BABYMETAL Bringing Kawaii Metal to Denver September 27th

By: Jason Myers 

The heavy metal touring circuit in the U.S. is about to get a facelift over the next month. Kawaii metal kingpins BABYMETAL are heading out on their first U.S. headlining tour and it’s slated to hit 20 cities across the country from September 4th to mid-October. 

Photo per BABYMETAL.

Photo per BABYMETAL.

Seamlessly blending elements of death metal, black metal, and J-pop music, BABYMETAL have created a sound that is uniquely their own. As pioneers of the Kawaii metal genre, the band has released 2 albums to critical acclaim and has performed 4 world tours. Their new album, Metal Galaxy, will be released on October 11th, 2019. Check out their newest single, “Elevator Girl” to see what we mean.

BABYMETAL will be backed on tour (except 10/15-10/16) by Swedish heavy metal juggernauts Avatar. After 18 years as a band, Avatar have little, if anything, left to prove. They've released 7 albums, 2 EPs, and have garnered a faithful following through their chaotic and relentless live performances. Check out a live performance of their 2018 appearance at Graspop here.

Want to catch them in Denver Friday, September 27th at The Ogden? Get tickets for the tour here!

All photos, videos, and embedded tracks per the artist featured and those credited. This feature was edited for brevity and clarity by BolderBeat.

'Does This Look Infected?' 15-Year Anniversary Tour Hits Denver With a Birthday Bang

By: Nathan Sheppard

Denver was treated to a party this past Monday as we celebrated the 15-year anniversary of Sum 41’s iconic album Does This Look Infected? at The Ogden.

Deryck Whibley of Sum 41.

Deryck Whibley of Sum 41.

The festivities were kicked off by Super Whatevr, who recently released their debut album Never Nothing, with their unique blend of sad topics with upbeat lyrics and melodies. This was the band’s third trip through Denver in the past few months and each time their show gets better and better, as was seen when people throughout the crowd were singing along to “Bloomfield” and “Someone Somewhere Somehow.” Their fun loving attitudes were infectious and a great way to get everyone excited for the night.

Seaway, who is arguably one of the best modern pop-punk bands today, followed Super Whatevr and absolutely smashed it. The band’s charismatic frontman Ryan Locke brought so much energy to the set as he jumped and danced all over the stage. Seaway had the whole crowd bouncing along with them to older song “Slam,” along with new tunes from their album Vacation like “London.” It was a great set to pump everyone up for the main event of the night, Sum 41.

Sum41.jpg

With confetti flying, Sum 41 started the set off with a bang and a slight pause to pick a couple of fans to watch the whole thing from the side stage. Frontman Deryck Whibley called it a birthday party for the fans, saying without their support none of this would have been possible. With it being a birthday party, he encouraged people can do “whatever you want,” and with that rule in place they did things a little differently than other anniversary shows and played a “setlist that they would have played back in 2003” and mixed all the DTLI songs up. The set included their hits “Over My Head,” “Still Waiting,” and “The Hell Song,” with a new song “Fake My Own Death” (inspired by a demo tape from DTLI). The show finished off with a three-song encore ending with their breakthough song “Fat Lip” for a fitting way to end this birthday bash.

The crowd. 

The crowd. 

It’s pretty crazy to think that one of the essential albums that many pop-punk fans grew up listening to is 15-years-old today! Sum 41 gave us a night to remember and a night to relive the glory days of 90s and 2000s pop-punk. You can follow the remaining dates of the Does This Look Infected? tour and keep up with Sum 41 here.

See all the photos from this show in our gallery.

-Nathan

All photos, videos, and embedded tracks per the artists featured and those credited. This feature was edited for brevity and clarity by BolderBeat.

Colorado Halloween 2017: Your Guide To All The Best Halloween Shows Happening This Month

By: Mirna Tufekcic

‘Tis the season of witches and warlocks, zombies and monsters, and some kick-ass parties honoring All Hallow’s Eve. If you’re anything like us, you’ve already started gearing up for the most fun weekend of the year- the one that celebrates the weird with music, costumes, and more music. Colorado music lovers, we’re here to tear you apart with choices of all the celebrations taking place around the state for this year’s Halloween weekend.

Boulder

Papadosio.

Papadosio.

Thursday 10/26: The Boulder Theater presents the unmistakeable: The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Colorado’s Elusive Ingredient- Denver’s Rocky Horror Shadowcast will perform along with the film. Whether you’re a seasoned attendee or a virgin to this interactive movie and theatre performance, it’s sure to make a great start to a funky weekend. The key word for this event is interactive.  Expect to touch or be touched.  

