“College music has evolved into instrumental music being accepted,” says Erik Deutsch, keyboardist for the singer-less Boulder-based collective Fat Mama. “Bands like Medeski, Martin & Wood and Groove Collective are popular now just because it’s a nice evolution from the Grateful Dead and Phish. It’s the next step, and I…
“We are the guardians of the faithful,” declares Fletcher Neeley, guitarist for the Emirs. “We are fine purveyors of Mile High City mayhem since 1972.” Like most of the claims made by Neeley, this one isn’t exactly a paragon of accuracy: In 1972 the only mayhem he was purveying was…
“I don’t think most people understand electronic music,” says Clark Nelson, aka Clark ov Saturn, a vocalist and programmer for Denver’s LD-50. “Some people think that you turn on the keyboard like a Casio and press the start button and it just does its own little thing.” LD-50 delivers far…
A typical gig by Denver’s Whores, Pigs and Ponies is apt to feature fire spitting, cross-dressing, codpieces and simulated sex acts: For example, bassist/vocalist Rel has been known to mime fellatio on a latex penis worn by guitarist/vocalist Jud Van Vliet, then use a cigarette to light the tip of…
Anti-Flag Die for the Government (New Red Archives) Punk nostalgia right down to the fake Limey accents. I take it about as seriously as I take Sha Na Na. Musicianship: D-minus. Originality: F. Listening pleasure: F. –Dana Collins Plexi Cheer Up (Sub Pop) This is one of those rare CDs…
When Denver’s Painstake was formed three years ago, its members adhered to straight-edge, a movement in which followers eschew drugs, drinks and other indulgences. Since then, however, the combo has gone through changes in lineup and philosophy. While some of today’s Painstakers (drummer Carl Kumpe, guitarists Jason Andrade and Sam…
“We’re all about nerd lib,” declares Karl Alvarez, bassist for the recently reunited punk act the Descendents. “Be proud of your nerd.” “We are the champions of the nerds–no doubt about it,” concurs Milo Aukerman, Descendents frontman and star of the new Epitaph Records release Everything Sucks. “‘Revenge of the…
“In Japan, we saw Kip Winger,” maintains Trelvis, bassist for the Denver punk band Pinhead Circus. “He was playing next door to us. I kicked his ass again.” Don’t worry, Winger fans–if there are any of you still out there, that is. According to singer/guitarist Scooter, aka Jimmy Pinhead, this…
R.E.M. New Adventures in Hi-Fi (Warner Bros.) Pearl Jam No Code (Epic) By most standards, these albums have been as highly anticipated as any released this season, and why not? After all, they come from two of the most critically acclaimed, commercially successful acts operating under the rock-and-roll umbrella. But…
Prior to departing for a tour of California, George Fraska and Dave Paco, of the Denver punk band called Four, announce their intention to indulge in a favorite hobby between gigs. “Me and Dave have this thing about spanking kids,” says vocalist/guitarist Fraska. “Yeah,” adds Paco, Four’s bassist. “We pull…
