father missing, Lucas is forced to pushed. If you haven’t been living cinematic works and placed them ecki paints a vivid picture explaining take on the role of caretaker for his under a rock for the past year and a directly into his own creations. Some that the violation of drug laws has mother and rely on the benevolence half, you’re well aware of the story’s viewers scoff at this technique, while become a multi-generational problem of the country’s locals. With wars conclusion, but I can guarantee you I, and many others, respect the direc- for poor Americans—especially poor and unspeakable crimes occurring that you’ve never experienced it like tor’s knowledge and appreciation African Americans like Nannie Jeter. every day across the planet, Bayona this. The recreation of the raid on for the art form. The writer/director Along the way, Jarecki explains that reinforces the good nature human bin Laden’s compound is as intensely has emulated Asian sword-wielding historically, every drug law passed beings are capable of when duty heart-pounding as it is unnerving. cinema, World War II Nazi dramas has been tied to race and that many calls. Watts and McGregor offer While Chastain stands toe-to-toe and has now decided to take on small towns across the country have career-defining performances as both with her associates in a workplace classic Westerns with a twist. Set in become financially dependent on protective parents and vulnerable dominated by males to get the job 1858, a dentist by the name of Dr. their prisons and law enforcement victims, but it’s the unknown Holland done in front of the camera, Bigelow King Schultz (Christoph Waltz) agencies. As he carefully stacks the that surfaces with a career-igniting does the same behind the camera, comes across a chain gang of slaves information, it becomes apparent performance that is sure to launch and the result is a commanding lead in the Texas wilderness, but this meet- that Americans jail their population the young actor into the next stage performance led by a brilliant filming was no coincidence. In search of more than any other country because of stardom. The unbelievable visual maker who is sure to receive multiple a trio of criminals known as the Brittle prisons are profitable. Although The effects set the viewer directly in the accolades once again. Brothers, Dr. Schultz, who is actually House I Live In was informative, some chaos, but Bayona takes you by the –Jimmy Martin a skillful bounty hunter, has tracked of the narrative connections Jarecki hand and guides you on a journey down Django (Jamie Foxx), a attempted to make seemed to stretch that’s so astonishing, it has to be 58 SaltLakeUnderGround slugmag.com 59 Aspen Harvey Hunt 08.28.75-01.27.10

Aspen Harvey Hunt was born into this world it was more like dirty country (alt country had not Aspen loved his children, Sean and Aria. He named Richard Harvey Padley Jr., but on account been coined yet), and the very next band practice spent 13 years away from his son, and when of our dad being a total douchebag, he quickly he showed up dressed like fucking Roy Rogers. they were reunited, they were the best of friends. took on the name Harvey after our grandfather, The Dirty Birds went on to make two albums: We all took his death very hard. Time helps, but a kind and gentle man. Not long after that, he Thinglesing and Mama’s Cafe. He left his fellow never really fully heals. The single thing that hurts legally changed his name to Aspen Harvey Hunt musicians with an excellent, unfinished album, me most: No one on this earth is as capable of to honor our other grandfather and the aspen tree, and a slightly narcissistic but equally excellent understanding my dark side, my love of sappy the largest organism on the planet—as big as his screenplay about his life. songs, or my handwriting. We didn’t always see personality. He seemed to change names like he eye to eye, get along or even keep from beating changed girlfriends. He found “the needle” too early in life, which the shit out of each other, but I love you and miss ultimately lead to his untimely death. He never you (we all do). Early in life, Aspen grew wings for art and poetry, really had a chance that way. He really loved the winning numerous contests and developing his finer things in life: beautiful women, steaks, fancy Save a good spot for me in heaven for a long, own style of expression. Aspen had a special, cigarettes and drugs. Aspen poured himself into long time from now, you Dirty Bird! With love from spiritual connection with feathers, which also his art with whatever means possible, even to his your little brother and everybody else who loves poured over into his art. He later fell into his true own demise. They say “no junk, no soul,” and they you, rest in peace, Aspen. strength of music. He began The Dirty Birds may be right. thinking it was a pop/blues band. I informed him –Nate Padley (little bro, big fan)

60 SaltLakeUnderGround slugmag.com 61 Linus Stubbs multiple times reveals layer upon layer Settle Down/Sure many. Like most hip hop albums, there of sheer dissonant majesty. Odium Totus isn’t a whole lot of variety from song Incandescent sets out to prove that even the most pun- Sign of the Nail to song, but it matters little on Lasting Self-Released ishing and immediate black metal can Impressions because every song will get Street: 09.28.12 Split EP be atmospheric, like the ringing in your Self-Released your head nodding. –Chris Proctor Linus Stubbs = Emancipator + ears after repetitive, blunt-force head Bonobo + Blockhead Street: 09.19.12 trauma. Between Dyingnysus’ continu- Settle Down = I Am The Ocean Having heard more of Stubbs’ work with Uniphi ous death rattle and R. Sodomizer’s + Underoath – clean vox collaborators like The Numbs, it could pounding percussive assault, Nullam Sure Sign of the Nail = Teeth of Walk your Road be easy to typecast him as a standard Uniphi Records Congue Nihil mocks the very concept Lions Rule The Divine + Saint hip hop producer, more concerned with Street: 06.08.12 of