Underground Bands and Indie Music Reviews

Every local music aficionado knows about Brooklyn. It’s a hotspot for local music and urban art. Many well-known bands from the 80′s and 90′s have roots tying back to Brooklyn’s independent music network, as well as more recent indie rock bands such as MGMT. Something about the diversity found in Brooklyn’s art scene makes it a hotbed for creative, indie expression.

What most people (sadly) don’t know is that another, similarly diverse city has been producing local independent music for nearly a decade in the most unlikeliest of places: Provo, Utah.

Provo’s unique creative atmosphere and expansive independent music network has birthed a number of high quality indie artists and bands, including Joshua James, Neon Trees, Fictionist, and most recently Parlor Hawk. These are some big names within the indie/local music community. Most of these bands have been at or near the top of iTunes’ download charts in last few months, and there is no sign of them letting up.

(Check out Neon Trees!)

There are a few things that Provo has that most cities don’t. First, the indie music community has a very strong hub, a high-quality venue called Velour Live Music Gallery, as well as a few other, smaller local venues. And it’s unique location in Utah allows it to disperse new creative indie rock to a very large audience.

Velour is designed like a vintage Baroque Indie Rock chapel, yet it is clear from the way Corey Fox, the owner, runs things that Velour is there to support the bands. Only the best bands are selected to play weekend shows, but up-and-coming bands are encouraged to play at the weekly acoustic nights and semi-annual and highly competitive Battle of the Bands concerts. It’s an incubator for indie rock and creative music.

Because Utah is a haven for Mormons (members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints), many come from all over the United States (and to a smaller extent, the rest of the world) to visit Utah. Then they take the new music they’ve found in Provo back home.

Double the effectiveness of this principle for the two college campuses (BYU and UVU) located in Provo. Indie rock attracts college students like ants to a spilled can of Classic Coke. The Indie Rock then steeps into the collective college soul throughout the semester. And the students become musical carriers when they return to their out-of-state hometowns for vacations.

This dissemination of new music has created Provo’s vast independent music network, while the local community generates lots of potential bands and different types of music.

Keep an eye out for any bands coming out of Provo. Odds are that they’ll go far.

The 2010 Warped Tour is bringing a powerful lineup of bands from today’s best genres. This year, the quality of music Warped Tour is producing is high enough to attract much more than the usual junior high emo kid.

Alesana

This is a newer band full of energy.  Stay away from them if you’re against a little screaming, but they are sure to put on an incredible show.

Alkaline Trio

I saw these guys back in 2002, and they put on a great show.  Especially if you aren’t into all the screaming of a lot of other Warped Tour bands, you need to see Alkaline Trio.  I’ve never met anyone who doesn’t like them, and their music, old and new alike, is most exquisite.

Attack Attack

Come see Attack Attack if you want to see something new.  These guys are definitely different, but their show this year is bound to be epic.  Most of their songs rapidly change from intense screaming to ultra-rad, heavy techno.  Attack Attack is not for everyone, but I fell for them and am stoked to see their show.

The Bouncing Souls

I’m disappointed these guys aren’t coming to Salt Lake City, but if you are fortunate enough to live where they are playing- see list here- this is a must.  These guys have been around for just over twenty years and have been rocking the whole time.  Their music is about as timeless as it gets in the punk scene, and their show is highly recommended.

Dropkick Murphys

This is going to be one of the biggest shows at Warped Tour this year and one that is worth battling the crowd.  This American celtic punk group is guaranteed to be a crowd pleasure, and one you need to see

Emarosa

I found this band a year ago am excited to see them in action.  It’s a harder screaming band with a lot of energy.

Pennywise

Pennywise is a classic as far as the punk scene goes.  They’ve been around for a while and put on a lot of excellent shows.  If you haven’t seen them yet, you need to this year.

Pierce the Veil

This is the most emo band that made my list, and the most emo band I actually listen to.  I haven’t seen these guys play yet, but I am sure they’re going to rock.  I fell in love with their music and am looking forward to seeing them this summer.

I’ll be the first one to admit that I’m not hip to the whole indie-music scene. It’ll usually take me until a band gets nationally recognized to really appreciate their sound. However, late last June, an indie-loving friend of mine dragged me along to a hole-in-the-wall music venue in Salt Lake and I had the privilege of listening to Paul Jacobsen & The Madison Arm.

With a alt-folk sound, Paul Jacobsen & The Madison Arm lured me into their musical world of guitars, banjos, and pump organs. I especially loved the presence of the organ, adding richness to Jacobsen’s vocals and an old-time church richness not often found in folk music.

Above all, I love meaningful lyrics, and Paul Jacobsen & The Madison Arm did not disappoint. Jacobsen sang with such earnestness, I felt like each song was a personal message delivered directly to me. In between songs, his easy-going demeanor won over the audience with

One particular song, At That Day, lulled me into a blissful half-sleep with its charming layering of voices and its ethereal lyrics. Below is a recording of the song at the concert where I discovered them (Kilby Court in Salt Lake City). The song steadily builds in intensity until a soul-gripping wail about five minutes into the song. Please close your eyes, listen and enjoy. I promise it’s worth it.

BONUS VIDEO

Paul Jacobsen of Utah’s Band of Annuals joined Paul Jacobsen & The Madison Arm and treated the audience with this incredible, newly created masterpiece. The recorder of this video dubbed it Wind at my Feet, although the song is still untitled. Do yourself a favor and listen to it.

If you still can’t get enough, visit Paul Jacobsen & The Madison Arm or Band of Annuals at their MySpace pages.