Book on Tapeworm concert review
By Matthew Ross
On October 13th, many Utah State University students forsook their studies and headed down to a little house in The Island for a USU Independent Music Club house show. I parked among the line of cars on both ends of the street and entered the quaint little house, the front room both roomy and cozy. There were some couches and chairs scattered along the outer rim, with decorative lights that made the performance area pop. Due to the size of the venue, the decorations made the entire experience a lot more intimate. It felt as if the performers and the audience were one.
Boone Hogg played a solo set consisting of different beats, rhythms and other looping sounds. His set was a very raw expression of music and art in its purest form. The passion and intensity was palpable from the audience.
Next up was Kitfox, fronted by Emilee Holgate. This 5-piece band was the loudest act of the night and perhaps the most fun and intense act. Emilee’s vocals were complemented by Devon Smith’s lead guitar, blending with upbeat backing from the drums, bass and keys. This is a band I had not previously heard, but was nonetheless blown away.
Book on Tapeworm hails from the distant lands of Provo and consists of four band members. Due to illness, their percussionist couldn’t make the trip to Logan. For this performance, the band consisted of guitar and vocals by Scott Shepard, piano and vocals by Catherine Papworth, and cello played by Ciera Black. Before the band began, it was suggested that all of the audience members sit on the floor instead of standing in order to set the mood. Although my legs fell asleep, my mind was awake and enthralled by the beauty of the music that flowed forth like the great river Anduin. The harmonies that ensued could soothe any wounded soul, the messages beautiful and somber, while the subtle and unmistakable sounds of Ciera’s cello were the icing to the cake.
Last on the set list was Logan’s own Little Barefoot. Taylor Ross Wilson (T.R. Dubs for short) played his songs along with Benton “Boogey Nights” Wood, and Gwen “[insert nickname here]” Gates. The audience kept up the chill vibe by remaining seated. Little Barefoot played some of their old stuff along with some new songs from their upcoming album titled Never Always. Little Barefoot remained a crowd favorite and their late highschool/early college hipster sounds resonated throughout the living room of the historic house venue and into the minds and hearts of the listeners. This act was likely the highlight of the night for many of the participants and really brought the night to a well-deserved close.
I am thankful that we have such talented individuals at our university and are able to hold an event like this for no charge. The Independent Music Club is one of the best clubs for our campus to have, in my opinion. Music is at the heart of every local scene. Every event held by the USU IMC has been in an environment of camaraderie and free expression. I plan on attending many other events held by this club to associate with other individuals that value the same expressions of art and performance.
For more information on future shows and events, check out the USU Independent Music Club’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/USUIMC.
Keep on the lookout for Little Barefoot’s new album “Never Always” and their interactive album listening experience. The website for this is currently littlebarefoot.github.io.
News, music and merchandise for Book On Tapeworm can be found at their website: http://bookontapeworm.com/
Info about Kitfox’s music and events can be found at https://www.facebook.com/kitfoxband