Friday & Saturday 10/27-10/28: Halloween weekend at The Boulder Theater will host a two-night “Rave from the Grave” party with Papadosio and friends. Papadosio plans to pay tribute to some of the 90s and early 2000s electronic artists that influenced their path as a band. To pop the cherry of this event, Boulder’s own Dynohunter will take guests on a journey through deep, grounding house tunes, just to lift you up through organic electro peaks and valleys you can rave about all over the dance floor. Saturday night, the party will start with Bass Physics, a one man show put together by Denver’s esteemed Arja Adair guaranteed to provide positive tunes while mixing up acoustic guitar and electronic sounds. Two-day passes are already sold out for this weekend, but click here to buy a one day ticket before they’re all gone. This event is likely to sell out soon.

Sunday 10/29: The Fox Theatre is hosting Sinful Sunday Halloween Party with Midnight North and All Chiefs. This ought to be an upbeat, dancey, bodies-grinding-all-night kind of show as Midnight North brings their soul, country, rock’n’roll, and All Chiefs their indie beeps, boops, and digital sprinkles to make any body groove. The show is free to industry folks; if you’re not one of those get your hands on some tickets here.

Tuesday 10/31: Snakehips make their return to Fox Theatre for Halloween, where we expect to see lots of fun costumes groovin' to their bass drops. Tickets here.

Denver

Marilyn Manson.

Marilyn Manson.

Saturday 10/07: The Mile High City has big things on the agenda throughout October in almost every music venue. The spirit of the season starts with thousands of living dead wannabes at Denver’s Zombie Crawl, and the city will no doubt be bustling with dark spirits from then through the end of October.

Thursday 10/19: Marilyn Manson will bring his tour to the Fillmore Auditorium, as long as he’s healed up from his recent stage injury. While not a Halloween weekend event, it’s close enough, especially since he’s known for having the most disturbing Instagram account around. Enjoy. UPDATE: This show is rescheduled for 01/20/18 - details here

Friday 10/20: The Gasoline Lollipops are bringing you one scary hoedown at Denver's Lost Lake tonight. Hosted by 105.5 The Colorado Sound, Grayson County Burn Band and Whipperpool will join Colorado's favorite alt-country outfit on good 'ol Colfax for an eerie time. 

Friday 10/27: Lost Lake Lounge is throwing their Terrified Halloween party with Modern Suspects, a “popternative trio,” Optycnerd, an electo-indie-pop beats duo that bring the heat to the dance floor, and Vynyl, an electronic hip-hop pop duo. This one’s set for a full house of Denver-based musicians and beat-makers bound to terrify you into dancing the night away.

Friday 10/27: Syntax Physic Opera will host an early event starting at 7PM called Hell Toupee, A Lounge Night in Hell, which is a comedy and variety show. Then starting at 9PM, you can check out Lillian’s album release party.

Friday & Saturday 10/27-10/28: The Oriental Theater will have a weekend packed full of halloween celebrations. Friday night is the Third Annual Monster Ball with Alice in Chains and KISS tribute bands. Need I say more? Saturday night is reserved for a costume contest event called MORTIFIED, an international storytelling event where adults share their most embarrassing and hilarious childhood artifacts in front of total strangers. Dare I say terrifying?

Optycnerd.

Optycnerd.

Saturday 10/28: Bar Standard/Milk Bar will host a Colorado HELLoween Ball with TR/ST. It's the biggest event of the year from promoters Ritual Noize. TR/ST is considered a popular goth/industrial/dark electronic artist and HELLoween is a party for just such fans, so it should be a hell of a time if you’re into that scene. According to Ritual Noize, “HELLoween has always been about mixing club culture, the Halloween tradition and live musical performances with a horror theme attached.” This year the decor will be Psycho-themed; hurray for Hitchcock fans!

Saturday 10/28: Halloween Hootenanny at The Bluebird Theater will feature Denver DJ Wesley Wayne and a costume competition that can score you year passes to some of Denver’s most beloved venues. Click on the Hootenanny link above for details and if you plan to attend, you’d better come in your best costume yet.

Saturday 10/28: Gothic Theatre is throwing Groovy Pirate Ghost Mystery party with Deer Tick and special guest Chris Crofton, who will open up the event with, hopefully, a very funny set before things get groovy and ghosts begin to apparate. Deer Tick hails from Providence, Rhode Island with a rebellious take on alternative, folk, rock’n’roll, and country vibes.