mercy by its explicit promise of pain. Vitus fat bass and recognizable samples than Uniphi = Phish + UB40 + Jack Listen at your own peril. This split single is a fantastic introduction expressive music. But Incandescent is a Johnson –Henry Glasheen to two of Salt Lake’s finest bands, and different Linus Stubbs than I’ve heard Walk your Road is a straight-up feel- the songs they’ve chosen have a great before. Channeling electronic produc- good jam-a-licious love-fest. The music is emotional contrast. Sure Sign of the Nail riffs. Most of the tunes on the album lean ers like Emancipator, Caribou and Problem Daughter country-reggae, the vocals are executed Accidente Brisk1er The Hung Ups opens with “Flora and Fauna,” a slow, toward the pop-rock style, but there are Kabanjak, Stubbs manages to craft an with an island twist, and the lyrics are Headless This Is The Place 2 6 Songs Self-Titled ambient, tranquil trip with a thick bass some occasional hints of indie flair. One album of songs as cohesive and com- Self-Released a non-stop celebration of life, full of Exigent Records Self-Released Self-Released line, overlaid with beautiful humming of the tracks that stood out was “Brick mitted as anything I’ve heard from the Street: 09.09.12 self-exploration, appreciation and love. Street: 10.19.12 Street: 12.03.12 Street: 11.05.12 guitar and deep vocals that remind me and Mortar,” which caught my ear first legendary Blockhead. The instrumenta- Problem Daughter = Dead to Cheesy much? Only in the best way. Accidente = Acid Tiger + The Brisk1er = Brother Ali x (Jay-Z The Hung Ups = Guttermouth + of some primitive, Gregorian chant, rat- with a heavy organ howling in the back- tion and samples are varied from classic Me + The Flatliners + Uniphi is a great fit for the upbeat CJB- Blood Brothers + Nas) The Vandals + One Man Army tling the deep parts of your chest with its ground, and then again with a nice gui- and dusty-sounding like on “4 Hours Banner Pilot esque mainland reggae crew that has Technically, Utah has a place in the I love everything about punk rock—the dark beauty. Settle Down ups the tempo tar solo near the end. The music scene in Later,” to a little more electronic and evolved here in Utah. Soul-searching World Atlas, but so far, Salt Lake City is anger, the energy, all of it. I hope that on their track, “Zombie Powder: Poking Provo continues to grow and thrive, and clean on the titular track. More than a song titles include “Brother Sister,” not “on the map” when it comes to rap three-piece bands like The Hung Ups the Sick Dog.” It has a groovy pop The Arcadians are just another piece to few of these tracks are going to make “Where I Am” and “People of the Sun.” music. Brisk1er’s second compilation are always around. The songs on this EP bounce that only enhances the intensity the puzzle. No More Nightmares shows it into my ski-mix rotation this year. The latter is my favorite song on the album coalesces meaty funk beats with are so immediate and easy to get into. I of the soaring guitars and thumping the band taking a step forward in a Particular favorites include “Fresh Set of album, with twinkling piano throughout, a wide variety of local rap artists. If he can’t say that there’s any groundbreak- drums. The vocal back-and-forth between promising direction. –Jory Carroll Wings” and “1, 2.” Stubbs just needs giving it a totally uplifting vibe. Great continues to pump out substantial mix ing strokes going on here, but punk rock Dreu Hudson and Alex Johnson some talented emcees to put over some little instrumental quirks abound, so if tapes, the crossroads of the West will has never been about that—it’s about is so organic, so complementary. These of this stuff and we have world-class hip you are into this very friendly genre, this Book on Tape Worm soon be a heavy contender in the nation- stripping everything away until you have dudes are above and beyond the crowd hop in the making. –Rio Connelly album will definitely brighten your day. All the World’s a Stage al underground rap scene. The content something that’s purely yours. The Hung when it comes to finding the flow of their Enjoy! –Ischa B. New Nervous Records a la libretto ranges from growing up in Ups reach the part of me that always music and leaping in head-first with their Street: 10.13.12 such a strange and wonderful place, to wanted to be in a punk band myself, MiNX talented screams. It’s a short ride, but it Book on Tape Worm = Iron & competitive taunting about superior flow and that band probably would’ve been MixTape gets you salivating for bigger releases Wine + Owen and the female figure. After 22 tracks, a shitty version of this. My favorite track Self-Released from these two. -–Megan Kennedy Worst Friends though, I had danced my ass off, but on this EP is “Dante Hicks,” an ode to Street: 08.14.12 Infinite Apology was left wanting when it came to lyrical the lethargic main character in the first MiNX = Karmin + Blondie Exigent Records material. Many songs accuse other Kevin Smith film, Clerks. The whole uMaNg The chameleon-like duo of Ischa Bee Street: 11.11.11 artists of sticking to cliché subject matter record moves fast, and although there’s and Raffi Shahinian are definitely Lasting Impressions These guys have been cranking out BBZ Darney Worst Friends = Fugazi x With an opening track eye-catchingly when in reality, most of the vocalists in not much deviation between tracks, each trying to make an impression on our solid punk rock tunes since 2008, and Street: 09.12.12 Capsule titled “Listen Bitch,” Accidente kick the collection stayed inside the box of gritty pop-punk tune is enjoyable. Catch local music scene. With a staggering 45 this self-titled release proves that punks uMaNg = Jedi Mind Tricks + DJ Having recorded this album as a two- off their most recent endeavor with a popular maxims. If philosophical mes- these boys at one of their many shows free tracks available to download from chunky bass line as frontman Peter sages had been included, the substance around Salt Lake—it’s sure to be a