First of all, there is the music that is considered Indie because of its association with an independent label. Independent labels producing music was the true origin of Indie music, offering bands an alternative tot he mainstream. Indeed, such a consideration is technically correct because of the history involved. Using independent labels, even bands that seek to blend into the mainstream can be promoted and found, even if they do not strive to be different.

Then there is the crowd that defines Indie music by the sound and culture surrounding it. In the eyes of these fans, the genre is about the musical stylings and lifestyle encouraged by the genre. Therefore, from their perspective, mainstream bands that come from independent labels are not truly “Indie” because they do not match certain parameters.

It is interesting, but Indie music seems to be splitting along those lines, dividing fans and leading to the evolution and possible separation into new genres of music. While it isn’t necessarily a bad thing, it does mark a certain turning point for the music and the industry.

Owl City impressed many with their Postal Service/ Death Cab for Cutie vibe and whimsical lyrics. They served as  a greatly musical way for many people to experience the genre without alienating people with anything too funky. They serve as a good accessible form of music that has lad many to discover more of the genre for themselves.

The band remains committed to their original musical ideals, and has yet to do a Transformers movie cover, so they’ve held onto their identity in my book.

All in all, it’s pretty impressive that the group has managed to deal with their success with such grace and aplomb, while still pleasing fans and finding ways to evolve with the indies genre. You don’t even have to like them to agree that the band is a good example of how to get to the top without forgetting where you came from.

Formed in 2010, The Vaccines have managed to rapidly climb in prominence in the least year, earning awards and accolades for their musical efforts. The band manages to blend several genres together while featuring an energetic punk feeling combined with a bit of their one style.

Their first album recently came out this year, featuring some of the hottest songs from the UK. While not predominant yet, The Vaccines are setting themselves up to become much greater than they currently are.

All in all, The Vaccines are shaping up to be a good contemproary Ramones for a new generation, and they are innovating along the way. This is a band to watch, since they have managed to gather so many accolades in the space of a year. Give them a try, and enjoy some of the bettering offerings of English indie music.

British Indie folk band Noah and the Whale lit up west-side Salt Lake City Thursday night with over an hour of “fun, fun, fun” and a generally- rocking time. The club-turned-music-hall “In the Venue” provided an up-close-and-personal experience with a band known mostly for light lyrics and jovial fiddling, yet whose depth continued to impress me as the night wore on.

Starting-tunes such as “Fun, Fun, Fun” and “Love of an Orchestra” soon gave way to somber, more melancholy melodies that accompanied slower beats and heart-felt lyrics. Those familiar with the Scottish Indie band “Frightened Rabbit” and American Indie rock band “The National” would recognize a similar depth of emotion that only profound lyrics and minor chords/keys can convey. It was a beautiful experience with a band that makes beautiful music.

There was a draw back, though, which at least came from the audience and not from the band, and that is that the biggest cheer from the audience came for “L.I.F.E.G.O.E.S.O.N”, the first official single released from their new album, Last Night on Earth (March ’11). The song is by far the most popular off of their new CD, which I had actually never heard and up to this point, of the concert that is, had impressed me with the breadth of sound.

The opening beat reminded me of something I would hear on SLC’s 97.1, the kind of music made to make money instead of made to express and convey emotion. I immediately turned to my buddy and expressed this sentiment as swarms of teenagers gleefully danced and swayed to the jaded beats of past and present ‘hits.’ I guess I sometimes would like to forget that the music industry is, well, just that; I would prefer for music to be something individually experienced and thus varying in our likes/dislikes. Needless to say, and hence the need for this website, I was/am sorely disappointed.

But in order to maintain a positive tone on this review, 2 thumbs up for Noah and the Whale. They put on a great show in a venue that probably wasn’t meant for them, going so far as to say, “It was a 24 hour long bus ride from Vancouver, but I can tell you it was really worth it” and “You’re probably one of the best audiences we’ve ever had” (don’t quote him on it, ‘cuz the current city is always the best, right??!!). Their new CD is generally impressive, carrying on a great quality of work and continuing to expand the range of this particular Indie band.

For those true Indie lovers, Bahamas opened the show with half an hour of good roots Indie music. The Canadian musician gave off a great vibe and a had a great performance to boot.

To Bahamas, great opening, and to Noah and the Whale, fantastic finish.

We had some great Utah concerts over the weekend, including U2 and Adele….did any of our readers get a chance to make it? We want to hear your reviews!

The two music superstars each headlined their own concerts this week in the Salt Lake City area, to sold out crowds. We at Underground Music Reviews were unfortunately unable to attend, but we are dying to hear how they went!

Hit us up with a comment.

We are in need of some new underground music artists to introduce to our readers. So who better to ask than our readers themselves?

What underground singers are currently on your playlist? Who would you like to see highlighted?

Give us a shout out–we want to know what you are listening to!

While exploring some music today, I came across an artist I had never heard of–perhaps I’m the last one to find her, but maybe some of you out there haven’t heard of her either. Her name is Kelli Schaefer, and she is pretty cool.

She has a very jazzy, soft, interesting voice, similar to that of Feist, or Sinead O’Conner. Her music has a interesting feel to it, with roots in New Orleans. Some have described her voice to be like a sirens call, seducing the ears of her listeners with her melodies, and interesting beats.

Her vulnerability makes her fun to listen to, as she seem s to bare her soul in each track. Her album is called “Ghost of the Beast.” You can check out some of her singles on her myspace page, as well as find out more information about her music, and concert dates.

Check out her tracks “City Morgue” and “Gone in Love.” Personally, I’m pretty intrigued by her, and am curious to see what her musical potential will be.

If you are looking for an epic way to spend next Sunday, head over to The Depot in Salt Lake City to check out Adele! The soulful singer is promoting her album “21,” and will be performing at 8:00 Sunday night. The doors open at 7:00, and the tickets are $25.

Unfortunately, the show is sold out….however, if you are determined to get tickets, you can certainly find a way. If you are willing to pay the price, check out people selling their tickets on Craig’s List, KSL, Facebook, etc. You may even be able to get tickets outside the arena before the show.

From what we hear, Adele puts on a pretty epic show that you will not want to miss.

Provo sensation Neon Trees is coming back to their roots for a concert at the Provo Library on September 2nd! This LDS band started in Temecula, California, and became a hugely popular band when they hit the Provo music scene. The band took off in 2008, with a hit song on the radio entitled “Animal.” They have since reached national fame, performing around the country, and opening for the band 30 Seconds to Mars.

This year they have been touring Europe with the band Angels and Airwaves, promoting their album “Habits.” Their hit single has topped many music charts, and was even sung on the hit show “Glee.”

Come check them out at the Provo Library on September 2nd. You won’t want to miss a chance to hear this local band performing where they first made it big.

If you could choose one song to represent your life, what song would it be?

I’m gonna have to go with “Trapeze Swinger” by Iron and Wine.

Let’s hear yours!