Saturday 10/28: Larimer Lounge is hosting their Halloween Edition of Dance Yourself Clean with DJs inspired by the likes of LCD Soundsystem, Grimes, Blood Orange, and more. Shake off the sugar with this one.

Estes Park

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Saturday 10/21: The Shining Ball at the Concert Hall of the famous Stanley Hotel will have yet another yearly Halloween staple with Denver’s beloved Gasoline Lollipops. We imagine the band will truly bring the spirit of Halloween to life, with growls from frontman Clay Rose and howls from the audience over the band’s poignant lyrics and dark, stompy tunes.

Saturday 10/28: The legendary Masquerade Ball at the Stanley Hotel will conclude the Halloween events at the haunted property with live music by Jonny Mogambo backed by a full band.

Fort Collins

Rocky Horror Picture Show.

Rocky Horror Picture Show.

Friday 10/13: Mishawaka Amphitheatre will host a Rocky Horror Picture Show screening all its own with a troupe of actors, games, and trivia. There will also be a costume contest and drink specials. Practice your time warp now.

Friday 10/27: Hodi’s Half Note is getting metal with Skinned, A Flood Foretold, Inficier, and Voracious Souls. Headbang until witching hour.

Greeley

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Friday 10/27: Sweaty soul outfit The Burroughs are headlining Moxi Theatre’s 4th Annual Halloween Extravanganza, and chill wave beach band Slow Caves are opening. No word on if the bands are dressing up yet, but fingers crossed.

Sunday 10/29: The Moxi is also throwing a purely metal Halloween show this weekend with Bash, Skinned, Last Word, Infinited Conscious, and Cyber Zodiac. Go get weird.

Jamestown

The Alcapones.

The Alcapones.

Saturday 10/28: If it’s in your interest to get away from all the debauchery and chaos of city life during Halloween, then the quaint town of James has something for you. They are hosting The Alcapones at the good ‘ol Merc. A ska/reggae band with a mountain flare, The Alcapones will definitely bring the house down and set this mountain roof on fire.    

And finally, for those of you wanting to see and hear live music without all of the Halloween hype, here’s what’s good:

Friday 10/27: Tonight at the Hi-Dive in Denver is Jocko Homo, an event to pay tribute to 90s and 2000s alternative rock bands like Incubus, Weezer, and Modest Mouse, with cover bands honoring all three respectively. Sidenote: Actual Incubus and Weezer play Red Rocks this month.

The Infamous Stringdusters.

The Infamous Stringdusters.

Friday & Saturday 10/27-10/28: Denver’s The Ogden Theatre will host two nights of The Infamous Stringdusters this weekend. Party down.

Saturday 10/28: Red Rocks Amphitheatre will be abuzz with Russ, an American hip-hop singer/songwriter, recording artist, and producer.

Tuesday 10/31: Dream pop four-piece Alvvays  are ringing in actual Halloween night at Denver's Bluebird Theater with Jay Som.

Tuesday 10/31: Denver's own Itchy-O play Summit Music Hall on Halloween, which is fitting for this avant-garde and experimental marching band. The show is sponsored by Meow Wolf, so expect to get weird. 

See you out there somewhere Halloweenies.

-Mirna

All photos, videos, and embedded tracks per the artist featured and those credited. This feature was edited for brevity and clarity by BolderBeat.

Have something to add to this list? Let us know here.

Politics, Protest, & Authentic Art: Conor Oberst At The Boulder Theater

By: Hannah Oreskovich

Conor Oberst had a three-show stint in Colorado over the weekend before his official Ruminations and Salutations tour kicks off later this July. His Saturday Boulder spot was sandwiched between a performance at Denver’s The Ogden Friday and a Mishawaka Amphitheatre set Sunday. Having become known to the masses for his work in Bright Eyes in the late 90s and early 2000s, Oberst has also had a successful solo career and spent time playing in projects like Desaparecidos, Monsters of Folk, and Conor Oberst and the Mystic Valley Band.

Conor Oberst.

Conor Oberst.

But beyond his talent instrumentally and vocally, Oberst has an appeal on a much more honest level: he writes at times of the working man’s experience and in protest of conservative politics, and let’s face it- in a time where excess is often flaunted in popular music and Instagram celebrities promote music festivals more than the performers themselves, it’s refreshing to have an artist speaking to the working class hero. It’s hard not to speculate Oberst’s Midwest roots attribute to this storytelling (his father worked for Omaha’s Union Pacific Railroad), and it says something that Oberst remains based in The Good Life of Nebraska, a place he has arguably curated a music scene within through his label Saddle Creek Records. Either way, Oberst is one of those artists who, at times, speaks for the middle class of society, whether it’s in his protest songs or in his storytelling. And this theme from some of Oberst’s work hit hard at his show in Boulder last Saturday.

