MUSIC PICKS DEC 26 - JAN 1 

• EDM
• Opiuo

Opiuo @ Soundwell 12/27
We are nearing 2025, yet there is still a collective nostalgia for pre-pandemic times when perhaps things seemed simpler. The 2016 EP Sneakers by New Zealand native Opiuo (Oscar Davey-Wraight) exemplifies the celebration of positivity with the lyrics, "I like your sneakers / I like your boom box / I like your head band / I like your fanny pack..." then repeats throughout the song. At first glance, the lyrics may appear simplistic and repetitious, but their repetitive nature, which is common in electronic music, is purposely emphasized to show importance. Sneakers symbolizes movement and self-expression through fashion. Additionally, the repetition of the other fashion accessories such as the headband and fanny pack further emphasize these traits which pretty much sum up the electronic scene's core values. The album for this EP, Omniversal, was nominated for "Best Electronica Album" at the New Zealand Music Awards and solidified Davey-Wraight as a funkadelic artist with serious talent. He's come a long way since his childhood, where his parents lent their land to festival promoters, which gave him formative experiences in the music industry. He continues to keep the positivity in the present, with many new releases in collaboration with fellow producer ASHEZ, such as "Underground," "Bobby Dazzler," "Ricochet," and "My Love." Opiuo's booty-shaking bass and mix of funk, soul, psychedelia is not a show to miss! Doors open at 8 p.m. for this 21+ show on Friday, Dec. 27; general admission is $26 at tixr.com. (Arica Roberts)

• Jaron Jenkins
• Pink Talking Fish

Pink Talking Fish @ The State Room 12/27
What do Pink Floyd, Talking Heads and Phish have in common? One of the most successful bands of the rock era, Pink Floyd pioneered space rock and concept albums. During the new wave era, Talking Heads incorporated dance, funk and world music textures into art rock. And as the post-rock era dawned, Phish picked up the jam band torch of the Grateful Dead (along with the music of that group's fanbase) and ran with it. Put simply, to the uninitiated, there's virtually no overlap among the aesthetics of the three aforementioned bands. But clearly no one explained that to the members of Pink Talking Fish. This tribute/fusion act draws from the repertoire of all three landmark acts, leaning into a free-for-all jam style that allows room for the arrangements to breathe, stretch out and take on an exploratory character. Pink Talking Fish—Cal Kehoe (guitar), Eric Gould (bass), Richard James or Stephen Learson (keyboards) and Zack Burwick (drums)—serves up both well-known classics and deep album cuts, weaving them into a setlist in which the band highlights previously unnoticed connections between the music. Pink Talking Fish plays a 21+ show at the Commonwealth Room Friday, Dec 27 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $32 at axs.com. (Bill Kopp)

• Courtesy photo
• Royal Bliss

Royal Bliss @ Leatherheads 12/28
I'm not a fan of musicians being stifled by the business of music. You know, artists being sidelined by labels or companies who at one point bought into their vision, but whether it be from a lack of commercial success since then and/or any of the other industry rules, in the public eye, they were here today and gone today. Salt Lake City's Royal Bliss has been putting it down since 1997, formerly signed to Capitol Records and growing (again) as an independent outfit. After years and years of ups and downs they are not just a rock band, but artists who keep moving forward. "We have our own record label, doing everything on our own 100% independent," vocalist Neal Middleton told CrypticRock.com. "We feel like we are out of the storm. It is our time to shine, just keep chasing that dream." Their major label debut, Life In-Between, dropped back in 2009, and while they easily found spots on rock radio, this did little to push Royal Bliss into rock super-stardom status. Music connects us with other places, ideas, trends and social movements. Those who know, know that Royal Bliss were killing it locally in the late '90s. Throughout their trials and tribulations, they have stayed true to themselves and are still going strong. Catch these acts at Leatherheads Sports Bar on Saturday, Dec 28, doors at 7 p.m. Tickets for the 21+ show are $20 and can be found at 24tix.com. (Mark Dago)

• Lief Jordan
• The Last Wild Buffalo

The Last Wild Buffalo, The Rockees, Madison Ware @ Kilby Court 12/28
Four-piece stop-and-holler band The Last Wild Buffalo offer listeners a unique experience: They blend folk, bluegrass, rock and a hint of punk effortlessly, a feat not easily forgotten. More than just their sound, the group also makes each performance an intimate experience, feeling like you've been friends for years. "More than just a band, The Last Wild Buffalo is a family," they say on their website. "With each performance, we invite you into our home, creating a welcoming and upbeat environment that fosters genuine connections. We have a commitment to creating a sense of community in every show we play, and we hope to see you at one soon." Their 2024 self-titled debut album is a joy to listen to from beginning to end. The group has a lighthearted feel and sound that make it easy to listen all the way through. They also boast amazing musical ability that will have you continuously impressed. Their latest release is a three-song EP titled Sincerely, and it contains much of the same, but it doesn't get boring. Don't miss The Last Wild Buffalo with The Rockees and Madison Ware on Saturday, Dec 28 at 7 p.m. Tickets for the all-ages show are $10 and can be found at 24tix.com. (Emilee Atkinson)

• Susan Theis
• Pixie & the Partygrass Boys

Pixie & the Partygrass Boys @ The State Room 12/31
When music is made to entice and entertain, a hoot and holler is often indication enough that the musicians involved have made their mark and the audience is responding in kind. That's clearly the case with local favorites Pixie & the Partygrass Boys, who make music for the fun of it and make it a point never to take themselves too seriously. Some six years on since turning pro, they still pay homage to their origins as musically-inclined ski bums who spent time on the slopes during the day while entertaining at house parties after hours. Now nationally-known and with four albums to their credit, they've transitioned from being a cool cover band to their status as skilled songwriters, adept instrumentalists and awesome entertainers. Their songs may find a basis in bluegrass, but their inspiration is gleaned from their own idyllic environs, specifically, the peaks and high desert plateaus that Utah has to offer. Their song titles offer more than a hint of that devotion ("Ski and Party," "Snow Day," "There's No Friends on a Powder Day," and especially, "Utah Maid") as does the credibility that comes with being festival favorites and shared stages with Billy Strings, The Brothers Comatose, the Infamous Stringdusters and Lake Street Dive. What better way to ring in the new year than with fun, festivities and Pixie and his pals' frivolous finesse? Pixie & the Partygrass Boys perform a 21+ show with special guests The Pickpockets at The State Room on Tuesday, Jan. 31 at 8 p.m. Tickets cost $43 - $60 excluding taxes and fees at axs.com. (Lee Zimmerman)