good can still progress. The opening trio Premier + Madlib piece, (pre bassist Elliot Secrist), Mike their website (minxband.com), they are of songs (particularly “Church Bitch”) Cundick and Jarom Bischoff exhibit Mackowski emits sarcastic, guttural range could have been improved. Still, time. –James Orme certainly one of the most prolific. There growls that build into a riffy number. channels the melodic style of punk rock their impeccable knack for creating rock gems like “For the Mind” featuring is a sense of fun that runs through most Mackowski continues the growls into Smash Brothers pull you in, and championed by bands from the Bay songs that are both virtuosic and pas- “Pundit” with the aid of the band’s Joshua Payne of these tracks: a heavy emphasis on hip Area and/or Gainseville and eaten up sionate without lapsing into cheesiness. every song features extremely impressive hop lite, mostly with emcee Ischa free- piquant sense of guitar melody that is mixing and creativity. –LeAundra Jeffs Orchestra by frequenters of punknews.org. “Misty Opener “Nah Dude” pulsates with a always in motion as the band chants, styling her vocals, like on “Old Skool,” Ra Ra Ra Marie Kleinman” sees the band slowing riff that sounds like it is finger-picked, “It’s all so black and white!” “Roofie “The Party” or “Les Peche.” However, down a bit, showcasing their sentimen- oscillating betwixt the lower and higher Self-Released Closet” continues Accidente’s sardonic The Direction their music is actually more interesting tal side and even incorporating some Street: 11.01.12 strings, which moves in a consistent, attitude with the opening lyrical line, when she sings, like on the optimistic syncopated reggae-style rhythms in the choral way, which explodes into erratic “You know what I want, baby …” (Read Deal with the Devil Joshua Payne Orchestra = “Beautiful Day” and “Rain, Rain.” middle of the track. The standout track is strumming. Bischoff rolls on the snare to the title), which jumps into rock n’ roll Spy Hop Records Radiohead + DJ Shadow + Equally impressive are the talents of “Anxious Endeavors,” where the band’s hooks and bends atop a bossy rhythm This small space is just too short for me Street: 08.22.12 Thelonious Monk sound off for “Blood and Guts” as the Shahinian, and his skills give the music mixture of contagious energy, heartfelt two switch off on vocals over a break- section. My one slight criticism of the to adequately express how good this The Direction = Buckcherry + Joshua Payne is an unmistakable Salt Black Crowes + Avril Lavigne an eclectic sheen not usually found on emotion and raw lyrics are punctuated down-y beat. Cundick’s noodly guitar release is that sometimes the constant album is. It really is one of the best I’ve Lake character who never seems to put local albums. Much like its title, there is by some excellent female vocal contribu- calls to mind Minus the Bear as he shifting of the guitar parts loses itself heard come out of Utah for some time. Even though you might not think “gypsy down his guitar, gigging everywhere a vast blending of styles, and hopefully tions. I’m stoked that bands like this exist sings powerfully and with ease. Worst in a wash that forsakes dynamics, not Book on Tape Worm have struck a per- anything” based on the equation of from Bar X to Grand America. He’s allowing the instrumental mastery to the duo can reign in some of the energy in Salt Lake. –Ricky Vigil Friends treat listeners to instrumental fect balance of expressing themselves ar- music I used above to describe The versatile, as is his sound. On his most shine through. “Death-Blood-Skulls- and focus on their obvious strengths. tracks—e.g. “Flip Your Lid” and “This tistically and considering their audience. Direction’s sound, use your imagination recent album, Payne and his orchestra Dragons-and-Stuff,” however, shows –Dean O Hillis Is Not a Loom Song”—demonstrating Their folksy aesthetic is unique because when I say that they create a unique join pop and contemporary jazz in an Robert & the Carrolls Accidente using more demarcated riffs that rock can pierce emotions devoid of of its whimsical nature and delicate brand of gypsy-blues-rock that incorpo- unlikely space: the mainstream. Ra Ra uMaNg’s Lasting Impressions is an that evidence their ability to break their rates sounds from all of the above. It’s Self-Titled lyrical content. The pulsing “Cache Val- mold and use this energy to finish out the sound, which is accented nicely by cello Ra is an album of pop covers that Payne Odium Totus angry, gloomy and full-speed testament very cool, with that kinda hip, slightly Afterpartyyy Records ley Sucks” and dynamic, noisy “Swamp album with finesse. –Alexander Ortega and bells. The storybook-esque lyrics are transforms into avant-garde wonderlands Nullam Congue Nihil to the talent this guy possesses in his Street: 04.07.12 Eagle” close out the release to suggest gently sung in beautiful harmonies. Each under-produced quality that makes it full of ’90s angst and experimental Blasphemic Hymns rap. He goes fast the whole album long Robert & the Carrolls = Edward that you should definitely see Worst song gracefully blends with the previous sound almost like it was recorded at a electronica reminiscent of Christian Street: 10.09.12 and never misses a single beat in a line. live show. Different songs feature both Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros – Friends live. –Alexander Ortega The Arcadians to form the concept album’s four acts. Asplund. At first, I found the album Odium Totus = Grand Belial’s Avett Brothers Whether it be family, poverty, hip hop or male and female vocals, and I will alcoholism, uMaNg uses all the intensity No More Nightmares The physical CD case is as well-crafted shocking in its fracturing of recognizable Key + Ved Buens Ende + early Can’t get enough Mumford & Sons? admit, I prefer the female vocals at the Darkthrone he can muster to show those images Monotone Records and unique as the music: It resembles an billboard hits like Jay-Z and Kanye Want