Oberst and his band.

Oberst and his band.

Oberst opened the show with his recent hit “Barbary Coast (Later)” from Ruminations, then threw it back to Bright Eyes’ “Four Winds.” His backing band was excellent- James Felice held down piano/accordion, Parker Taylor Wesley Hollingsworth rocked out on guitar, Billy Lawrence was on drums, Chris Felice licked bass, and Gregory Farley smashed on violin. Oberst’s set also included a Monsters of Folk cover (“Map of the World”), a couple of tracks from his Mystic Valley project (“Ten Women” and final closer “Roosevelt Room”), and several other Bright Eyes tunes. Oberst even shared a new, unrecorded track as the first song of three in his encore, “No One Is Going To Change.”

But throughout his set, current politics entered the scene, most often in Oberst’s musings with the crowd. He discussed the recent New Jersey government shutdown, “sending out” his song “Empty Hotel By The Sea” to Chris Christie himself, rather fittingly some might say, as Christie is spending the Fourth of July in his private beach house near Island Beach State Park, which will be closed from the public for the holiday this year thanks to the shutdown.  

Later, Oberst went on a couple of anti-Trump rants, calling Trump “an orange bloated f*cked up rat” and a “racist, misogynistic piece of sh*t” while simultaneously “sending out” songs for Trump as well, including the evening’s closer from his Mystic Valley Band days, “Roosevelt Room.” The lines, “And I’d like to write my congressman/But I can’t afford the stamp” and “Cause the working poor you’ve been pissing on/Are doing double shifts tonight” were emphasized, and some might argue they felt rather appropriately weighted in some ways, given several of Trump’s recently signed executive orders and the pending Senate healthcare bill.

Still, the mood of the show wasn’t entirely set on Oberst’s protest and politics.

Said Oberst about their short Colorado stint, “I talked to these guys- the band- and they all wanted to come out here and eat gummy bears, and go on hikes, and take pictures of bugs, so it’s been great.”

Comments like these garnered a lot of laughter from the crowd. Oberst and his band had incredible energy, and there was a rock’n’roll flare true to Desaparecidos mixed with Oberst’s more singer/songwriter Americana vibes. It was honest art- there were no large-scale production elements and Conor clearly didn’t care where anyone else’s politics stood- he just spoke his truths and shared the stage with some incredible instrumentalists telling stories that ranged in theme from love to protest to Middle America with a couple of harangues. And it’s that sort of authenticity that makes his current tour worth putting on your radar.

Keep up with Conor Oberst here. And see our full photo gallery from this show at this link.

-Hannah

Follow Hannah on Instagram and Twitter.

All photos per the author. All videos and embedded tracks per the artists featured and those credited. This feature was edited for brevity and clarity by BolderBeat.

December 17th Has Officially Been Declared Colorado's Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats Day

By: Sierra Voss

Governor Hickenlooper hereby proclaimed December 17th as Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats Day last night. That’s right, this sweet Denver-based band now have a day all their own for all they have brought to the world with their music, and more specifically, for all they have brought to Colorado.

During the short ceremony prior to the show, Hickenlooper made a declaration to the sold-out Ogden crowd, bestowing the honor upon the band:

“So we want to do something really special tonight to thank them for everything they have done to put us on the map in such a big way…
Whereas the folk R&B group haS traveled over 208,000 miles in the last 18 months, touring the world and playing sold-out venues; and
Whereas, since June 2015, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats have performed 246 shows in more than 16 countries across the globe; and
Whereas Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats sold over 640,000 albums and have performed for over 700,000 people, not including you; and
Whereas 7.1 million people have listened on Spotify and streamed the equivalent of over 432 years of the group's music; and
Whereas, managed by Chris Tetzeli and Denver-based 7S Management, the group, even with their global travel, has deep roots to the Colorado community; and
Whereas their upcoming August 2017 show at Red Rocks Amphitheatre, a world-renowned venue with 10,000 seats, sold out in just 7 minutes!; and
Whereas Colorado’s music scene continues to grow and thrive through the enormous talent, dedication, and passion for community that musicians like Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats brings to our state;
Therefore, I, John W. Hickenlooper, Governor of the entire State of Colorado, do hereby proclaim forever after, December 17th, 2016 as Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats Day in the state of Colorado."

