Live music review: Psych Lake City rocked with The Groanies, Seeking the Sun and Musor
One of the aspects of the Salt Lake City music scene that can be appreciated is the strong foundation provided for cutting edge local acts provided by venue operators like annual Urban Lounge event Psych Lake City which took place August 15-16 at the popular downtown spot. Eleven years in, this mini-fest has consistently showcased up and coming psych-rock acts along with psych-adjacent artists. This year’s edition was a perfect example. The Cosmic Clash was on hand for the second evening of performances, as The Groanies, Seeking the Sun and headliners, Musor rocked Urban. The showcase put a spotlight on the quality of young acts SLC has to offer.
We first caught The Groanies when the local trio appeared on the bill with Los Angeles’ Hooveriii who came through town in late June, playing the intimate DLC inside Quarters Arcade Bar. Within the first few chords, it was clear this band was one we’d enjoy. The garage/psych rockers impressed even with a short set as they were the first of three bands performing that night. We made plans to catch their next show at Urban, cued up their self titled EP which dropped last year. We eagerly awaited PLC at Urban.
In the interim, bandleader Gage Omana let us know The Groanies had a new single dropping the day the group was set the play Urban. “Come Home!” is a two-minute garage punk tune that appears to set the table for the group’s next record.
The band performed this track along with two others they mentioned being new compositions. The new material builds on the solid foundation of their debut recording and frankly got us excited to hear the rest of the songs coming on their next record which appears to be coming either late this year or more likely early in 2026.
The Groanies included a great cover of Lou Reed’s hit song, “Rock n Roll.” Their garage rock take on the often-covered track is perhaps one of the best versions we’ve heard. Following the show, Omana let us know the group had been playing the song nearly since forming three years ago. He hinted that perhaps the band was ready to move onto another cover or more importantly to the new material they’d been showcasing at Psych Lake City.
The group’s musicianship is better than solid, with Omana handling lead guitar and vocal duties while Dallin Orr is on drums and Trevor Eichelberger plays bass guitar. They may be small but their sound is mighty. Catch The Groanies next show on October 2 for no cover at International Bar.
The act that followed The Groanies (the perfect way to start Psych Lake City Saturday) was impressive. We’d been sitting outside prior to The Groanies set listening to a guy crack jokes with his friends. The dude was funny enough that our music fan buddy noticed and said something to him. Neither of us realized we were talking to the members of Seeking the Sun, who are self described terror funk purveyors. Their sound evokes acts like Tool and Primus. And yeah, that guy (mystery bassist for now) was a monster on stage. His energized and relentless bass performance had fans howling with pleasure while the diminutive but mighty Juniper Wolf cavorted on stage wearing a simple black tank top and soccer shorts ensemble.
We’re not sure what was more mesmerizing to watch, Wolf at the center of the stage delivering her lines while making abstract arm and hand gestures or the ferocity of the players behind her led by that vicious bass line. The band seemed to be trying to leave every last ounce of energy on the stage. We got tired watching guitarist Leo Paterniti set a frenetic pace to match his rhythm section. It was a bit breathtaking which is not an adjective we anticipated using about any band at the local psych rock fest to be honest. Pleasant surprises are the best kind aren’t they?
If you see Seeking the Sun perform, get ready for sonic intensity like you rarely see at any local act’s show let alone SLC. Catch the band next at Kilby Court September 4.
Finally it was time for the headliner, Musor. Word is the group has been around the Salt Lake City scene for some time. Our same music fan buddy has one of Musor’s stickers on his disc golf gear. They’re a big deal as far as young SLC bands go. Being from Austin where Latin fusion music reigns king (Brownout, Como Las Movies, El Tule) it was impressive to see similar influences reaching all the way to the Rocky Mountains, a far cry from the borderlands the aforementioned Austin acts hail from.
Musor’s music has elements of psych rock, Cumbia, rock en Espagnol and even a dash of Americana. They sing songs in both English and Spanish with the kind of feel good vibe fans expect of bands who fall into the World Music category. Their songs are danceable and the slower ones can be touching. The Peruvians put on a great show that is worth seeing again.
The band consists of Alan Orellana (guitar, vocals), Javier Catalan (bass), Delfor Delgado (drums), and Chelsea “Pearl” Laterza (keys & synth).
We’re looking forward to catching Musor again, perhaps this time with a single opener at their own show vs a two-day mini-fest. Frankly we might have expended the bulk of our fan energy on The Groanies and Seeking the Sun which isn’t fair to a group as talented as Musor. Follow the band on Instagram to learn about their next show.
All photos by Ryan Wesley Odom
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