The Square Life

SEVE VS. EVAN
Steam Powered Rocket Ship
These music-scene-veterans have come a long way from playing shows to 20 people at Starry Night just a few years ago, to being able to pack venues throughout the western U.S. Their music has come a long way too. This is very well demonstrated on their new album, ‘Steam Powered Rocket Ship’. ‘SPRS’ mixes Seve’s wacky synth lines and Evan’s hardcore drumming style in a way that can only be described as Nintendo-rock mecca. Songs like ‘Wild West’ and ‘Once upon a Sailor’ will keep you dancing for hours. myspace.com/sevevsevan

THE BAND OF ANNUALS
The Live Warehouse EP
Soaked in the sounds of friendship and emotion, this live EP by the Salt Lake favorites brings you back to a sound that is near classic. In preparation for this recording, The Band of Annuals invited a group of friends to share an evening together. Smooth harmonies and pedal steel can be heard against driving rhythms of long-time past. Quite possibly some of the most beautiful songs of our day. myspace.com/bandofannuals

MARCUS BENTLY
AND THE BEAT SURRENDER
E.P.
The best new artist hands down. After winning Velour’s Battle of the Bands, Marcus Bently released this E.P. These amazing songs that lean back on classic beats of Rock and rhythm sound so close to some song of yesteryear. The song “Allison” , perhaps the most indicative of the black-leather-country-love-song sound that distinguishes Marcus from the rest, will propel this artist to the hearts of everyone that hears it. myspace.com/marcusbently

THE JOHN WHITES
Play Their Songs
This record isn’t your run-of-the-mill local release. In ‘play their songs’, The John Whites’ create a familiar blend of folk and indie rock, that is easily characterized as 50 minutes of nostalgia. John White, of The John Whites, was quoted as saying he “…like[s] most of the album.” Seeing a John Whites show is a definite must. The overwhelmingly genuine and authentic mood from the album is only multiplied in their live music setting. thejohnwhites.com

THE EDEN EXPRESS
The Common Sense E.P.
The last installment of a three-part concept slew of EPs. ‘The Common Sense EP’ is set amidst the aftermath of the end of the world. Heavy religious undertones are conveyed brilliantly with harmonies, clever dialogs, and gorgeous guitar/mandolin parts, and are delivered in such a cynical way that you are sure if they are being satirical or not. ‘TCSEP’ is a far cry from previous EPs musically, relying on acoustic guitars and mandolin as apposed to electric guitars and electronic beats. This is definitely a must have. myspace.com/theedenexpres

THE WEAK MEN
Untitled (The Deer Album)
The first record from Provo’s Weak Men is among other things refreshing for its reticence. The untitled album, known as the ‘Deer Album,’ has very minimal vocals on only two songs. The rest relies entirely on strong instrumental melodies and euphony but is done impressively. The Weak Men are loud, hair-whipping and grandiose—yet there’s more than enough délicatesse here to balance with the portent. The band’s highly anticipated second album, quoted as “perhaps the true teleological center of the universe” by its members, will be released at Velour on 4/13/07. myspace.com/weakmen

JOSHUA JAMES
The Sun Is Always Brighter
The bloody whispers and intimidating outcries of Joshua James can have the most chilling effect on the listener. This album however, recorded in LA with a select group of people, softens the dark feelings of this acoustic lion. Well crafted and understated, this album is a beautiful experience. Our favorite tracks are hiding near the end, waiting to thrill your soul. Joshua has been repeatedly featured on iTunes and will be performing at SXSW in Austin this year. joshuajames.tv

THE HANDSOME
E.P.
With a mix of Weezer and a dash of The Darkness, the Handsome deliver these four outstanding tunes. Recorded no less than a year ago the drums beat heavy and melodies ring soft. The song “Your Monster”” shoves you to the ground in all your tight jeans glory. “Katrina” a love song dedicated to the worst affair in our countries past, is best enjoyed while reminiscing of the malt shops of yore. And the opening track, “Be Your Baby” is nothing less than dirty disco rock that puts your dancing shoes in motion. thehandsome.com

PROVOPODCAST.COM/Provopodcast is an internet radio show dedicated to highlighting the artists and musicians… of Cougar Town!