And so, on the snowy Saturday night, fans celebrated a day in the name of the band as Nathaniel Rateliff dropped to his knees, thanking the audience as the Colorado flag was wrapped around his shoulders.

The adoring crowd launched into dance as the band opened their emotionally heartfelt set. The room was buzzing with positive vibes encapsulating the support this community has had for Rateliff & The Night Sweats throughout their journey. It was clear how moved Nathaniel was as he stopped every few song to praise the crowd and speak his heart, wiping away tears.

It seemed all and every popular Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats song was played, including of course, the band’s hit song, S.O.B. The band closed with this track and departed the stage, prompting the crowd to burst out into chorus singing back to the band for an encore.

It was a magical night for Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats fans, and an important recognition from the state regarding Colorado’s growing music scene. The band’s next announced Colorado gig is the aforementioned Red Rocks Ampitheater show in August 2017. Looking to catch a show before next summer? Check out their international tour schedule here.

-Sierra

All photos per the author. All videos and embedded tracks per the artist featured and those credited. This feature was edited for brevity and clarity by BolderBeat.

The Growlers' Latest Colorado Visit Was a Beach Goth 'City Club' Dream

By: Claire Woodcock

There’s nothing like getting hit in the face by the drop of a lead singer’s sweat. BolderBeat was at the foot of the stage to Brooks Nielsen, frontman of The Growlers, last Saturday night at The Fox Theatre.

Brooks Nielsen of The Growlers. Photo Credit: Hannah Oreskovich

Brooks Nielsen of The Growlers. Photo Credit: Hannah Oreskovich

Denver’s DJ boyhollow played ‘80s pop hits from Bowie and The Stones; basically he played anything a little too dark to be included on the soundtrack of a John Hughes flick. But the show didn’t really start, meaning the crowd didn’t really get down with the goth-pop, until the Orange County psych rock revivalists took the stage, and Nielsen started jiving to the percussion on “Big Toe”.

Growlers lead guitarist Matt Taylor. Photo Credit: Hannah Oreskovich

Growlers lead guitarist Matt Taylor. Photo Credit: Hannah Oreskovich

Nielsen joked that he was excited to play new songs off The Growlers’ latest release, City Club, “because who wants to listen to Chinese Fountain anymore?” I laughed, but I’m also really into their directed professionalism onstage. City Club is The Growlers’ eighth album in six years. The City Club Tour is a classy time warp that essentially revived Creedence Clearwater Revival. But The Growlers evolving style is taking an obvious clue from The Strokes.

Life in the 'City Club'. Photo Credit: Hannah Oreskovich

Life in the 'City Club'. Photo Credit: Hannah Oreskovich

Don’t worry Chinese Fountain fanatics. They played the title track of the release, “Dull Boy”, and “Black Memories” as well. Earlier tracks were included on the setlist too, like 2010’s “Empty Bones” and 2013’s “Tell It How It Is”, which was like hearing The Growlers restored years before Urban Outfitters releases the 10-year anniversary vinyls. So if you’re listening to the new Hot Tropics anniversary drop in 2020, just know that BolderBeat heard “Sea Lion Goth Blues” first, ok?

Double mics, alright? Photo Credit: Hannah Oreskovich

Double mics, alright? Photo Credit: Hannah Oreskovich

Full disclosure: Post show, post going home to write this review, I found myself sipping on good whiskey and dancing to my now Chinese Fountain pastimes in my living room. I’m here to tell you that sometimes it’s okay to do that, but “I’ll Be Around,” one of the singles from City Club, made for catchy encore repertoire that clearly has producer Julian Casablancas’ magic all over it.

Suit game on point. Photo Credit: Hannah Oreskovich

Suit game on point. Photo Credit: Hannah Oreskovich

In Boulder, this California surf-pop-rock band was as polished as I’ve ever heard or seen them. White suits with floral decals complimented the “city club” get-up that was going down. The signature clean guitars and distorted vocals that have made The Growlers such a staple on the Colorado music scene were all around. And Nielsen was all business when he rocked the stage with his classic two-step, two-mic performance.

Whispers. Photo Credit: Hannah Oreskovich

Whispers. Photo Credit: Hannah Oreskovich

Though he’s known for being notoriously shy, eager fans took every chance they had to get close to Nielsen. It’s a really surreal experience to be conjoined at the hips to the people on every side of you swaying. At that point, there’s really nothing left to do but submit, and let everyone crawl over you to take pictures, touch Nielsen’s surprisingly clean white Converse, and reach around you to tug at any part of the man they could attempt to grasp. Fans boosted fans trying to get onstage to hug Nielsen, talk to lead guitarist Matt Taylor about an after party, or stage dive into the dancing crowd. Which had me wondering, “When the band doesn’t initiate crossing the fourth wall into a mob of fans, shouldn’t fans not only be cognizant of that, but honor the stage space, no matter how much you love them? Or does being a fan entitle ticket buyers to create their own experience out of the evening, even if it could impact the musicality of a band’s set?” Leave your thoughts on this one in the comments folks.