to be ahead of the curve on the forefront. There’s nothing wrong with the in a believable way and make it feel Street: 11.03.12 antique hardbound book and includes West’s “Niggas in Paris” and Chris Describing their music as “all about next band from Provo destined to hit it others, just that the female has a bit of like you’re getting knifed in the ear. He Are you a local band? Snail The Arcadians = Fictionist + a few pop-outs of the band playing on Brown’s “Look At Me Now.” However, torment,” Odium Totus vacillates big? Robert & the Carrolls are for you. a quiver in her wail that reminds me of gets his points across in clever lines that mail, email or drop off your Fleet Foxes different sets. The album’s final song, Payne successfully re-appropriates these between dreadful moments of wretched Everything about this EP is polished and Cocorosie, whom I love. The general make you smile. “No person wants to latest album. We review all After releasing an EP earlier this summer, “Pianocide”(one of the standout tracks), songs, reconstructing them into complex hopelessness and pugilistic riffs that presentable, if bland and anonymous, instrumentation is expanded upon with a be fed knowledge through some words, this Provo-based indie band is back ends with a slowly fading piano note compositions that exhibit his musical pound the listener senseless. With a and the same goes for the model shots local music sent to us: bit of banjo on song three, “The Profes- they just want they own head noddin,” again with a 10-track album, No More that leads into about twenty seconds of genius and that of his bandmates. sound reminiscent of Ved Buens Ende’s on their Facebook page and their sionals,” which is my favorite because Written in Waters Nullam Congue Nihil on the track “2013: A Space Odd- Nightmares. Like a lot of indie bands silence—hardly enough time to allow –Anna Kate Gedal , (premature?) branding. On these four 351 Pierpont Ave. Ste. of the folksy feel it gets from the extra essey,” and “May be best if you sing a these days, The Arcadians follow a trend this wonderful collection of songs to fully is a caustic, vicious insult aimed at every songs, I hear a lot more Robert than 4B SLC, UT 84101 or strings. Yet another great collection of tune, because for you flowing sounds of putting less focus on song melodies, sink in. –Jesse Thomas living thing on the planet. Yet, even this the Carrolls––I’m not sure what the six [email protected] work from some of the Spy Hop Pro- like it might be the most impossible thing keeping the spotlight on vocals, along bleak darkness hides a subtle sense of people on the album cover are playing. ductions spawn. Love ‘em. –Ischa B. to do,” on “What I’m About” are two of with simple chord changes and guitar aesthetics, and listening to the album They look great, though. –Nate Housley 62 SaltLakeUnderGround slugmag.com 63 Amenra Doomsday = Goatwhore + How To Destroy Angels Wolvhammer Mass V Doomsday is a new inception from An Omen EP Neurot Recordings Columbia Records Street: 11.27.12 hardened metal veterans, including Street: 11.13.12 Amenra = Pelican - Neurosis Jeff Wilson, other former members How To Destroy Angels = Orbital Amenra’s imitation of mid-’00s of black metal band Nachtmys- + VNV Nation sludge metal rings as hollow as their tium and a million other projects shallow lyrics and flimsy “ritual” between them. This album is a premise. This album really feels like heady, crunchy mix of dark punk going to church. Every song is like rock, guitar-driven thrash, and a monotone sermon delivered over doom metal, relentless as a grizzly redundant sludge riffs. The lyrics are on speed clawing your eardrums meaningless pap, and the “con- right from your head. There is an cept” feels vapid and self-indulgent. odd melody here and there that Perhaps I’m asking too much of the feeling forced or pessimistic. “Prin- bleeds through the roaring din, and self-described “Church of Ra,” but cess Warrior” comes across as a a perfectly wicked solo on “Bring Mass V sounds less like a ritual to simple, romantic pop song until you Down The Knife” that is intense an ancient Egyptian god of the sun, listen more closely and realize the enough to make your heart explode, and more like Easter Mass with lyrics talk about a difficult recovery just before the tempo slows to a your smelly Aunt Gretchen. Sludge from illness. It is also one of a few sludgy, nightmarish crawl. A primal fans won’t find anything new or tracks where drummer Jeff Oliph- thickness oozes throughout the surprising here, but some people ant does the lead vocal. The other album, conjuring images of monsters Fronted by Trent Reznor and find routine comforting. If you want 10 songs are equal parts hard rock in the blackest forests, and making his wife, Mariqueen Maan- to have a little fun amid the tedium, and straight pop—a testament to the atmosphere so much deeper dig, How To Destroy Angels is an try reading the lyrics to “A Mon Big Dipper’s uncanny ability to still than its speed and acidity would first electronic-based group continuing Ame” to the tune of a soft jazz song. create the type of music that made imply. A great cover of GG Allin’s the collaboration and digital ex- –Henry Glasheen them important over two decades “I Kill Everything I Fuck” gives the perimentation between Reznor and ago. –James Bennett album’s end a fun punk sendoff, and producer Atticus Ross. If you liked Big Dipper demonstrates the impressive abilities the soundtrack work for The Girl Crashes On the Platinum Planet Cemeteries of these musicians to run the genre With the Dragon Tattoo or The Social Almost Ready The Wilderness gamut while still putting their own Network, then you’ll have a decent Street: 11.27.12 Lefse Records signature on the sound. –Megan idea of what you’re getting into. Big Dipper = Volcano Suns + The Street: 10.23.12 Kennedy There isn’t any industrial-strength Embarrassment + Iron Gerbils Cemeteries = Grizzly Bear + Wild fury or angst here, and the six-song Many years ago, I heard the term Nothing Electric Shepherd