Maple Tigers

Earlier this year, Landlordland seemed to come to an abrupt end — especially considering what a formidable live act it had grown into. For frenetic frontman Darren Dunn, however, the band's shelf life had long since expired. With nearly a decade under his belt, he and bandmate Sylas Cooley were...

By Tom Murphy

May 24, 2007

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Earlier this year, Landlordland seemed to come to an abrupt end — especially considering what a formidable live act it had grown into. For frenetic frontman Darren Dunn, however, the band's shelf life had long since expired. With nearly a decade under his belt, he and bandmate Sylas Cooley were ready for something else. And what a departure: Whereas Landlordland was a paradoxically blisteringly intense indie-pop act, Maple Tigers (due at the Larimer Lounge this Saturday, May 26) are more low-key and gentle. Embracing his weakness and fears in a way that a loving parent would an errant child, Dunn continues to exhibit an audacious vulnerability in his songwriting. The result is a nakedly honest yet melodically delicious confection of indie-pop perfection.

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Tom Murphy is a writer, visual artist and musician from Aurora, Colorado. He was a prolific music writer for Westword and a documenter of the Denver music scene.

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Twitter: @simianthinker