Lexi’s Local Roundup - Chasing Fall

As the days get shorter and the weather cools down, there’s something about the changing season that makes music feel even more important. These are a few tracks from our Salt Lake City music scene that have really stood out these past two months. One track might take you back to those quiet moments, while another brings the energy you need to get through the cold months. These artists know how to capture the mood of winter before it’s fully here. 

So, as the temperatures drop and the snow starts to fall, give these songs a listen. They’ll make the transition into winter feel a little more special.

The Drought - “Seance”

“Seance questions why we try to be better in a world that puts us down.” - The Drought

“Seance” discusses the weight of trying to improve yourself in a world that doesn’t make it easy. It opens with a steady drum that grabs the audience’s attention. As more guitar layers enter, the sound starts to take shape without feeling overwhelming. The soft and airy vocals remind me of the muse of The Cranberries and The Sundays. They float over the music in a way that feels natural. The mood is consistent through the second verse, but an added guitar riff adds just enough movement to keep things interesting. 

From here, the drums pick up, and the guitars start to build more energy, giving the song a sense of momentum. Everything slows down at one point, pulling back to just a simple guitar riff. It feels quiet as if the song pauses to reflect. Then it all comes crashing back in– louder, heavier, and more intense. 

The final line, “Cause we’re all just specs on this cruel and useless thing,” brings everything together, followed by a long guitar solo that takes the song to its close. It slowly fades into silence. “Seance” is the kind of song that pulls you in and keeps you there. It’s for anyone who’s wrestled with self-doubt or questioned the point of trying to improve in a chaotic world.

Bonneville - “scofield demos” 

“The whole EP was almost an impulsive decision for all of us, we had just finished the recording of our album and needed a little break from all that was happening around us. we decided to go to a cabin in Schofield and record some demos and we really enjoyed the experience, our good buddy Max and our producer Jake helped us with it and it came out to be something better in our eyes so we decided to share it with the rest of the world” - Bonneville

Bonneville’s “scofield demos” is a quiet yet powerful collection of acoustic tracks that manages to say more without lyrics than many albums do with them. The EP invites listeners to slow down and truly hear the story the music is telling. It opens with “whim,” a simple yet mesmerizing instrumental carried by a folksy acoustic guitar. The song doesn’t try to surprise you– but the subtle variations in the notes keep it engaging and almost meditative. 

Another standout track follows, “boise, id,” which also begins with a raw, intimate acoustic guitar. You can hear the scratches and slides as the player moves between frets, which adds a human, tactile quality to the song. Partway through the mood shifts. Without warning, the song becomes lighter, though it’s hard to say exactly how. A descending pattern in the background provides a delicate backdrop that supports the main melody beautifully. As the song winds down, the tone darkens again, becoming reflective, almost like a quiet farewell or a moment of closure. “scofield demos” is an acoustic wonder, an EP that proves music can say what words sometimes can’t. 

Theoretical Blonde - “The EP”

"This record feels like a nice snapshot of where we are as a band right now. We've been playing these songs live a lot this year, and we're excited they're finally out in the world. We recorded them in a bedroom by ourselves and they're all steeped with love." - Theoretical Blonde

Theoretical Blonde’s “The EP” is a spirited dive into bluegrass, showcasing the band's commitment to keeping the genre alive while adding their own unique flair. The opening track, “Think Of What You’ve Done,” kicks off with rich, harmonic vocals from the whole group, immediately pulling you into that unmistakable bluegrass sound–banjo, twang, and all. It’s the kind of song that makes you want to grab a partner and swing around the room. One standout feature is the unexpected piano solo, which adds a fresh twist you don’t often hear in bluegrass. The song also highlights the band’s collaborative energy, with multiple vocalists stepping into the spotlight. 

“The EP” also includes two live recordings, “Big River” and “Mountain Dew,” that capture the raw talent and energy of Theoretical Blonde. These tracks make it easy to imagine yourself in the middle of a lively bluegrass jam session, surrounded by foot-stomping rhythms and heartfelt melodies. 

Summer 2000 - “Phteve”  

“Among many other things, “Phteve” serves as a bookend to the Utah era of Summer 2000. What had begun simply as an outlet for impulsive musical ideas whilst locked down in my Utah county apartment during the height of COVID has since become so much more - not just a collection of art pieces rooted in the processes of healing, personal growth, and searching for a sense of "home" as a young adult in the 2020s, but also a vessel for collective catharsis & exploring shared experiences that I believe are particularly relevant/poignant for post-Mormon misfits from the Wasatch front. 

