Carrier

Marc Benning earned his name in the underground with 34 Satellite, a band that's still afloat. But after hooking up with a pair of veterans from the Kansas combo Panel Donor -- guitarist Brandon Aikin and drummer Kliph Scurlock, who also keeps time for the Flaming Lips -- Benning decided...

By Michael Roberts

July 29, 2004

[
        {
          "name": "Air - MediumRectangle - Inline Content - Mobile Display Size",
          "component": "12017618",
          "insertPoint": "2",
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "2"
        },{
          "name": "Editor Picks",
          "component": "17242653",
          "insertPoint": "4",
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "1"
        },{
          "name": "Inline Links",
          "component": "18838239",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 8,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "7",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        },{
          "name": "Air - MediumRectangle - Combo - Inline Content",
          "component": "17261320",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 8,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "7",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        },{
          "name": "Inline Links",
          "component": "18838239",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 12,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "11",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        },{
          "name": "Air - Leaderboard Tower - Combo - Inline Content",
          "component": "17261321",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 12,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "11",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        }
      ]

Marc Benning earned his name in the underground with 34 Satellite, a band that's still afloat. But after hooking up with a pair of veterans from the Kansas combo Panel Donor -- guitarist Brandon Aikin and drummer Kliph Scurlock, who also keeps time for the Flaming Lips -- Benning decided to form another group. Flying Over Water, the debut disc by Carrier, Benning's latest collective, isn't a major departure from Satellite, but given its emotional richness, no one's likely to complain.

Tunes such as "The Paper Trail" are built from rock's rudiments, but the music is deceptively complex, vacillating between wide-screen airiness and chaotic frenzy. These juxtapositions are accentuated by psychedelicized production and strong melodies carried by Benning's sky-high tenor.

Carrier was once a stripped-down operation, but no more. The group, which is scheduled to appear at the Larimer Lounge on August 20, now includes keyboardist Adrianne Verhoeven from the Anniversary and a revolving lineup of bassists, among them Ultimate Fakebook's Nick Colby. That's testimony to Benning's reputation, which Finally Over Water will only enhance.

KEEP WESTWORD FREE... Since we started Westword, it has been defined as the free, independent voice of Denver, and we'd like to keep it that way. Your membership allows us to continue offering readers access to our incisive coverage of local news, food, and culture with no paywalls. You can support us by joining as a member for as little as $1.

Michael Roberts began his career with Westword in 1990 as music editor. In 1999, he took on a new role, full-time media reporter, as author of a column called The Message. In 2008, he became the lead writer for Westword's news blog, The Latest Word, a position he held until January 2023. Michael continues to freelance for Westword, covering everything from business to sports and the media; he also contributes to Jazziz, a national music magazine. He holds a bachelor's degree from what is now Colorado Mesa University and master's degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Northwestern University.

Contact: Michael Roberts

Follow:

Facebook: 111180895657427

Twitter: @mikerobertscolo