FRI | BONOBO at FILLMORE AUDITORIUM | 11/1/13 Simon Green's Bonobo project has taken chilled-out downtempo on a meandering journey through complex syncopation, sweeping strings and heavy bass lines since 1999, when he released the single "Terrapin" on the Tru Thoughts label. Since then, Green has created four full-length albums for both that imprint and the epic Ninja Tune. His use of exotic instruments like the sitar blended with soulful, funky horns and gentle cymbals creates a soundscape reminiscent of a laid-back DJ Shadow. Bonobo's albums are sweet, hypnotic and often melancholy, and his live work kicks the energy up a notch while maintaining his signature blissed-out downtempo feel.
See also: All upcoming concerts in our constantly updated Denver Concert Calendar
APPLEBLIM @ CLUSTER STUDIOS | SAT, 11/2/13 Is there a more appropriate guest for a Día de los Muertos fiesta than one of the co-founders of Skull Disco Records? Mother Earth Sound Systems is continuing to celebrate twenty years of tunes by bringing in U.K. dubstep producer/DJ Appleblim, who launched the label with Shackleton way back in 2005; both were among the very first dubstep ambassadors, helping to pioneer the genre and turn it into the powerhouse it is today. And the reasons for Appleblim's longevity in the scene are clear to anyone who's heard one of his experimental remixes or kicked up their heels to a live set. Appleblim doesn't let genre define him. Although his sound is infused with plenty of bass, he's also maintained a playful element of the sheer soul that's usually only found on dusty vinyl albums from the disco era. Catch DJ Appleblim at Cluster Studios this Saturday, November 2, with local favorites Tess, Deciprocal, Scott Everett and newnumbertwo. (10 p.m., 21+, $20)
SAT | JAMES ZABIELA at BETA NIGHTCLUB | 11/2/13 Coming from across the pond, James Zabiela brings his netherworld house to Denver. Although not quite minimal, Zabiela is very choosy in what sounds make it into his mixes, which makes it easier to enjoy the complexities of what he seamlessly builds into his sets. This is not a club banger type of set, but Zabiela can move a room in the right way, and shoulders should be swaying all night. He'll be at Beta with Funhouse residents; in the lounge, you can find J Fuentes, Distant Portrayal, Tommy Giaime, Fastlife, Noize Complaint and Nomad. (9 p.m., 18+, $10) -- Britt Chester
FRI | DUKE DUMONT at NORAD DANCE BAR | 11/1/13 NORAD has become the home for house music in Denver, and with Duke Dumont coming just before his HARD Day of the Dead performance in L.A., it proves once again that NORAD and HOME Denver are always one step ahead of the curve. With mixes that jump in and out of disco feelings and house styles, Dumont knows how to rock a room and keep it grooving until the wee hours. To boot, Dumont gives an almost '80s dance party feel to his sets while keeping the contemporary vibe alive with his passion for melodic house tunes. -- Chester
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1
Catch UZ at Beta with Bassic residents bringing, well, bass to one of the best sound systems in the world. (9 p.m., 18+, $10)
Denver Disco presents Disco of the Dead at Bar Standard, featuring Fun Factory and Pruitt providing the tunes. (9 p.m., 21+, $5-$10)
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2
Pig & Dan take over NORAD with an extra-special extended set (Daylight Savings!) with Kevin Callison and Seth Nichols supporting. (9 p.m., 21+, $8-$12)
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