I am so grateful for all the incredible opportunities that Summer 2000 had in Utah and will sincerely miss all the wonderful folks in SLC's DIY music community that I was able to meet & interact with over the last 4 years.” Summer 2000

“Phteve” is a sprawling, eclectic journey that’s impossible to pin down to a single genre. Summer 2000 pulls influences from all over, delivering a 20-track album that feels more like a musical scrapbook. The opening track, “Sonichu Adventure,” kicks things off with an instrumental that feels like it could soundtrack an old-school video game– complete with 80s-inspired electronic beats.

“Recursion”  follows, beginning with a slow, brooding guitar. The song grows heavier, exploding into full rock chaos with rough, driving percussion before easing into a calmer stretch. The ending? A full-on breakdown of instrumentals, raw and cathartic. 

Across the album, the variety is striking. Some tracks lean toward heavy metal, others are softer electronic instrumentals, while a few go entirely experimental, playing with unconventional sounds and textures. There’s even a touch of R&B in places. For me, the sound of some tracks is reminiscent of Deftones. It’s an album that refuses to stay in one lane, making it unpredictable as it is exciting to listen to. Now based in Illinois, “Phteve” marks the end of one era and the start of another.

miicah - “FATAMORGANA”

“This album is something I've wanted to make for like, 10 years now. I've always loved the idea of creating something with such a level of detail and depth in storytelling, production, and lyricism. I feel like I relate heavily to the creative process as Tyler, The Creator and it’s funny how colors and branding are such a focus on his new album too. I’ve always agreed with his creative approach to music.” - miicah

“This album to me is my reboot plan. it’s my cushion when I fall into a bad headspace. I wrote a lot about living under the conditions and expectations of those around you and how it can feel when you let go of those expectations and begin to hold yourself accountable but for your own good and sake of sanity. it’s supposed to sound like a process. each song being completely different than the rest. It's an initiation of individual thought. 

Writing this album helped me modify my inner dialogues. and allowed me to control my emotions. STREAM FATAMORGANA” - Micah Christense

“FATAMORGANA” takes a unique approach to blending electronic sounds with personal storytelling. Each track feels like a step in a process, shifting in tone and style while staying cohesive. The album opens with “MERCHANTS,” which has a mysterious electronic vibe. It builds into something louder and almost 80s-inspired but with a modern twist. The mix of experimental electronic noises gives it a dynamic edge, feeling like it belonged on a Spider-verse Saga soundtrack. Lines like, “Don’t go back home without your soul,” stick with you, balancing ambition and reflection. 

Another standout track, “GOING SO WELL,” shifts slightly, bringing in drums alongside the electronic elements. The song reflects on highs and lows, summed up in lyrics like, “If I’m gonna lie, I’m doing alright.” The mix of sound and message makes it relatable to listeners who are into music that feels intentional and personal. 

Overall, “FATAMORGANA” stands out in Salt Lake City’s music scene. It’s not typical indie rock, but that’s the point. miicha created this album to explore letting go of expectations and focusing on individual growth. It’s a mix of styles that work together to tell a story, with each track feeling distinct yet part of a bigger picture

Hoppy - “Little While”

“‘Little While’ is the amalgamation of four years of experience, change, and hard work to create an in-depth experience that deepens with each listen. We were lucky enough to work with Jackson Jenkins who was the architect behind the sonic landscapes and quirky motifs that dictate the flow of the album. The album speaks a lot to our experiences as individuals and as a group, and we hope you find a piece of yourself in the music.” - Hopp

Hoppy’s “Little While” is one of those albums that just gets you moving without trying too hard. The title track, “Little While,” is purely instrumental, but it doesn’t feel empty. It’s simple, but that’s what makes it so easy to sink into. It gives the listener space to vibe out and get ready for what’s coming. “Still Breathing” enters and shifts the energy. The drumbeat is groovy and upbeat, but then the lyrics hit: “But I’m still breathing, even though I don’t wanna.” It’s a mix of danceable rhythm and heavier, emotional lyrics that catch you off guard– in a good way. It makes me think of those moments when you’re trying to hold it together, and the music feels like it's cheering you on. 

“The Casio” might be my favorite. It has this jazzy momentum that makes it impossible to sit still. It feels light but not shallow, like a moment of clarity after something tough. The lyrics, “The lies I’ve told don’t mean much anymore,” let go of guilt and regret and decide to move forward. It’s the kind of song I’d put on after a breakup, not because I’m sad, but because I need to remind myself I’ll be okay. 

Overall the album feels like a friend who shows up and says, “Let’s figure this out, but let’s have fun while we do it.”

