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DESERT STORIES


ENOUGH, DUDES!: DJ Quick Kay’s “Less-Bro, More-Whoa” guide to Punk Rock Bowling 2025
Punk Rock Bowling 2025 brings more women, queer, and nonbinary bands to the stage—but men still headline every main slot. From The Interrupters to Laura Jane Grace, Upchuck, Lambrini Girls, and Bridge City Sinners, this year’s lineup proves the scene is evolving. Dive into this guide by Flagstaff's very own DJ Quick Kay spotlighting the fiercest non-male acts worth your time—and why punk still has a long way to go toward true equality.
Kathryn Meyers
May 19


Budsapalooza '25: Oil and Concentrate sampler reviews
We review the best concentrates, vapes and cartridges from Budsapalooza, featuring standout brands like Electric Honey, Trip, Sauce, and Gelato. From smooth hits to bold terpene profiles, discover how each brand performed in flavor, potency, and overall experience. Whether you're hunting for top-tier carts or just vape-curious, this roundup highlights the best products of the festival and what makes them worth trying in today’s competitive cannabis market.
Alex Gold
May 16


Cheating Death (Again): "Final Destination" returns with a decades-old vengeance
Final Destination: Bloodlines delivers brutal, inventive kills and non-stop tension in a thrilling return to the cult horror franchise. With top-tier CGI, twisted death traps, and unexpected plot twists, it embraces its campy roots while feeling fresh and unpredictable. Fans of macabre horror won’t be disappointed—this is a fierce, fun, and blood-soaked ride that proves the series still has deadly momentum.
Alex Gold
May 15


LEE MALIA shreds and spills inside Tempe Guitar Center
Bring Me The Horizon's Lee Malia offered rare candid insights at a Guitar Center Q&A, covering his Fender signature guitar, production techniques, and BMTH's 21-year evolution. He revealed how they create their hyper pop sound, advised beginners to learn songs they love, and reflected on their journey from being booed offstage to headlining festivals. Despite success, Malia stays grounded, still enjoying METALLICA riffs and gaming with bandmates after shows.
Alex Gold
May 4


Product Review: Caviar Gold Infused Pre-Rolls and Moon Rock Flower
Usually, when brands use words to invoke a feeling of being premium, the product falls short. Caviar Gold blows that stereotype away, delivering easily one of the most premium experiences we've inhaled.
Alex Gold
Apr 27


Bedazzled Suits and Boring Politics—How THE MELVINS stole the show while NAPALM DEATH's anti-Trump rants 'bored me to tears'
Phoenix got dragged through the mud when NAPALM DEATH, THE MELVINS, WEEDEATER, and DARK SKY BURIAL stormed The Van Buren on the "Savage Imperial Death March" tour. WEEDEATER’s dirty sludge riffs, THE MELVINS’ chaotic swagger, and NAPALM DEATH’s raw grind left the crowd bruised but hungry. Even as the pit thinned out and the politics fell flat, the night was a heavy, sweaty mess of riffs, rage, and wreckage.
Justin de la Cruz
Apr 26


Cheech & Chong's Last "Movie" delivers a brief contact high, but lacks on comedy
Movie poster for “Cheech & Chong’s Last Movie” at Desert Ridge in Phoenix, AZ for the world premiere on 4/20 at 4:20pm. Photographed by...
Alex Gold
Apr 23


Budsapalooza ‘25 turns up the heat in Phoenix
Bands perform at Budsapalooza in Phoenix, AZ on April 11, 2025 while attendees wait in line to get cannabis goodies from vendors....
Alex Gold
Apr 20


Budsapalooza '25: Pre-Roll sampler reviews
Refreshed your pre-roll stash at Budsapalooza 2025 but don't know where to start for the best high? Our in-depth reviews of brands like Cigaweeds, i.o. Extracts and People's Cannabis Co. are here to help!
Alex Gold
Apr 20
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