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Critic's Notebook

Showing 1 - 22 of 3245
Denver metal band crushes online KEXP session

Denver metal band crushes online KEXP session

By Justin CriadoAugust 20, 2026

The Denver doom crew just surprised us with an in-studio set at the same station that helped launch Angine de Poitrine.

King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard perform in Buena Vista, Colorado, in 2026

Review: King Gizz’s Field of Vision II goes ‘bigger and better’

By Justin CriadoAugust 18, 2026

The band’s second festival in Buena Vista featured several surprises, including alien math rock and some Denver-grown death metal.

Say howdy to country’s music’s 10 biggest douchebags

By Alyssa FieldsAugust 17, 2026

Morgan Wallen being kicked out of Kid Rock’s bar is a meeting of the minds in the worst way possible. And they meet again on this list.

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Noah Kahan performing at Coors Field in Denver on Saturday, August 8, 2026.

Review: Noah Kahan’s inevitable ascension was on display at Coors Field

By Ashley RaganAugust 9, 2026

From opening to closing, Kahan shrank the ballpark with pure entertainment and a ubiquitous sense of belonging. 

The best new music releases from Colorado artists in July

The best new music releases from Colorado artists in July

By Justin CriadoAugust 3, 2026

The latest from Wayfarer marks its next chapter, Boot Gun says goodbye, and fresh hip-hop, bluegrass and rock highlight the month.

The best punk bands from Denver and beyond you need to see live

The best punk bands from Denver and beyond you need to see live

By Michael Mazenko and OthersJuly 30, 2026

From mainstays such as King Rat to the ripping, clean-vocaled Public Opinion, Denver has no shortage of fantastic punk bands.

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AC/DC performing live at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado, on July 28 for their 2026 Power Up Tour

Fifty years in, AC/DC rocked Denver like it’s 1980

By Brandon JohnsonJuly 29, 2026

It marked the band’s first Denver show in a decade and its first time headlining Empower Field.

Sombr at Red Rocks

Review: Sombr solidified his rock-star status at Red Rocks

By Houston WiltseyJuly 28, 2026

The 21-year-old phenom performed a stunning second show at Red Rocks, despite dodgy weather.

A guitarist in a metal band shreds inside an auto mechanic shop. A family with young kids watch through the window.

Review: Blucifer’s First Rodeo encapsulated the strength of Denver music

By Emily FergusonJuly 27, 2026

Blucifer’s First Rodeo debuted along South Broadway from July 23-26 with 259 bands demonstrating what community means.

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What to know before Underground Music Showcase

What to know before Underground Music Showcase

By Sage KelleyJuly 23, 2026

The festival returns in a new location with new tips and tricks.

crowd surfing

A guide to Blucifer’s First Rodeo

By Emily FergusonJuly 22, 2026

From bands to see and where to go, we’ve got you covered for Blucifer’s First Rodeo.

King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard on stage at Ford Amphitheater.

Watch King Gizz tease new electronic album ahead of Field of Vision

By Emily FergusonJuly 8, 2026

King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard is leaning into its Eurorack for a new rave-inspired album called “Alien Metal.”

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Gramatik at Red Rocks

These are the greatest concerts in Red Rocks history

By Teague BohlenJuly 6, 2026

From a rock ban started by Aretha Franklin to a riot at Jethro Tull and Phish fans driving Morrison crazy, these are the most memorable shows.

The best new music releases from Colorado artists in June

The best new music releases from Colorado artists in June

By Justin CriadoJuly 1, 2026

Denver doom vets Khemmis have a stellar new record amongst the latest punk, indie and death-metal releases this month.

band performing at telluride Bluegrass festival

These are the best summer music festivals

By Emily FergusonJune 29, 2026

Festy season is upon us.

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Widespread Panic on stage at Red Rocks

Widespread Panic kicks off historic Red Rocks run with heater sets

By Emily FergusonJune 27, 2026

Jimmy Herring left big shoes to fill, but Nick Johnson proved he’s an incredible fit.

A sunrise at Red Rocks Amphitheatre.

Your Red Rocks Parking Guide: Map, Pricing, Tips and More

By Jack SpiegelJune 26, 2026

Many newcomers don’t know that a hike is involved when attending a show at the historic venue.

Louis Tomlinson performing live at Red Rocks on Friday, June 19.

Louis Tomlinson made a triumphant return to Red Rocks

By Brandon JohnsonJune 20, 2026

After his 2023 show was cut short by a storm, Louis Tomlinson lit up Red Rocks under clear skies.

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Amyl and the Sniffers performing live at Red Rocks on Wednesday, June 17.

Review: Amyl and the Sniffers showed Red Rocks the power of women in punk

By Emily FergusonJune 18, 2026

Joined by L7 and Party Dozen, Amyl and the Sniffers detonated Red Rocks with punk fury.

man playing to crowd at Red Rocks

The boxer hasn’t left the ring: Paul Simon lights up Red Rocks

By Sage KelleyJune 14, 2026

The folk legend played two shows this weekend.

Bluebook Performing at Indiewood Street Festival

Indiewood Street Festival brought the heat (and no shade): Review

By Emily FergusonJune 7, 2026

The festival marked its second iteration in Englewood, and saw sets from local legends like Bluebook.

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The best new music releases from Colorado artists in May

The best new music releases from Colorado artists in May

By Justin CriadoJune 1, 2026

From indie offerings to punked-up hip hop, here’s the best local music to add to your playlist.

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