Indigo Waves - “Out The Door”

“An interesting thing about growing up is seeing so many different versions of your friends. One year someone is this hardcore skater or something, and then you see them three years later and they’re now a cowboy. I feel like it happens all of the time.

‘Out The Door’ is an exploration of building a friendship with someone, then seeing them grow out of that person who you became friends with. Not knowing whether or not you actually knew that person, but at the same time knowing that when you were friends, it felt right and normal. 

Not that you can’t be friends with someone who has changed, but more so that you question whether or not that person felt comfortable being themselves around you or something? Like, it’s confusing at one point they were so into their thing and now they hate that persona, so does it mean they hate your relationship?” - Indigo Waves

“Out The Door” captures that bittersweet, slightly surreal feeling of watching a friend change into someone you barely recognize. It starts with a raw indie vibe– a solo guitar sets the stage before the full instrumental blows it open. The vocals feel distant, as though you’re hearing them through one of those tin-can telephones we played with as kids. That dreamy effect adds a nostalgic touch that pulls you right in. 

The lyrics, “There was something there that felt so right, there was something there I don’t know why,” invite a mix of certainty and confusion. You hear the longing for a connection that felt real at the time but is now hard to understand. The dreamy vocals paired with the instrumentals make the whole track feel reflective, like flipping through old photos of a friendship that’s grown blurry with time. “Out The Door” doesn’t necessarily give you answers, but it does an amazing job of exploring that confusion

Internet Lover Boys - “Kicking Rocks”

“Kicking Rocks was written in the springtime earlier this year. The song is about letting go of something that isn’t good for you, whether that’s a bad habit or a person or even a lifestyle. There’s a great deal of satisfaction and growth that comes with learning to move on and that’s what we were trying to portray here.” - Internet Lover Boy

“Kicking Rocks” is the kind of song you’d play while sorting through old feelings in the middle of the night. It starts with a slow, somber electric guitar that sets a mellow reflective tone. The line, “You found your closure, are you better now? We used to slow dance in the dark,” feels heavy, like the speaker is revisiting a moment that still lingers. The pace picks up– a fast guitar kicks in, breaking into full instrumentals. 

The energy shift mirrors that inner conflict of letting go, almost like the music is working through the tension the lyrics wrestle with. The questions the speaker asks feel so personal like they’re directed at one person, but they carry that universal weight of wanting answers you might never get. It’s a track that feels both personal and relatable, capturing the satisfaction and struggle of learning to let go

Door City –  “Thousand Times” 

“Thousand Times is the second single we’ve released as a band. It’s from our upcoming EP and we recorded it partially in-studio and partially at home, with the help of our friend Marielle Kingsley on violin. The song is about seeing someone’s potential and wanting to reach it so bad you’d lose yourself for them.” - Door City

Door City’s “Thousand Times” hooks you from the start with an addictive guitar riff that feels like the heartbeat of the song. Layer by layer, other instrumentals join in, building a sound that’s rich by the time the intro wraps up. The opening line, “You, you’re bulletproof, you got nothing to lose, so what’s the use,” sets the tone–classic indie rock, but with a raw vulnerability that gives it depth. The song carries that familiar indie sound, but the emotion in it makes it stand out. There’s something about the mix of lyrics and the violin that adds a bittersweet layer. 

Balancing energy with a touch of melancholy, “Thousand Times” is a track that will stick with you.

The Kilans - “Mr. Smith”

“I wrote this song my senior year of high school while I was supposed to be studying for a test on Hamlet on my buddy Collin’s 12-string. Thank God that shit was boring as fuck, or this song would’ve never been born. The song was just the first verse until two years later when I finished it after months of BC telling me to work on the “finger-picking song”. The “finger-picking song” is now called “Mr. Smith” and it is about my older brother’s high school ex-girlfriend’s dad hating him.” - Jack

“Mr. Smith” opens with an isolated electric guitar riff that feels haunting and deliberate, its rising and falling notes pulling you in before giving way to a moment of silence. Then the vocals take over, soft and slow at first, As the song progresses, the emotion steadily builds, leading to a powerful chorus that marks the turning point. 

The real magic happens as the track continues to grow, layering instruments and intensity. The bridge is a standout, filled with rich instrumentals that convey so much without a single word. The song slows again, circling back to that solitary guitar and vocals, only to rise once more to a finale of screeching guitars and desperate screams. It’s raw, emotional, and cathartic.

These records bring something unique to the table, whether you’re looking to relax or find a new rhythm to match the changing season. Take a moment to explore these local sounds, and you might find the perfect song to accompany the winter ahead