MS Achille Lauro

Divine Fits at Bluebird Theater, 12/14/12

DIVINE FITS @ BLUEBIRD THEATER |12/14/12 Picking a high point of a show as thoroughly enjoyable as this one would be tough, but when Alex Fischel started playing the synth intro to "You Got Lucky" by Tom Petty -- which could have gone either way, kitschy or funny -- and Dan Boeckner started singing ... More >>

Local Shakedown Volume 4 features forty local acts, including Ian Cooke, Hindershot and more

After gaining a reputation for taste and comprehension with their first three volumes, including a nod in our Best of Denver issue in 2010, the folks at Radio 1190 continues to document the Denver music scene with the fourth installment of their Local Shakedown comp, a two disc set that covers a gam ... More >>

Science Partner at Larimer Lounge, 9/14/12

SCIENCE PARTNER @ LARIMER LOUNGE | 9/14/12After ten songs, the audience didn't want Science Partner to go -- so Tyler Despres, Maria Kohler and Jess DeNicola stayed on stage to do their original Miley Cyrus-themed song. Despres had joked about how if the audience knew the words, it could sing along ... More >>

2012 Westword Music Showcase schedule

Okay, time to officially start getting excited now. The annual Westword Music Showcase is a little more than a week away. Did you pick up your tickets yet? If not, you can still get them at the discounted rate. Prices go up day of the show. By now, you've already seen the lineup of who's playing the ... More >>

2012 Westword Music Showcase local lineup!

We're just over a month out from this year's Westword Music Showcase, and we've already let you know who we have headlining the mainstage this year -- but keep it locked on Backbeat for another big announcement this coming Monday. Now it's time for us to give up the goods on the local lineup. As you ... More >>

Rubedo at Unit E, with Achille Lauro, CougarPants and Hindershot, 5/4/12

RUBEDO @ UNIT E | 5/4/12 See more photos in Rubedo at Unit E slide show In a show of sustained enthusiasm, Rubedo ended its set with one of its most visceral and dynamic numbers: "Give My Heart a Break." The song began with feedback created by Kyle Gray as he held his small, acoustic guitar to his ... More >>

2012 Grammy Awards: Ryan Tedder of OneRepublic wins, as does Brian Joseph. Go CO!

Rod BlackhurstBrian Joseph (center) with Achille Lauro, circa 2008.​Colorado represents! Big old fat props go out to Ryan Tedder of OneRepublic and Brian Joseph, who each won Grammy awards tonight for their contributions to albums by Adele and Bon Iver. The former earned a nod for Adele's 21, ... More >>

Review: Achille Lauro at the hi-dive, 2/10/12

ACHILLE LAURO @ HI-DIVE | 2/10/12 Before Achille Lauro launched into a rousing rendition of "Supernatural Beings" Friday night, frontman Matthew Close spoke to the creative process behind the band's new album, Flight or Flight. The album combines new material with singles released in the past year, ... More >>

Weekend's best live bets: Lenny Kravitz, Widespread Panic and more

Ah, yes, we've reached the end of another glorious week in the Rockies, which can only mean another dope weekend of music in the Mile High City. Lenny Kravitz kicks things off tonight with a show at the Buell Theatre, Widespread Panic pulls into the Fillmore for a three-night stand, TaunTaun returns ... More >>

Achille Lauro

Flight or Fight
Hot Congress

Matt Close of Achille Lauro: "I will just dig through libraries of samples"

Achille Lauro's new full-length release came partly from a sense of smugness. According to Matt Close, the band's sample master, rhythm guitarist and lead singer, Flight or Fight came as the quartet recorded material for what was originally envisioned as the latest in a series of singles. When the g ... More >>

Denver's best music releases of 2011

UMS Travelogue: Fairchildren, Achille Lauro, Bonnie and the Beard, Hollyfelds and more

A.H. GoldsteinAchille Lauro​UMS on S. BROADWAY | 07/23-24/11I started out Saturday with the Yes We Cans' appearance at Moe's Barbecue at 3 p.m., a staid set that seemed to reflect the early hour of the gig. With ballads composed of minor chords and heavily reverbed guitar effects, the Colorado ... More >>

Hindershot's Stuart Confer on background, Naked Eyes and evolving songwriting

​Hindershot (due tonight at 3 Kings Tavern with Force Publique, Achille Lauro and The Show is the Rainbow) started out with songs lead singer and guitarist Stuart Confer wrote in his bedroom a few years before. In just over a year, Hindershot became one of the more popular bands associated wit ... More >>

2011 Westword Music Showcase: Backbeat scribes' travelogues

Every year, we enlist our Backbeat writers to host various stages at the Westword Music Showcase, and in addition to their emcee obligations, we ask them to pull double duty and write up the acts that appear on their individual stages. Click through to read travelogues from Thorin Klosowski, Ru John ... More >>

Bop Skizzum, Force Publique, Kenny Perkins spun this week. See who else got spins.

