Tonight: Hillstomp at the hi-dive

Portland duo Hillstomp (playing the hi-dive tonight with Legendary River Drifters) is a definite throwback, but the band delves deeper than most contemporary Americana-styled groups with a porch-rattling sound. Henry Christian and John Johnson's less-than-modern approach is about creating loud and rowdy shows based on the simplicity of two voices,...

By Bree Davies

April 21, 2011

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Portland duo Hillstomp (playing the hi-dive tonight with Legendary River Drifters) is a definite throwback, but the band delves deeper than most contemporary Americana-styled groups with a porch-rattling sound. Henry Christian and John Johnson's less-than-modern approach is about creating loud and rowdy shows based on the simplicity of two voices, a minimal drum kit (made partially of overturned buckets and a washboard) and a steel guitar.

In the five-plus years as a band, Hillstomp has spent much of its time on the road, traveling from San Francisco to Rome with its hollowed-out beats and intricate string-plucking, not to mention songs about backwoods girls and the blues that comes along with getting involved with them. This show is 21 and up, and tickets are $8. Doors open at 8 p.m., and bands start at 9 p.m.

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Bree Davies is a multimedia journalist, artist advocate and community organizer born and raised in Denver. Rooted in the world of Do-It-Yourself arts and music, Davies co-founded Titwrench experimental music festival, is host of the local music and comedy show Sounds on 29th on CPT12 Colorado Public Television and is creator and host of the civic and social issue-focused podcast, Hello? Denver? Are You Still There? Her work is centered on a passionate advocacy for all ages, accessible, inclusive, non-commercial and autonomous DIY art spaces and music venues in Denver.

Contact: Bree Davies

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Twitter: @cocodavies