EP is soft enough that it’s going to “astronomy pop” used to describe One-man band Kyle J. Reigle has The Imitation Garden be a tough transition for Nine Inch Big Dipper. I can think of no better taken some of my favorite elements Self-Released Nails fans. Particularly, instrumental way to illustrate the band’s bringing- of other bands—mainly Beach Street: 12.18.12 tracks “On The Wing” and “The together of wonderfully arranged, House—and blended them into a Electric Shephard = Brian Eno x Sleep of Reason Produces Monsters” sharp guitar riffs, double vocals big, dreamy shoegaze soup. Each Led Zeppelin are almost quiet enough to be and otherworldly harmonies. When song blends into the next—at times, Confused and lightly chaotic, Elec- electronic ambience. Even the non- you pair those aspects with one this is pleasant, but it is mainly just tric Shepherd’s sophomore album instrumental songs don’t showcase of indie-rock’s most intuitive and boring. The latter half of the album listens like an underwater drum and a lot of passion behind Maandig’s driven rhythm sections, you’re left picks up the tempo a bit, which bass hallucination. The psychedelia beautiful vocals, and being able to with something that simply feels really plays out favorably. “Roost- is infused with a dense blues founda- hit the notes doesn’t mean anything celestial—even ethereal. Big Dipper ing Towns” is probably my favorite tion in an innovative and tantalizing if it still sounds like boring back- was, of course, originally active track. With its pounding drum beats manner. Cymbals dominate most ground music. –Matt Brunk from 1985 until about 1990. Those and almost math-rock-like guitar of the drum sections. This album is five years left us with four studio lines, it is probably the only track a laborious undertaking and is not Jah Wobble & Keith albums and an independent, smart on the album where Reigle sounds to be trifled with. To sit down and rock tradition that continues to fuel like he has a sense of purpose. focus your entire attention for the Levene musicians and fans to this day. A Like many shoegaze or dream-pop one hour and 12 minutes that it jams Yin & Yang successful reunion tour and a three- albums, The Wilderness rides that could cause either mind explosion Cherry Red or narcolepsy. The Imitation Garden Street: 11.12.12 disc retrospective drove the band line between stunningly boring and Jah Wobble & Keith Levene = to finally work on new material. stunningly beautiful, and I suppose is best utilized as the backdrop for Public Image Ltd + King Tubby + Crashes on the Platinum Planet is the it is more of the latter, be it ever so intense contemplation or relaxed ac- Miles Davis band’s first new album in 20 years. slightly. –Cody Hudson tivity. Sample “The Escapist” to spice 2012 has been a good year for Pub- And they haven’t missed a beat. The up your mundane daily chores. The lic Image Ltd. fans. After 17 years, lead song, “Lord Scrumptious,” gives Doomsday scope of tones alights the imagina- John Lydon and PiL released This off a palpable, early-1970s British Self-Titled tion and is best on the second or Is Pil. Also, two original PiL mem- psychedelic vibe, going from quiet Disorder Recordings third try. –LeAundra Jeffs bers, Jah Wobble and Keith Levene, to loud and back again without ever Street: 11.06.12 released a four-song, self-titled EP. 64 SaltLakeUnderGround slugmag.com 65 To close out 2012, Wobble and 50 Cent, who’ve chosen to sample out, and it leaves me wanting a little Levene released the full-length, Yin & the Brooklynites’ tracks on their own. variation. That said, “Goon Hand,” Yang. “Fucking Yin, Fucking Yang/ This album is contemporary and “Don’t Get Us Wrong” and “Rear Soft little whisper, big fucking bang” fresh, capturing the blinding pace of View” are some favorites. Substance spits Wobble’s Cockney, in-your-face New York. In their songs, we hear Abuse is worth checking out, includ- vocals on the opening title track. the hustle of the Brooklyn commute ing their back catalog. –Rio Connelly The downside: Four of the 10 tracks to Manhattan. We hear drunken are repeated from the EP. The title flirtations at Bushwick bars. We hear The Vaccines “Yin & Yang” is perfect, Wobble’s the glamour, depression, loneliness Come of Age thunderous, wandering bass lines and the mania of life in The Big Columbia flawlessly ride alongside and then Apple. –Anna Kate Gedal Street: 10.02.12 interweave with Levene’s demented, for a sense of musical history, as The Vaccines = latter-day Strokes freeform guitar rumblings, which Old Man Markley the band has inspired several well + Maximo Park create a pure balance throughout known, contemporary acts—whether The Vaccines’ first album, What Did Blood on My Hands 7” You Expect From The Vaccines?, pro- the 10 songs. The standouts are the Fat Wreck Chords those artists or a majority of their pop-tinged “Mississippi,” the jazz Street: 11.06.12 audience are aware of that indirect vided tremendous likability while the fusion of “Fluid” and the strange, Old Man Markley = Trampled by inspiration. –T.H. title provided a puzzling question, drug-induced trip you take while lis- Turtles + Larry and His Flask + which I couldn’t answer until now: I tening to “Within You Without You,” Red Smiley Sleeping Bag was expecting anything but Come of a Beatles cover. –Courtney Blair Old Man Markley needs to be a Women of Your Life Age. In this most recent release, The huge band soon—it’s just one of Joyful Noise Recordings Vaccines drift far away from their Knox those things that would make the Street: 11.27.12 initially charming stoner-surf rock world a little more right. When medi- Sleeping Bag = Weezer + sound and deep into the realm of Here EP ocre bands like Mumford & Sons Japandroids excessively anthemic power-pop—a Last Night on Earth If the Beach Boys experimented Street: 12.17.12 are winning Grammies and playing genre least liked by stoners or surf- Knox = Burial + The xx + stadiums while these guys are grind- with a garage rock album, it would ers. Most of the album