Front row Bettys. Photo Credit: Hannah Oreskovich

Front row Bettys. Photo Credit: Hannah Oreskovich

Fortunately, The Growlers are one of the most talented national bands I’ve seen this year, and even with all of the attention at Saturday's show, they managed not to miss a beat. This was The Growlers’ fourth show in Colorado this year; they played Belly Up Aspen, The Ogden Theatre, and Mishawaka Amphitheatre before returning to Boulder’s The Fox  to premiere City Club. We’re looking forward to the album, which drops next Friday, September 30th, as well as future shows from these top notch dudes. Maybe even with a little more sweat.

Keep up with The Growlers here.

-Claire

All photos per Hannah Oreskovich for BolderBeat. This feature was edited for brevity and clarity by BolderBeat.

Mac DeMarco Brought The Boys Club to Boulder's Fox Theatre

By: Claire Woodcock

Okay, I’m just going to come out and say it: It was really weird when Mac DeMarco was jerking off to his band in the crowd at the end of his show at The Fox on Thursday. The audience held him up with one of his hands while the other was in his pants, as he blatantly touched himself to guitarist Andrew Charles White, bassist Rory McCarthy and drummer Joe McMurray. Both musically and literally, “Together”, the song he and his friends close out every show with, became a unified, ten-minute-too-long musical jerkoff.

Mac DeMarco. Photo Credit: Hannah Oreskovich

Mac DeMarco. Photo Credit: Hannah Oreskovich

Hail to the bucket hat wearing, PBR chugging, current king of indie rock. Since McBriare Samuel Lanyon “Mac” DeMarco’s 2014 release Salad Days, the Canadian singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist has become a cultural master of the dirtbag aesthetic. DeMarco saturated the Colorado scene this week, opening for Tame Impala at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, playing The Ogden in Denver, and taping a podcast episode with eTown before his last stop in the Centennial state, a sold out show at Boulder’s Fox Theatre.

Justin Renaud of Sunboy during their Fox Theatre set. Photo Credit: Hannah Oreskovich

Justin Renaud of Sunboy during their Fox Theatre set. Photo Credit: Hannah Oreskovich

The moshing began well before Macko and his crew took the stage. Denver based psych-pop outfit Sunboy gave a knockout performance, with lush instrumental arrangements that gave this relatively fresh local band a crowd ready to lose their minds for Mac. Sunboy put out their first EP this August, Yesterday Is in Love With You, and are still riding that album release high. Frontman Justin Renaud, who alternates between acoustic/electric guitars and keys, usually in-between an enthusiastic “whoop” or two, had a charisma and stage presence that made for a daring and mature performance, before the immaturity to come.

Jon Lent. Photo Credit: Hannah Oreskovich

Jon Lent. Photo Credit: Hannah Oreskovich

After that, wild doesn’t even begin to cover it. I lost my shoe in “Salad Days”, the second track in DeMarco’s set. By that point, the crowd was in full mosh mode to songs like “The Way You Love Her” and “Just To Put Me Down”, from the 2016 mini-album Another One. Comfort zones didn’t exist after that. College girls launched an assortment of lace panties at Mac, and even broke the fourth wall to deliver him a “crown” of cigarettes. I found my sneaker a couple of songs later, after slamming into BolderBeat photographer Hannah Oreskovich, and the teenage girls at the very front of the crowd.

DeMarco and White's onstage makeout. Photo Credit: Hannah Oreskovich

DeMarco and White's onstage makeout. Photo Credit: Hannah Oreskovich

The same teenage girls must have had a premonition about Macko and friends’ displays of mind-altering public affection. Gushing over their first kisses, or wishing their first kiss was a Macko kiss, all three of the BolderBeat writers at this show had to ask themselves, “Are we too old, too jaded to love Macko?” The answer is maybe, but we’re also critics.