​Here's what the area's local-centric specialty radio shows were spinning this week. We're currently tracking the playlists from a number of different shows, including KTCL's Locals Only, Radio 1190's Local Shakedown, 99.5 the Mountain's Homegrown Show*, The Colorado Sound, which originates at ... More >>

Tame Impala at the Bluebird, 12/4/10

Tom Murphy​ TAME IMPALA With Achille Lauro 12.04.10 | Bluebird Theater Stardeath and the White Dwarfs was originally slated to be part of this bill but couldn't make it, so last minute, local band Achille Lauro was added, which is just as well because that band shares a bit of the same exper ... More >>

Gathering of the Clouds, 10/21/10 - 10/23/10

GATHERING OF THE CLOUDS Overcasters • Swayback • Buckingham Squares • Gangcharger Achille Lauro • Light Travels Faster • Glass Homes • Juliet Mission Action Packed Thrill Ride • Hearts In Space • Anna.Martina.Ross 10.21.10 - 10.23.10 | The Weather Center, Denver, CO Overcasters ... More >>

Vinefield Agency showcase at Casselman's, 10/15/10

Jon SolomonMonroe Monroe​ VINEFIELD AGENCY SHOWCASE 10.16.2010 | Casselman's Bar & Venue It's an ambitious task fitting close to a dozen diverse acts into a five and a half-hour show, but the folks at the Vinefield Agency pulled it off as part of new company's launch party and showcase. Loca ... More >>

A first look at Vitamins new video for "Sequined Dress (Jovian Moons Workout Remix)"

​Before the band hibernation/recording season sets in for the colder months, Vitamins -- itself in the process of recording new material for release next spring -- has offered up a new, tricked out version of "Sequined Dress (Jovian Moons Workout Remix)," from 2009's Songs For Stem Cells. The ... More >>

American Tomahawk, Chromeo, Black Milk fill our playlists this week

​As people who think about, talk about, listen to and make music, the most common question we encounter is, "What are you listening to right now?" So whether you're looking for recommendations, trying to get a feel for our individual sensibilities, or are just curious, we've compiled a list of ... More >>

Denver Does Denver: Find out Who's Doing Who

Denver Does Denver sounds more salacious than it is -- though we're sure there's a sexualized metaphor in there somewhere that was intended. If you haven't heard about it, Denver Does Denver, slated to take place tomorrow night at the Meadowlark, is a rad little show put together by the fine peeps a ... More >>

Novus Folium, Kinetix, Ian Cooke and DeVotchKa spun on local radio this week. See who else got spins.

​Here what the area's local-centric specialty radio shows were spinning this week. We're currently tracking the playlists a number of different shows including, KTCL's Locals Only, 99.5 the Mountain's Homegrown Show, The Colorado Sound, which originates at KRFC and is re-broadcast all over Col ... More >>

The Weekend Show Down: Monotonix mixes up a molotov of rock

Aaron ThackerayMonotonix at last year's Monolith festival​ There's nothing like experiencing the sweat, thump and catharsis of a great show. But it can be tough to decide which one to go to when you live in Denver, the land of embarrassing musical riches, the land of too many shows and too li ... More >>

Westword Music Showcase 2010: Backbeat scribes' travelogue

​ Here's our massive, multi-page report/travelogue of the Westword Music Showcase from (in order) Tom Murphy, Cory Casciato, A.H. Goldstein, Jef Otte, Jon Solomon and Brain Frederick. Let us know in the comments what you saw and loved, saw and hated, or missed and hated yourself for missing. ... More >>

Ghostand Observatory, Jonathan Tyler on our playlists this week

​As people who think about, talk about, listen to and make music, the most common question we encounter is, "What are you listening to right now?" So whether you're looking for recommendations, trying to get a feel for our individual sensibilities, or are just curious, we've compiled a list of ... More >>

The Weekend Showdown: Mike Marchant and KVDU form like Voltron

Photo by Stephanie Borgman​ We would hate for you to miss out on all the awesome that happens every weekend in our fair city, so we've decided to run down five of the best shows in one easy-to-swallow post, with video and audio. Tell us -- and the rest of the world -- what we missed in the co ... More >>

The Chain Gang of 1974, Jónsi, Wire Faces and more top our weekly playlists

​As people who think about, talk about, listen to and make music, the most common question we encounter is, "What are you listening to right now?" So whether you're looking for recommendations, trying to get a feel for our individual sensibilities, or are just curious, we've compiled a list of ... More >>

The Weekend Showdown: Experience the FoCoMX

​ We would hate for you to miss out on all the awesome that happens every weekend in our fair city, so we've decided to run down five of the best shows in one easy-to-swallow post, with video and audio. Tell us -- and the rest of the world -- what we missed in the comments. This week, the F ... More >>

Achille Lauro sets sail with a whole new batch of Indiscretions

Where can we sign up for The Achille Lauro Burn While You Burn Personal Empowerment System?

