Recommended if you like: ’90s indie pop; things that, in theory, sound awful but, in practice, are actually pretty awesome

Recommended Tracks: “One at a Time”, “Pew Pew”, “Broken Broca’s” Read the rest of this entry »

photo by Matthew L. T. Hepworth

Echoed Illusions is a band from Sandy, Utah with a fusion of several styles including punk and hardcore with a slight progressive edge.  They have recently recorded a full-length album called Beyond the Line with producer Gregg Hale at Lincoln Street Sound Studios, and many listeners might compare them favorably to Coheed and Cambria, Rush, or Saosin.  Three of the four members of Echoed Illusions are LDS:  Joel Clark, Michael Howell, and Takami Kowalski, and they currently have one member on a full-time mission for the Church, Matt Petrucci.  Joel, Michael, and Takami recently got together to answer a few questions I sent to them, and they talk about their influences, their lineup changes, and the themes you can expect to hear in their songs.

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Recommended if you like: Deathcab for Cutie, Pinback
Recommended tracks: “Empty Beds”, “Wake the Thieves”

Good Morning Passenger, released on the Slow Owl label, is the first full album by Ian Friley, who releases music under the name Good Morning Passenger.  Ian has a knack for creating dreamy washes and soundscapes, underscored by humble yet driving rhythms, and wrapped up in catchy, accessible packages.  He comes from a similarly talented family:  his brother is Idiot Glee and Bedtime keyboardist, songwriter, and singer James Friley.

Good Morning Passenger is a surprisingly full, textured, and clear artistic statement, despite being composed of just eight tracks.  It is a brutally honest, hypnotic album, a must-have for deep thinkers, and hopefully it is the beginning of a long life of writing and recording from Ian Friley. I simply love this album. Read the rest of this entry »

The eponymous new album from Good Morning Passenger is now available on several websites including iTunes.  I’m waiting on my copy, so I cannot write a proper review quite yet, but I have half of the songs from our podcasts.  Ian is an incredibly unique and talented songwriter, and his style has a very mellow yet driving spacey sound.  I’m a big fan actually, and so I feel good about already recommending this album to anyone.

Once I receive a copy I will let you know by writing a review, but if the rest of the album is anything like what I have now, I can already tell you I’m going to like it.

Brandon Flowers has just released a single from his upcoming solo album Flamingo on iTunes.  The song is called “Crossfire”.  It’s probably a taste of the tone of the album, but we have yet to find out.

For “Crossfire” on iTunes, click here.

What do you think?

Here is the new official video to “Forget the Nighttime,” a indie rock song from Utah band Crossing Columbia.  Enjoy!

COUNTRY/ALTERNATIVE

Her personal philosophy is: “There are no strangers, only potential best friends.” I found this philosophy put into action as I had the pleasure to interview Staci Marie Carriere, singer/songwriter from Kentucky. I not only found Staci’s fun-loving, outgoing, and optimistic personality shining through, I also found her music to shine as well! Her sound is unique and it can’t be put into one specific genre. People have labeled it everything from country to alternative. Her sound isn’t the only thing that is unique; Staci grew up in Eastern Kentucky where members of the church are few and far between. Titling herself the “Lone Ranger,” she not only talks about how growing up as a religious minority influenced her music, she also talks about life, being authentic, and her outlook for the future. Read the rest of this entry »

LATIN/ALTERNATIVE

Latin music lovers rejoice, and be exceedingly glad. Rumbo Rumba, from Salt Lake City, is a blend of many Latin and American styles and influences, wrapped up in an uplifting and empowering package. Rumbo Rumba is new on the Utah music scene, but they are now offering free song downloads on their awesomely-designed website. Their songs seem immediately accessible to both the average listener who desires catchy hooks and a great beat, and the musician who demands excellent technical ability. The band is composed of six powerful musicians and music lovers from all over the hemisphere, including Aaron de Azevedo, son of well-known LDS composer Lex de Azevedo, Of course, Latin America is a big place, as David Lindes, guitarist and singer, points out, but he has cheerfully offered to help break it down for us and tell us what makes Rumbo Rumba tick. Read the rest of this entry »

INDIE/POP

We’ve only seen the beginning of this band, mark my words.  With jumping, powerful melodies, strong beats, and a invigoratingly tight blend of vocals, The Neighbors proves conclusively that brother-sister songwriting duos aren’t all incredibly lame. Adam and Rachel Kaiser, both singers and both songwriters in Provo, UT, have been working on their first album, and the singles they’ve released give us enough reason to be impatient for more. Music critics nowadays generally lament that there’s nothing new under the sun, but The Neighbors seems to like pushing that envelope, if not by complete iconoclasm, then through eclectic and courageous synthesis. Nothing is held back, giving us all hope that there is more to say yet in Western pop music. The Neighbors graciously accepted some interview questions so we could get to know them a little better. If you’re interested in their tunes (and why wouldn’t you be?) be sure to vote for them (every day) at the battle of the bands mentioned at the end of the interview.  Highly recommended. Read the rest of this entry »

Provo alternative band Neon Trees will be performing on March 30th, 2010 on the Jimmy Kimmel Show.  Our very own Dallin will be interviewing them soon about their performance, and their band.  Good luck guys!

Linescratchers welcomes Gregg Hale, a new writer/reviewer from Salt Lake City. Gregg is a producer, engineer, songwriter, guitarist of Our Dark Horse and Last Response, and former guitarist of the band Spiritualized. He owns Handsome Rob Records and Lincoln Street Sound Studio in Salt Lake. – Syphax

Citizen Fate – Cranked To Overkill

Recommended if you like: depends on the song, but the album gave me thoughts of LA Guns and Oasis, with hints of Ocean Colour Scene, The Jam, and The Kinks.

The first two members of Citizen Fate that I met were lead guitar player Greg Fetzer and Drummer Johnathan Nay. After talking to them for a few minutes, I met bass player Mike Sharp. I could tell they were probably around 18 or 19, and it soon came to light that they were all in the same ward, and were getting ready to go on missions. The trio were soon joined by two other gentlemen who turned out to be Young Mens leaders in their ward. I thought it was nice that they had that type of support from their church leaders… I was only half right.

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ALTERNATIVE/ROCK/ACOUSTIC

Annelise LeCheminant brings an eclectic musical landscape to the table. She definitely doesn’t fall into her own ruts like many musicians- she is constantly experimenting with new sounds and new ideas. Her music is mature and universal, and the listener is benefited through her self-discovery. There truly is “a song for everyone” in her catalog. She will be having a CD release party for her new album Driven on January 10th, so go see what the fuss is about. It will be held at:

The Leona Wagner Black Box
(Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center)
138 West 300 South, Salt Lake City, UT
Admission: $15 General Admission
With Special Guest: Scott Foster

Tickets are available at www.arttix.org, all ArtTix locations, or by calling 801-355-ARTS.
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