Usher | 1stBank Center | December 2, 2014 | Review and Photos

Usher (Photo Credit: Robert Castro)

I'd like to start this by saying that I sadly never had the opportunity to see Michael Jackson perform, but within the last two years I have seen two of his biggest fans own the stage just as Michael would have if he was still alive today. Last year I got to see Justin Timberlake take over the Pepsi Center on his 20/20 World Tour, and last night I had a chance to see Usher. Based off these two those performances, I think these prodigies to the Prince of Pop can fill the hole in my heart just enough to get by. Usher has always been one of my favorite artists - I can go back in my memory and name every single break-up mixtape I made to his songs. I still remember him and Tyrese going toe-to-toe in an abandoned junkyard in the video for the song "My Way"; I believe it was the first time "dance fighting" was ever introduced. From emotional songs like "Burn" to the biggest dance club party anthem of all time "Yeah", Usher has continued to entertain the world with his unique style and recognizable voice for a a decade now, and it appears he's continuing full speed ahead.

Usher giving the crowd a great performance. (Photo Credit: Robert Castro)

Usher Raymond performing before a packed house. (Photo Credit: Robert Castro)

The talented August Alsina got things started off. (Photo Credit: Robert Castro)

Opening the night was up-and-comer August Alsina. A young performer recently added to Def Jam's acclaimed roster, he's already garnered a huge following, and was a perfect opener for this tour. Judging by the crowd response, it won't be long before Alsina headlines his own tour. A quick set to open the evening, fans braced themselves for the next act: ursher ursher. This current tour, dubbed the URX Tour, is slowly winding down with only a handful of US dates left before it heads overseas. The tour itself is unique in it's focus on the personal patron experience rather than your typical large scale production. Fans have a chance to partake in the ultimate VIP experience which includes an exclusive meet & greet, soundcheck passes, dinner and drinks, a photo-op and much more. Backed by a full band and talented dancers, Usher entertained the 1stBank Center crowd for almost two hours with a tasteful mix of both new material and some old school medleys. Usher has always been well known for his ability to incorporate jazzy dance numbers into his performances, and nothing was more evident than his passion for dance during his live performance. With back up dancers swinging in perfect rhythm to  the subtle yet impressive pyrotechnics and light show, it was truly a great concert experience from beginning to end. Crowd favorites included "Nice & Slow", "You Remind Me", "Burn", and even new hits like the Juicy J collaboration "I Don't Mind", the ultimate love letter to strippers everywhere. In between songs Usher left little time for banter, instead encouraging the crowd to partake in full verse sing-alongs, which went over pretty well. While the men took down notes, the ladies truly benefitted from this show, as many "ooh"s and "ahh"s were directed at the sultry singer.

The #URXTOUR hit Broomfield on Tuesday night. (Photo Credit: Robert Castro)

Ursher..Ursher... (Photo Credit: Robert Castro)

Like I said before, only a few US dates are left on the tour, but if you're in a nearby city we suggest you splurge a little bit and catch one of music's most recognizable stars of the modern era. Trust me, you will not be disappointed by this stunning show, and fellas can maybe earn some extra brownie points by remembering to bring a lady friend along for the ride. 

-Castro

Glowing House | EP Review

It's no secret that Denver is a hub for indie gold and an act that’s fairly hard not to fall in love with is a local married duo by the name of Glowing House. Comprised of talented musicians, a picture perfect couple and songs so haunting the lyrics will stick with you long after you doze off to sleep; Glowing House is one local band you don’t want to over look.

They’re putting in the hours and making their dream happen. After recently returning from a European tour they went straight to finishing their new EP and scheduling shows around town. We had the pleasure of getting a first look at their new songs and we have two words to describe them, enlighteningly sad. Jess Parsons, one of the lead vocalist says it perfectly, “We like sad songs that sound happy and happy songs that sound sad.” Their new EP dances off of sad subject matter with a jovial twist. You never know how you’re “suppose” to feel. But, that’s the beauty of art. Which is exactly what their new EP is; a combination of talent, strewn together to create something uniquely haunting.

Although only 3 songs deep, their EP spotlights each musician’s talent seamlessly. Steve Varney’s voice has a sandpapery texture, which is very prominent in “Riding The Ripple.” It’s primal, in a caveman meets Ben Gibbard kind of way and we totally dig it. This song shows a different range from Steve that the others fail to showcase, which is some raw, uncut emotion. At the end of the song, we wanted to cry and couldn’t understand why. Maybe because it was over…

Jess Parsons' dreamy voice shines during, “Balance With Me.” Not quite a love song, we’re unable to pin it’s roots of sadness. We all know what it feels like to lose control over a situation and traipse that tightrope of sanity, “with (your) feet on the rope and arms spread out wide.” Whether that be from a relationship or just life in general, it is oh so relatable.