Achille Lauro made a promo video for their album release party, and they nailed the campy informercial vibe hard. Front man Matt Close, from the clip: "When we're not writing choice rock and roll tunes, you can find us in the gym, using the Achille Lauro System to make sure we're 100. All the tim ... More >>

Heavy Rotation: Pretty Lights, Liars, Gorillaz top our weekly playlists

Pretty Lights. Photo by Aaron Thackeray​ ​As people who think about, talk about, listen to and make music, the most common question we encounter is, "What are you listening to right now?" So whether you're looking for recommendations, trying to get a feel for our individual sensibilities, o ... More >>

Heavy Rotation, our top spins for the week of March 8, 2010

​As music critics -- and people who generally think about, talk about, listen to and make music -- the most common question we get asked (and ask each other, for that matter) is, "What are you listening to right now?" The pervasiveness of this query is precisely what inspired Heavy Rotation. ... More >>

Over the weekend: John Common at Cassleman's Bar & Venue

John Common & Blinding Flashes of Light, Achille Lauro, Danielle Ate the Sandwich Casselman's Bar & Venue Saturday, January 16, 2010 Better Than: Martinis and Red Wine Brian Landis Folkins​ John Common is too old for the slog of rock and roll. In this week's feature, he talked about giving i ... More >>

The Weekend Showdown: Astrophagus will be at the Meadowlark. So will we.

We would hate for you to miss out on all the awesome that happens every weekend in our fair city, so we've decided to run down three of the best shows in one easy-to-swallow post, with video and audio. Tell us -- and the rest of the world -- what we missed in the comments. ​ This weekend: As ... More >>

Over the Weekend: Hot Congress at the Oriental

Achille Lauro​ Hot Congress Comp. 1 Release Party Achille Lauro, The Vitamins, Fissure Mystic, Action Packed Thrill Ride October 12, 2009 The Oriental Theater Better Than: A community garden, or most other team projects you can think of. There is more than music to address here because Hot C ... More >>

The Weekend Showdown: Nathaniel Rateliff heads a stacked lineup at the Bluebird

​ We would hate for you to miss out on all the awesome that happens every weekend in our fair city, so we've decided to run down three of the best shows in one easy-to-swallow post, with video and audio. Tell us -- and the rest of the world -- what we missed in the comments.

Various Artists

Hot Congress Vol. 1
Self-released

Got plans after The Denver Film Festival? You do now.

​It's that time again. Next Thursday night, the Denver Film Festival kicks off. Although the various films are clearly the main draw, by no means are they the only attraction. As in years past, the real excitement takes place after the screenings. For those who are unable to get their hands on an ... More >>

Dialed In: This week's local music radio playlists

​Here what the area's local-centric specialty radio shows were spinning this week. We're currently tracking the playlists a number of different shows, including Radio 1190's Local Shakedown*, KTCL's Locals Only, 99.5 the Mountain's Homegrown Show, the Colorado Sound, which originates at KRFC and i ... More >>

Heavy Rotation, our top spins for the week of August 17, 2009

​As music critics, the most common question we get asked (and ask each other, for that matter) is, "What are you listening to?" The pervasiveness of this query is precisely what inspired Heavy Rotation, our latest feature. For the benefit of those who happen to be curious, we've compiled a list of ... More >>

The Denver Boot: Achille Lauro at the Bluebird Theater

Nearly two weeks ago, Achille Lauro opened up for Akron/Family at the Bluebird. Achille Lauro was dependably stellar as always. "In terms of the opening three bands, however, Achille Lauro's set stood out," wrote A.H. Goldstein in his review of the show. "The outfit's meditative and eloquent guitar ... More >>

Over the weekend: Akron/Family at the Bluebird

​Akron/Family, Laura Goldhamer, Achille Lauro, Fellow Citizens Friday, Aug. 1, 2009 Bluebird Theater Better than: Attending an energetic, long-form tribal jam in the woods. Akron/Family had no problem translating their musical dynamic to a live setting. The group's extended, hook-based don't requ ... More >>

Over the weekend: Here We Go Magic at Larimer Lounge

Tom MurphyHere We Go Magic, Vitamins and Achille Lauro Sunday, June 28, 2009 Larimer Lounge Better Than: A straightforward interpretation of a band's album. This show opened with Denver's own Vitamins. Since coming to the Mile High City from Greeley two years ago, it seems Vitamins have shed a bit o ... More >>

Mile Hi-Fidelity playlist - 06.24.09

"Ah, man, I love this song!" I must make this remark a lot during the show. Last night, as I was marveling out loud about one of the tunes -- I'm not sure which one, but I think it might've been "Skinny" by Scaffolding -- Andy pointed out the obvious: I should love them, since I pick what we play ea ... More >>

Paper Bird's new EP and Twist & Shout in-store

Paper Bird just put the finishing touches on a brand new disc. We recently had the privilege of giving it some advance spins, and wowee, wait til you hear it! Simply adorable (natch), the new EP, titled A Sky Underground, will be unveiled to the world at large this Wednesday, June 24 at the hi-dive ... More >>

Westword Music Showcase reviewed: Curious Theatre

Aaron ThackeraySee more photos from Curious Theatre at westword.com/slideshow.Elin Palmer, 12 p.m.Overcoming technical difficulties and an initially cumbersome stage setup (the stage manager had to find room for a drum riser amid the creative and complicated set -- including a desk, a bed and a road ... More >>