contains sim- Portishead ing out bar gigs, it’s just a damn sound a lot like Women of Your Life. plistically rhyme-focused lyrics with a Knox is a brother-and-sister pair from shame. Since these guys came on The knack the Beach Boys had for recurring “misunderstood underdog” Brooklyn, and it’s their sweet, soft my radar two years ago when they extremely catchy vocal melodies is theme. Luckily, a few songs like vocals that hold this album together. released their debut, Guts and Teeth, the same way Sleeping Bag grabs “All in Vain” abandon this concept, Their harmonizing is subtle—their they have consistently exceeded you with their instrumentation. Their which consequently makes them voices are only tinged with slight my expectations with their amaz- guitar rhythms are never stagnant. decent at best. In sum, this album is differences—but beautiful, crafting playing, well crafted songs and There’s always a mean solo or guitar ironically unfit to be a soundtrack of ing a cozy nest to inhabit while their tremendous live show. Their effect right around the corner in any budding rebel, unless Nancy digesting the music. The sound itself new single, Blood On My Hands, each of their songs. If you loved the Reagan were to direct a troubled finds some sort of meeting place gives a tease as to what might be in Blue Album, then you’ll dig this re- teen PSA where the script contains between the dark, patient beats of store for us as far as an upcoming cord. I didn’t know how much I was the phrase “get loaded” more than post-dubstep, the experimental trend full-length release. The title track is missing ’90s alternative rock in my twice. –Gregory Gerulat of percussion-izing vocals, and the equally aggressive and sophisticated life until I played this one. “Saturday effective mood setting of trip hop with blazing banjo and enchanting Night” is one of the most unorthodox Vomitor and shoegaze. The tone of the EP’s four-part vocal harmonies. The B-side indie jams I’ve heard. It’s catchy The Escalation three original tracks are echoed is an exclusive cover of Dillinger from the start, and the Nirvana- Hells Headbangers and desolate, and the two remixes Four’s “Folk Song,” to which they esque guitar energy of “Coco” Street: 01.22 of “Here” by John Tejada and give a jaunty treatment with their makes these two songs my favorite Vomitor = Deströyer 666 + kuxxan SUUM up the tempo with string playing, but the melody and on the album. –Justin Gallegos Vöetsek + Hellhammer techno-influenced, four-to-the-floor spirit of the song come through, There’s a ringing in my ears, and beats. Tejada leans towards the which is truly where the charm of the Substance Abuse it’s not from the first track off this, 2012 future garage sound, while songs lies. I can’t wait for more from Background Music Vomitor’s third full-length album, Kuxxan SUUM revisits Four Tet’s these guys. –James Orme Feed The Peeps “Pits of Nightmare/Pitch Black,” roots, both creating vastly different Street: 12.04.12 which is basically a whole lot of but endlessly danceable versions of Pere Ubu Substance Abuse = People guitar noise. This Australian band, Under The Stairs + Zion I + The the same track. –Jessie Wood Lady From Shanghai known for being raw, dirty and all Alkaholiks those unpleasant things, screams Fire Records It’s been six years since Los Angeles- Menahan Street Band Street: 01.07 punk rock ideally, but it’s all damn Pere Ubu = TV on the Radio + based emcees Subz and Eso Tre metal in the end. The band’s 2010 The Crossing Teenage Jesus and the Jerks + released their critically acclaimed Devil’s Poison, Daptone Records record, made my arm Wire album, Overproof, and the duo hairs, even the gross ones that are Street: 10.30.12 has clearly been busy. Hip hop Menahan Street Band = Pere Ubu is a band I am aware of all long, stand up. The Escalation Parliament + Miles Davis + Barry and whose records I own—but I has changed a lot since then, but is a bit different in the fact that it’s White + Duff Man cannot recall the last time I found these guys pretty much ignored the not all speed—there are plenty of Frankly, I had no idea Brooklyn myself listening to any of their music. hype and kept making the music breaks with grooves and basement hipsters could have soul until I heard Hearing Lady From Shanghai, I have they wanted: old-school California production, and the guitar sound Menahan Street Band’s latest album, the feeling that this will not change hip hop. The beats are heavy with could probably grate cheese if you The Crossing. For lack of a better much. From its beginning in 1975, sampled strings, phased bass, muted played this record loud enough. It’s word, their music is sexy. The lay- the band represented a turn toward guitar and the occasional, funky oddly perplex in its simplicities, but ered brass section, the trilling flutes greater experimentation within the horn. Continuing their history of col- it’s a record you can spin and spin and the serenading funky trumpets musical context of the post-rock/ laboration, Background Music is full and be happy about. I thought the all make for a luxurious sound. If The no-wave genres. “414 Seconds” of guest appearances by the likes of last album was nasty––this sucker’s Crossing were a fabric, it would be is as easily digestible as the music Myka Nyne, Percee P, Sadat drenched in acid and, at times, it ac- cheetah-print silk. The psychedelic on Lady From Shanghai gets, and X and even the legendary KRS tually can be a painful listen—good guitar riffs harken back to Jimi accurately demonstrates the album’s One. However, while the songs thing I’m pretty close to a masoch- Hendrix and other, likeminded, aesthetic—dance music at odds are of consistently high quality, ist. This death and thrash stuff is acid-dropping, late-60s icons. The with itself, vocals not quite sung there’s something missing from this something Australia is truly ruling the band’s talent has been recognized or spoken, guitars that sound like album. Maybe it’s one or two really world at. –Bryer Wharton by big guns including