Macko. Photo Credit: Hannah Oreskovich

Macko. Photo Credit: Hannah Oreskovich

Personally, I’ve always been a little skeptical of magic Mac. He’s been on my radar since his Salad Days EP release in 2014. I’ve taken to tracks like “Treat Her Better” and “Let My Baby Stay.” I’m empathetic to these tracks because they remind me of an archetype I met in college: the sympathetic stoner that’s feeling a little blue about his relationship prospects. But Demarco’s live show aesthetic is much more like a performance of “Let Her Go” on steroids.

Bucket Hat Glory. Photo Credit: Hannah Oreskovich

Bucket Hat Glory. Photo Credit: Hannah Oreskovich

If you caught Macko and friends’ opening act for Tame Impala at Red Rocks Wednesday night, Thursday night’s show was four times the methodological madness, with singer/songwriter and guitarist Ryley Walker (who also taped a set Thursday with eTown), dousing himself in PBR between crowd dives after DeMarco brought him onstage, just for the hell of it. Demarco and White visibly tongued each other during their behind-the-back guitar solos, and most members of the band were shirtless by the end of their set. Mac DeMarco brought the boys club to The Fox on Thursday, giving all the Boulder bros in the crowd the excuse to go mad, and the rest of us a chance to watch the insanity in splendor and shock.

-Claire

All photos per Hannah Oreskovich for BolderBeat. This feature was edited for brevity and clarity by BolderBeat.

Diggin' on Dr. Dog in Denver

By: Kyle Donovan

Dr. Dog's recent sold-out Denver gig was wicked.

It was a cool, windy night on Colfax Avenue. A sold-out show at the Ogden drew an absurdly large crowd, and considering the number of bodies under one roof, the atmosphere was surprisingly mellow. Eager fans held drinks as they buzzed about the theater, some dressed to impressed and others clearly ready for Saturday morning cartoons.

The Bright Light Social Hour. Photo per the author. 

The Bright Light Social Hour. Photo per the author. 

When The Bright Light Social Hour hit the stage, the anticipation in the auditorium was palpable. The 1,600 attendees warmed up to the Austin-based rock band slowly; throughout their hour-long set, their sound evolved. A lot. Starting out with an ambient, dance-ready rock groove featuring heavy rhythmic elements and highly reverberant vocals, their style struck me as paradoxical. Their snare drum started out as faint and clouded, but the beat was crystal clear. Intense, soaring vocals and slick guitar licks were dulled into a pop-rock miasma by heavy reverb effects. I felt compelled after a few songs to move my body, though few of the listeners around me were so motivated. About halfway through the set, the band had found their way into a straightforward indie rock sound, eventually edging their way into soul territory and beyond. The most impressive part about Bright Light's set was their versatility; their ability to transition between styles and remain consistent is rare.

By their last song, the crowd was practically howling for Dr. Dog. In fact, when lead singer Jack O'Brien mentioned the headliner, most people got on their feet and started applauding. I almost felt bad for the guys, as this was the first time the audience exuded such earnest enthusiasm. Such is the plight of an opening act.

Dr. Dog. Photo per the author.

Dr. Dog. Photo per the author.

Dr. Dog's set began with theatrics: two LED-laden facades illuminated the stage with a deep blue glow, obscuring the positions of keyboard player Zach Miller and electronics/percussion/effects guru Dimitri Manos. Two solid pillars embedded with noise-sensitive LEDs framed either side of drummer Eric Slick's kit, and a black and white grid covered both the scrim behind the stage and the stage itself. The view from the balcony was gorgeous and impeccable.

The band picked a variety of songs from the catalog of their latest album, The Psychedelic Swamp, just released on February 5th. Oddly enough, their "new" tunes from the latest album are really oldies, as The Psychedelic Swamp is actually a reboot of their first self-released album from 2001, which goes by the same name. While hardcore fans might already know this, most casual fans probably recognize Toothbrush (2002) as the band's debut album, as coverage of this album was largely responsible for their rise to success in the mid-2000s. The band showed they weren't afraid to play oddball tunes by taking audience requests for the show's encore (and launching almost immediately into the first suggestions offered).

Lead singer Toby Leaman's voice was coarse, but he never hesitated to belt out classic melodies from tunes like “Lonesome” and “Heart it Races”. Rhythm guitarist Frank McElroy kept the sound consistent with on-point vocal harmony, while lead guitarist Scott McMicken carried a few songs with stage presence alone, most notably in a heartfelt rendition of “Jackie Wants a Black Eye”, which the audience went absolutely nuts for. Dr. Dog’s most effective tactic, though, was the use of heavy, dynamic changes. Lights would dim almost entirely, leaving only an ultraviolet glow to engulf the audience in its aqueous ambiance. Moments later, flood lights would slam on, perfectly coordinated with a guitar solo or vocal hook. The crowd followed the band wherever they went, but with curiously measured enthusiasm.