Their third song, “Getting Thrown” is similar to other things we’ve heard from Glowing House. The duo’s melodic chemistry is uncanny as they synth and slither into your heart. Listening to their new EP as a whole tells a story of getting thrown down, chugging whiskey and taking life on head first.

Looking for more from Glowing House? They’re playing a show at the Hi-Dive tonight with Kyle James Hauser and The Centennial. Get your tickets here: http://www.hi-dive.com/event/675283-glowing-house-single-release-denver/

 

-McClain Morris

 

Live performance of Don't Know How by Denver folk rock band Glowing House.

Riot Fest Denver | Sports Authority Field at Mile High | September 19-21

The Riot Fest crowd catching 3OH3! (Photo Credit: Robert Castro)

RIOT FEST 
Ahh, Riot Fest. A weekend filled with punk mutants, vomiting girls, carnies and "under-butt". For those of you that don’t follow us on Instagram and Twitter, "under butt" is what happens when girls wear high wasted shorts and half their butt hangs out. Why do we mention this? we love it. With asses and beer galore, we were able to sit back, relax (with Slayer blaring) and take in yet another beautiful Riot Fest. This weekend officially marked the end of festival season for the year, and we certainly made the most of our final hours with funnel cake and turkey legs.

This was Denver's second year hosting Chicago's rowdy punk festival, and despite the change of scenery, some may argue that this year got it right. 

Radkey one of the days surprise sets. (Photo Credit: Robert Castro)

The biggest change to the festival this year was the location. After a bout of petitions and protests from a few unhappy members of the Byers community, the city voted to not allow the punk rock festival back within county boundaries. Riot Mike and the rest of the festival's team decided to take this the only way they know how, with salt on the rim, and fire in their loins. Determined to win back the heart of Byers, Riot Fest themed this year's festival around the little country town. Offering discounted tickets to the residents of Byers, filling the venue with tractors and hay bails, and naming all the stages after Byers city landmarks (Country Feed Store, May Farms, etc), it was apparent the festival wished it was out east at its inaugural location instead. 

Matt Berninger of The National closing out the final night of a cold, rainy Riot Fest (Photo Credit: Matt Smith)

Despite the forced change of scenery, we were pleasantly surprised by the use of Mile High's parking lot. Denver is used to seeing this as the Warped Tour venue, so it was hard imaging the layout being able to differ greatly, but what a pleasant surprise this weekend was. The venue's traffic flow was fantastic, the lines for bathrooms nominal, and bands promptly started one after another, avoiding the much dreaded festival "lag time" all have come to expect. There is something magical about being out in a corn field miles from civilization, but the layout at Mile High just....worked. The decision is up to Riot Fest (after they win in court against Arapahoe County), but we're very curious to see what venue is used in 2015. 

We’ve summed the entire weekend up into a few different categories:

Riot Fest 2014 (Photo Credit: Robert Castro)

The Crowd:
From air fisting cowboys to cape-wearing WuTang super fans and green mohawks, the crowd at Riot Fest did not disappoint. We believe that people watching at Riot Fest should be considered as an Olympic sport. Is there a way to vote that into existence? When we weren’t busy ogling our childhood heroes, we were taking in the wonderful scenery. We saw a woman eat a sword, a man dance around on his torso, and a girl barf something bright red all over the grass and then proceed to lay in it. It was perfect. 

TV on The Radio (Photo Credit: Robert Castro)

Our Favorite Acts:
City and Colour, TV On The Radio, Weezer, NFG, Taking Back Sunday, In The Whale, Manchester Orchestra, 3OH3!, Radkey, Dum Dum Girls, Descendants, Me First and The Gimme Gimme's.


By the Numbers:
$1 - the amount of money made at the “Watch This Video for a Dollar Truck!” - Somethings you can’t unsee. 
4 - the number of times we watched someone puke after The Zipper Ride
6 - trench coats
2 - nours amount of time Robert cried at The Cure
12 - the number of people we saw get dropped after crowd surfing
1 - the amount that the Broncos lost to the Seahawks :(
24 - cans of Red Bull we drank collectively as a team
1.1 Miles - the length that you would have to walk around Mile High if you missed the entrance and proceeded to walk aimlessly around Invesco

Check out our Riot Fest photos courtesy of Matthew Smith and Robert Castro