Jay-Z and guitars but are played in the jagged addictive hooks, or a blisteringly fast style of much post-punk. It is useful verse, but the tempo is solid through- 66 SaltLakeUnderGround slugmag.com 67 Steven Roth - Hog Wallow Electronic Dance Party - Muse Brewvies Monday, January 14 Matthew & The Hope - Johnny’s Jim Derrickson - Poplar Nonpoint, Candlelight Red - In The Happy Birthday, Katie Bald! Disforia, Merlin’s Beard, Eidola, Written Judast, INVDRS, Oldtimer, Tiger Fang - Venue DJ Godina - Bar X In Fire - Kilby Shred Shed Red Waiting Blue - Urban Channel 801, Film Buff Night - Brewvies Hair - Kingsbury Head For The Hills, Salem - State Room Red Wanting Blue, Loren Walker Dead Pilots, Starvist, Where The UNI, Ex Machina, Regal Beast - Muse Venessa Gromek - Q&A - UMOCA Madsen - Urban Sidewalk Ends, Don’t Trust Anybody, Picabo Ski Challenge - PCMR Night Sweats, Hang Time, DJ Geronimo My Cat Died - Shred Shed Chris Bender - Poplar - Urban Wednesday, January 30 The Sugar Show - Rose Wagner Park City’s Last Friday Gallery Stroll - The Toasters, Mrs Skannotto, 2 1/2 Tuesday, January 15 Genocide Coven, Odium Totus, Blood Various Galleries White Guys - Bar Deluxe Lake Mary - Kilby Purge, Deathblo, Valdur - Shred Shed Immodest Socks, Christina Johnson, Aesop Rock, Rob Sonic, DJ Big Whiz, Winter Farmers Market - State Fairpark Curtis Wardle - Why Sound Busdriver - Depot Get your event listed for free in print, online and on our iPhone app! Sign up for a free SLUG Calendar account at SLUGMag.com/Calendar. Wednesday, January 16 Sea Wolf, The Devil Whale, Funk N’ Gonzo - Woodshed Molly Gene One Whoaman Band/ Friday, January 4 Sticks + Stones - SLC Main Library Chamberlain, Brian Kubarycz, Jimmy Bret Mosley - Hog Wallow Pentagraham Crackers - Urban Hipps-N-Ricco - Garage Happy Birthday, Gregory Winter Farmers Market - State Fairpark Wednesday, January 9 Lauscher, Skylar Arbon - Bar Deluxe Grizzly Spectre, Stag Hurr Brand, The 7 Year Anniversary: The Moth & The Saturday, January 26 Silverstein, Glass Cloud - In The Venue Gerulat! Eagle Twin, Cornered By Zombies, Happy Birthday, Kyle Trammell! Ugly Valley Boys, Blue Moon Bombers Asshole Century - Kilby Flame, Parlor Hawk - Velour Happy Birthday, Tommy Dolph! The Rhythm Section - Kilby Pick up the new issue of SLUG INVDRS - Urban I Am Czar, The Danger Kids - Kilby - Brewskis Robin Williams - Kingsbury Mike Grover - Why Sound DJ Battleship - Copper Club A Flea In Her Ear - Kingsbury anyplace cool! Slumber Party #4: Book On Tape Big Shiny Geek Show Pub Quiz - Lucky Night Jib Fights - Brighton Big Shiny Geek Show Pub Quiz - Lucky Hillside - Woodshed Pinback, Judgement Day - Depot Big Shiny Geek Show Pub Quiz - Lucky Water Music - Abravanel Hall Worm, Mideau - Velour 13 The Insurgency, The Glorious Bastards 13 WRD: Uinta Madness Roller Derby vs. 13 Elephant Riders, Think Fast, Bradley Know Your Roots - Woodshed Jesus Or Genome - Poplar - Burt’s Pleasure Thieves, God’s Revolver, Sunday, January 20 HVDD Molly Morbids - Derby Depot BodyLogic - Sugar Space Jeperson Band - Bar Deluxe Breaux, The Coltranes, Motherboy, Elite Fight Night - Complex Minerva - Urban Joshua Payne Orchestra - Bar X Bullets & Belles - Garage Koala Temple, Birthquake, Cliffs - Urban Quinn Brown Band - Brewskis Regal Beast - Shred Shed Miss DJ Lux - Downstairs DJ Matty Mo - Willie’s Cory Mon - Garage Matthew & The Hope - Green Pig DJ Matty Mo - Willie’s Shredding In Space - Brighton The Shemekia Copeland - Egyptian Theatre Thursday, January 17 James Moors, Kort McCumber - Back Wash - Hog Wallow Castle Axe, Brute Force, Zombiecock David Williams, Joshua Payne David Williams - Bar X Holladay United Church of Christ Emmure, Whitechapel, Unearth, Obey Thursday, January 31 - Burt’s Orchestra, Pentagram Crackers - Salt Lake Whalefishers, Pat Mountain Hair - Kingsbury The Brave, The Plot In You - In The Venue David Williams - Bar X Bil Dwyer, Moody McCarthy, Kathleen Garage - Burt’s The Sheds, Truth And It’s A Burden - Tony Holiday Band - Johnny’s Beercan - Burt’s McCann - Egyptian Theatre Tito Kennedy’s - Green Pig Mark Chaney & The Garage Allstars - Shred Shed Sweatshop Union, Burnell Washburn Mark Chaney & The Garage Allstars - Kim Archer - Garage Coreshot - Hog Wallow Garage - Kilby Garage SNRG - Green Pig Hollywood Undead - In The Venue Gemini Mind - Hog Wallow Monday, January 21 Tommy Emmanuel - Kingsbury Velerie Larsen - Kilby Stonefed - Hog Wallow Anthropology, Horsha On The Moon, Red At Dusk - Kilby DJ Godina - Bar X Hi Ho Silver Oh, Charlyne Yi, The Salt A Flea In Her Ear - Kingsbury Stomping Grounds - Kilby L’anarchiste, Seafinch - Kilby Speak For Yourself Poetry Night - Muse Film Buff Night - Brewvies The Sea & The Sun God, Nitwit - Muse The Porch - Storytelling - Muse Saul, I Hear Sirens, Centris 3 - Muse Hectic Hobo - Poplar Mixed Apes, Red Panda - Shred Shed Dead Prez - Urban Terence Hansen - Poplar 40 Days At Base Camp - SLC Main Matthew & The Hope - Poplar Exigent Presents: Light Black, Dwellers, Singers & Songwriters In The Round - Exigent Records Showcase - Shred Shed Library The Weekenders, Holy Water Buffalo, La Verkin, DØNE - Shred Shed State Room Tuesday, January 22 People’s Market Seed Swap - Sorenson BodyLogic - Sugar Space The North Valley - Shred Shed Randy Rogers Band, Wade Bowen - Geographer, On An On, Giraffula - The Walkmen, Father John Misty - Depot Unity Center Faith Johnson - Velour Bullets & Belles, Triggers & Slips - State State Room Urban Trapt - In The Venue Sweatshop Union - Urban Room ObsessedArtist X Skullcandy Project, Shatner’s World - Kingsbury Hall The Brocks, Q&A - Velour Friday, February 1 First Friday: Venessa Gromek - UMOCA Das Racist - The Metro Friday, January 18 Canibal Ox - Urban Paul Christiansen, Hoodoo - Why Sound Pick up the new issue of SLUG Dubwise - Urban Augustana, Lauren Shera - Urban Happy Birthday, Barrett Doran! anyplace cool! Provo Gallery Stroll - Various Galleries Steven Stucki - Velour Pagan Dead, Visigoth, Yaotl Mictlan - Wednesday, January 23 Shredding In Space - Brighton Ogden’s First Friday Art Stroll - Various 80’s Made, Ed Dogg, Mr. 8 Ball, Bar Deluxe Antique Scream - Burt’s Sunday, January 27 Heavy & Light Tour - Complex Galleries Digital B.O.B. - Why Sound Scumdance - Blonde Grizzly IO Echo - Kilby Happy Birthday, Jason The Pour Horse - Garage Slumber Party #4: Book On Tape Tony Holiday - Brewskis Big Shiny Geek Show Pub Quiz - Lucky Gianchetta! Isaac Farr Trio - Green Pig Worm, Mideau - Velour Saturday, January 12 Friday Night Socials - Brighton 13 Happy Birthday, Alex Pastucha! Son Of Ian - Hog Wallow Wade & Friends - Why Sound Salty Tassels Burlesque Show - Bar Tuxedo Tramps, The Slick Shifters, Travis Hill Project, Kopo - Murray Joshua Payne Orchestra - Bar X A Flea In Her Ear - Kingsbury Son Of Ian - Woodshed Deluxe Mayson Lee - Burt’s Theatre Geek Show Movie Night - Brewvies A Night Of Art & Music - Muse Sounds Like Teen Spirit - Brewskis Tribal Seeds, Stick Figure, The Maad DJ Matty Mo - Willie’s Hi Ho Silver Oh, Charlene Yi! - Busta Matthew & The Hope - Poplar Saturday, January 5 Folk Hogan - Burt’s T-Ray - Depot Crack Shack All Systems Fail, Discoid A, The Water Music - Abravanel Hall DJ Battleship - Copper Club Triggers & Slips, Lorin Walker Madsen Marv Hamilton - Garage Ulteriors - Richards St. Art Collective Radiata, Dirty Love Guns, Heartbreak DJ Z-Trip - Downstairs & The Hustlers - Garage Thursday, January 24 Portland Cello Project, Alialujah Choir Hangover - Bar Deluxe Anna Deavere Smith - Eccles Center Terence Hansen Trio - Green Pig Dubvirus, Crisis & Steezo Monday, January 28 - State Room Mullet Hatchet - Brewskis Shemekia Copeland - Egyptian Theatre Jack + Jill - Hog Wallow David Williams - Bar X Happy Birthday, Kendal Gillett! Body Logic Dance: Elemental - Sugar Exclusive interview with Sea Wolf on slugmag.com. Playing with Yeldah, Genevieve Smith, New Nomad Rose’s Pawn Shop, The Pour Horse - Larusso, I Was A Wave, Good Morning Backcountry Film Festival - Brewvies DJ Godina - Bar X Space The Devil Whale, Pentagraham Crackers at Urban 01.19 - Burt’s Garage Tonight, Mess Of Me, Rhapsody Mark Chaney & The Garage Allstars - Film Buff Night - Brewvies First Friday - UMOCA Bill Charlap Trio, Freddy Cole - Capitol Candy’s Riverhouse - Green Pig Complex - Kilby Garage The Melodians, Natural Roots, Roots Dubwise - Urban Theater Sunday, January 6 Revisionaries - SLC Main Library Chicago Mike Beck - Hog Wallow Danielle French - Poplar Reverend Horton Heat - In The Venue Rawka - Urban Ogden’s First Friday Art Stroll - Various DJ Battleship - Copper Club Joshua Payne Orchestra - Bar X Lucid 8 - Urban The Used, We Came As Romans, Dusk One, Mindstate, Atheist - Shred Nataly Dawn - Kilby Galleries Almost Human - Cube Craft Sabbath - SLC Main Library The Ladells, Beautiful People Of Mindflow - In The Venue Shed Lorin Walker Madsen, Bluhme, Matt Tuesday, January 29 Provo Gallery Stroll - Various Galleries Miss DJ Lux - Downstairs Belgium, The Grand Gasconade, Jack Marinade - Johnny’s Son Of Fathers - State Room Weidauer - Muse Incredibly Strange Movie Night - Polytype, Mideau - Velour Sarah Watkins, Ruth Moody - Eccles Monday, January 7 & The Giant - Velour The Direction, In Color - Kilby Analogital - UMOCA Coles Whalen - Poplar Center Happy Birthday, Christian DJ Matty Mo - Willie’s Tendervishes - Poplar Hot Noize - Urban Raindance, Still Sea, Rile, And I The Bil Dwyer, Moody McCarthy, Kathleen Schultz! Huldra, Oxcross, Eons, Founders Of Salt Lake Gallery Stroll - Various Lion, Don’t Trust Anybody - Shred Shed McCann - Egyptian Theatre DJ Godina - Bar X Thursday, January 10 Ruin - Shred Shed Galleries Samsara - Star Hall The Sunny Side Of The Street Band - Film Buff Night - Brewvies David Williams - Bar X Cash’d Out - State Room Slamdance - Various Venues Dubvirus, Crisis & Steezo - Urban Garage The Violet Lights, ESX, Clayton G - Kilby I Stand Corrected - Brewvies Family Art Saturday: 2013 Art 7 Year Anniversary: Desert Noises, The Terence Hansen Trio - Green Pig Bastard John, Undeclared Millionaire Calendars - UMOCA New Electric Sound - Velour Friday, January 25 SNRG(synergy) - Hog Wallow Tuesday, January 8 - Burt’s SLUG Localized: Screaming Little Barefoot - Why Sound Lady Muraski - Bar Deluxe Puddle Mountain Ramblers - Johnny’s Happy Birthday, Angela Brown! Mark Chaney & The Garage Allstars - Condors, Simian Greed, Cancer Horsha On The Moon - Woodshed Two Weeks Notice - Brewskis Chance Lewis & Apt, Dumb Luck, Happy Birthday, Jordan Garage Culture - Urban Victims Willing, Salt Lake Spitfires, Riva Athiest - Kilby Deveraux! Paul Boruff - Hog Wallow Velour’s 7 Year Anniversary - Velour Saturday, January 19 Rebels - Burt’s Lo Fi Riot, Riva Rebels, The Hung Ups, Woe Is Me, Texas In July, Capture The Justin Carter, Sink The Seas, Gabrielle Approach The Throne, Refuge - Why Happy Birthday, Matt Brunk! Wax Tailor - Complex Moneypenny, The Lee Harvey Osmonds Crown - In The Venue Gioffre, The Dark Jive - Kilby Sound Charles Ellsworth - Bar Deluxe Sum 41, I Am Dynamite, Hunter - Muse Derek Marsden, Madi Hart, Grey Bar Deluxe Presents: Ghost Town Jack + Jill - Woodshed The SLUG Games: Revenge Of Valentine - Depot DJ Graham Funke - Park City Live Zimmerman, Jackson Hohl - Kilby Gospel - Shred Shed The Nerds - Brighton Bronco, Color Animal, Albino Father - Jim Derrickson - Poplar Restless, Statuette - Shred Shed Songwriters In The Round: “The Sunday, January 13 All Systems Fail - Burt’s Garage Dethrone The Sovereign, The Lament The Shaman’s Apprentice - SLC Main Lamplight Pages” - Velour Joshua Payne Orchestra - Bar X DJ Battleship - Copper Club Tony Holiday - Green Pig Configuration, Designing The Aftermath, Library Awna Teixeira - Garage Tony Holiday & The Velvetones, Marinade - Hog Wallow Koala Combat, Of What may Come - Red Bennies, Holy Water Buffalo, Pest Friday, January 11 Trampled By Turtles, HoneyHoney - Park Rainbow Black - Garage Joshua James, Jay William Henderson Shred Shed Rulez, The Bully - Urban Samuel Smith Band, Camden City Live American Hitmen - Green Pig - Kilby 68 SaltLakeUnderGround slugmag.com 69 70 SaltLakeUnderGround slugmag.com 71 72 SaltLakeUnderGround