Dr. Dog's music videos often evoke feelings of intense celebration, raucous and bombastic in their indie rock sound. And although fans sang along and often swayed with their favorite tunes, dancing was scarcely seen. Fans cheered long and hard for an encore, and were rewarded when the band asked them to choose the final set. During the encore, Leaman took a leap of faith and dipped the microphone into the front row, asking for suggestions. Judging by the enthusiasm (and ecstatic crowd), they made the right decision. The encore might just have been the best set of the night.

Something about that show gives me the feeling that Dr. Dog will be back soon.

Watch an infomercial for Dr. Dog’s Psychedelic Swamp:

-Kyle

All photos, videos, and embedded tracks per the artists featured and those credited. This feature was edited for brevity and clarity by BolderBeat.

A Night with Elephant Revival

By: DJ_WhetWilly

“When words fail... music speaks.” -ER

And oh, how the music speaks when it’s being played by Elephant Revival! At their most recent Ogden appearance, I was swept up and blown away by the magnificence of the band’s performance. From the opening song of the evening (“Will Carry On”), I was cast into a sea of tranquility. “I wanna be like a bird/Or just a feather” warbled Bonnie Paine (vocals, washboard, djembe, musical-saw, stomp-box) --and I was light, floating with the band. And, boy, is it a joy to be in their presence. The room was filled with Elephant Revival’s unique brand of Colorado joy and warmth. And, the washboard percussion! How it makes one want to shuffle and slide around to its beat.

Nederland's Elephant Revival.

Nederland's Elephant Revival.

The set continued and focus shifted to each band member as they took turns playing one of the group’s songs. Their sound is rich and diverse. Maybe this is because all five members contribute fully; everyone has a unique and meaningful voice to add:

Daniel Rodriguez (vocals, guitar, banjo, bass) singing “Season Song” led me to pastures of nostalgia, loss, and hope with the earnestness of the voice of someone who knows “all the love in a budding rose/how flowers come/and flowers go.”

Bridget Law (fiddle, vocals, octave violin) conjured many beautiful, swelling, and awe-inspiring melodies, which added to the tight dynamic intensity and harmonic depths of the songs. “Ancient Sea,” an instrumental Celtic-like fiddle tune, showcased the incredible musical talent of the whole group.

Bridget Law stringin'. Photo Credit: Renee Ramge.

Bridget Law stringin'. Photo Credit: Renee Ramge.

Dango Rose (upright bass, vocals, mandolin, claw-hammer banjo) held it down tight, and made me bump and thump to every movement in every song.

And Charlie Rose (banjo, pedal steel, guitar, horns, cello, double bass), newest to the group, got the audience hooting and hollering after each solo with his shoe-gaze banjo and atmospheric pedal steel. What a low-down, hoedown frenzy we all reached!

Bonnie Paine on the washboard.

Bonnie Paine on the washboard.

Perhaps this is where the magic sits with this group-- there seems to be an awareness, a want, to tie us all together, to enjoy the space of the room and the music together, to share the feeling. The themes of their lyrics speak to an ideal, a feeling of oneness: “once I was a big drop of water/I spread out and became part of many living in the land.” That’s enough to make anyone enjoy the over-crowded-sardine room at the Ogden and buzz for days thereafter.

With Elephant Revival, it’s not just about the music, it’s about the show, and oh my, what a show! They had people hanging from the rafters! With grace and strength, The Fractal Tribe dancers spun high above the audience, while everyone chanted along, “Oh oh oh, oh the grace of a woman!”

ER Live. Photo Credit: Grateful Web

ER Live. Photo Credit: Grateful Web

What a night, what a night! Wish I could have made it to both of their shows that weekend, but I won't fret too long! Elephant Revival just announced they’re headlining Red Rocks in May. Can’t miss this one!

So yes, everyone, readers, listeners, concert-goers-- be sure to support this wonderful group. Help them continue what they do. Go to this website and look at their things. They have plenty of merchandise and music for sale. Support how you can. Their CDs are great, t-shirts too. Thank you.

Watch a live-performance Elephant Revival video from their “Gondola Sessions” series here:

-DJ_WhetWilly

All photos, videos, and embedded tracks per the artists featured and those credited. This feature was edited for brevity and clarity by BolderBeat.


DJ_WhetWilly.

DJ_WhetWilly.

DJ_WhetWilly is a music listener and music player. Good music is like good soup, it should be shared and served warm.