On Monday, May 13th, the atmosphere at The Depot crackled with anticipation as fans eagerly awaited the arrival of X Ambassadors. As the lights dimmed and the stage ignited with energy, it became evident that this was no ordinary concert—it was a musical journey that would linger in our memories for years to come.
Paper Kites • Bella White • February 27, 2024 • The Depot
Reviewed and Photographed by Nate Bonney
On Feb 27th, the Paper Kites started the second half of their North American tour right here in Salt Lake City. Playing at The Depot. The show was originally at the metro music hall but sold out fast. They upgraded the venue and The Depot also sold out. The Complex, which is a larger venue around the corner, didn’t have the date available so they kept it at The Depot. This was Paper Kites first time in Salt Lake City. Its nice for them to see that it is worth stopping here when they tour.
While I was in line I was joking with everyone who was surprised that they came to Salt Lake City, that I was the one who brought them here. Because I would always tell them on their post to come to Salt Lake City.
Bella White
The opener they invited on tour with them was Bella White. She is a Canadian-American from Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Her music style combines elements of bluegrass, country, folk, and Americana. She got her influence from her father who was a semi-professional musician in Virginia.
She started her set off with “Among Other Things.” It is from her 2023 album with the same title. Even without a full band to accompany her she still commanded the stage and the audience.
Throughout her whole set, I was getting Jewel vibes. Not the pop Jewel but the jewel that yodels. Like a mountain woman, she sang her story and the audience could feel it. She was well received. Most of the songs were from her 2023 album the last one was from her 2021 Just Like Leaving album. The lighting of her set was well-matched with her style. The way the light would come in and out almost put the crowd in a trance.
Below is her setlist. Give Bella White a listen and enjoy. Good road trip music.
1. Among Other Things 2. Numbers 3. Flowers on My Bedside 4. The Way I Ought to Go 5. Unreleased ID 6. Just Like Leaving
After Bella White’s set, Paper Kites took the stage. They are promoting their 6th studio album At the Roadhouse. I saw The Paper Kites in LA a few years ago and have all their albums. They played a variety from all of them. This tour was nice because with all the hits they have they didn’t play a bunch of them like the last time I saw them and it makes each one of their concerts unique.
Paper Kites have the awareness of their music not to repeat what they have done in the album before and always try something new. Although they keep the Paper Kites feel, they have more of a roadside bar from out in the middle of nowhere feel to this album. Singer Sam Bentley explained that the idea was to present the idea of the perfect bar that never existed and where people would go to enjoy themself. They had with them The Roadhouse Band which added more depth and a full sound to this album and created more of a concert assemble than a band.
Paper Kites was formed in Melbourne Australia in 2009 by Same Bentley (lead vocal/guitarist) and Christina Lacy (vocal/keyboard). Later joined was Sam Rasmussen (Bass), David Powys (vocals/guitar), and Sam’s brother Josh Bentley (drums).
They started their set with “Between the Houses,” from their 2018 album On the Train Ride Home. It’s a mellow song to get everyone in the mood.
Between their first and second song. Sam mentioned that every time they would post tour info there was a lone person who would always comment on their post “Come to Salt Lake City!” I thought that was funny that they would mention that. So, everyone who was at the show, you’re welcome! I hope you enjoyed them on my behalf haha.
Their next song was “Til The Fames Turn Blue,” from the new album. When that steel guitar kicks in, you can tell that it’s a great song. Better than the album and the album is great. For the first 5 songs they sang they stayed seated then they left for a minute and then came back ready to sing “Tenebaum” from their 1st album States. Sam mentioned that they love seeing couples hugged together and the singles by themself. They mention that they love that their songs are relatable to anyone. They also mentioned that they want to make t-shirts that say “I cried at a Paper Kites concert.” The crowd laughed because it’s true haha.
They all seem all melancholy but when they play songs like “June’s Stolen Car,” you see that they are more than just a band that sings sad love longs. Another song that changed the vibe was “Without Your Love”. On the album, the girl part is sung by Julia Stone. At the Concert it was Christina Lacy. Who did an amazing job and you couldn’t even tell a difference. “Black & Thunder,” is another song that just has a great blues beat and shows the diversity in The Paper Kite’s range of genres.
The Paper Kites set is always enjoyable. Everybody comes to listen and everyone sings their songs but not loud so you can still hear them and not the crowd. There were times where you could hear the crowd but then the next song was just the band and the refrigerator humming at the back of the venue.
Paper Kites did something that I hadn’t ever seen them do. They covered a song by Adrianna Leaker, “Anything.” They finished up their set and then of course performed an encore. Christina joined Sam and sang “By My Side.” On the album, he is accompanied by Rosie Carney. They finished on an upbeat song “Electric Indigo.”
Below is their setlist. Give it a listen and enjoy. Everyone else did. I don’t think anyone was disappointed. If they didn’t play one of their favorite songs then they were able to listen to it on the way home. They of course played their hit that got them recognized “Bloom.” We all look forward to them coming back. I’m sure they will be at a bigger venue. The sad part about that is the intimacy that The Depot offers is great!
1. Between the Houses 2. Till the Flame Turns Blue 3. Hurts So Good 4. Nothing More Than That 5. Marietta 6. Tenenbaum 7. Burn the Night Away 8. Bloom 9. June’s Stolen Car 10. Without Your Love 11. Good Nights Gone 12. Black & Thunder 13. Anything (Adrianne Lenker cover) 14. Paint 15. Darkness at My Door
Last Saturday evening, the atmosphere at The Depot was surging with energy as fans eagerly waited for rock band Thursday to take the stage. The cozy dimly lit venue was packed all the way the bar. I made my way over to the stage to observe the room, and what kind of vibes this band would bring. I saw a mostly older crowd, but there was still a good mix of young rockers and elder emos alike. With a career spanning over two decades, Thursday has cultivated a wide-ranged and hardcore fan base. This show was on their ‘War All The Time’ tour, dedicated to playing their 2003 album in full. I saw a lot of people repping the merch, and discussing their excitement for this long-awaited performance.
Hayley Kiyoko is a new type of artist that seems to be growing rapidly. Hayley has gained popularity not only for her talent when it comes to her music but also for being a trailblazer in the way she expresses her sexuality. She uses her platform to spread support to those struggling with their own sexual orientation. Although I haven’t personally had to deal with these struggles, I talked to a few people at the show who were claiming Hayley is a big reason they are able to get through each day. It was really cool to see an artist make music that helps people be more comfortable in their own skin. The Depot was able to host Hayley on her current “PANORAMA” tour with two supporting acts following her on this adventure. Emmy Meli and Katherine Li were the two supporting artists that opened for Hayley.
Happy St. Patrick’s Day! We can think of no better way to celebrate than to share our review of our amazing time at The Depot in Salt Lake City, with The Young Dubliners. The Young Dubliners have been a favorite in Utah for many years. As far back as the old Zephyr Club. A long-standing venue that hosted many bands in the 80s and 90s.They even played Salt Lake City during the Winter Olympics in 2002. The Zephyr Club has since been torn down, but Salt Lake City’s love of The Young Dubliners is as strong as ever.
Mod Sun w/ Stand Atlantic & Pardyalone• February 27, 2023• The Depot
Reviewed and Photographed by Kaden Severn
Monday night my fiancé and I had the chance to go to The Depot for a rock-filled lineup. Mod Sun with Stand Atlantic and Pardyalone filled the downtown Salt Lake City venue with excited fans. I have been looking forward to this concert since it was announced. So I’m sure you can imagine my excitement when I got the approval to cover the show.
Elle King w/ Lola Kirke• March 19, 2022 •The Depot
Reviewed and Photographed by Kevin Rolfe
I’m embarrassed to say that prior to this concert I knew very little about Elle King. I knew the song “Ex’s and Oh’s”. It’s pretty hard to not know that song. It’s a really catchy, really good song. I knew she was Rob Schnieder’s daughter. And I knew she had a great voice. I think anyone who knows Elle King knows these three facts. The last time King was here in Salt Lake City she opened for Heart and Joan Jett. I wasn’t able to go to the show, but by numerous accounts, she about stole the thing. There always seemed to be a buzz when Elle King was coming to town. So I knew I needed to see her in concert. She is so much more than an SNL alums’ daughter, so much more than a voice, and so much more than one song.
There’s no question that when someone says Rock N Roll the majority of people don’t think about girl rock bands. However, The Aces are here to change that. This Utah native band is so loved here and that was definitely reflected on their tour stop in Salt Lake City at The Depot. As I approached The Depot the line was wrapped around the building with fans eagerly waiting to get inside!
Australian musician Courtney Barnett marked her 5th stop at The Depot on her US tour for her newest album “Things take time, take time” this last Friday, December 2nd. I was incredibly excited for this show specifically because she’s the first Australian artist I’ve seen live, and it was my first time photographing at The Depot.
The long-awaited 20-year Silverstein Anniversary Tour finally made its way to Utah, after the rescheduled dates and a revised lineup. It was an exciting night with a setlist stacked with some of the best songs from each band. At first, I was caught off guard when I found out that the line for the shows wasn’t wrapped around into The Gateway like it normally is when there’s a sold-out show at The Depot. However, the line was non-stop the entire night with everyone making their way to the venue.
