Camera Obscura | Gothic Theatre | June 27

Camera Obscura has been around since the 1990’s. So it was no surprise that upon arriving at Gothic Theatre this weekend to see the band, I was accompanied by a grip of 40 somethings. My first time at the Gothic, I was mystified by the dark emerald-city inspired venue. There were red glowing lights accompanied by deep serpentine purples and blue-greens. It is quite a romantic venue - hence, there were lots of couples there.

I had high expectations for Camera Obscura. After all, being around for fifteen plus years, you’d think they know how to keep their fans. As you might know, Camera Obscura is from Scotland. Scots are typically pretty low-key. I wasn’t expecting Van Halen to walk out and start frazzling the crowd in true metal fashion - but some expression would have been lovely.

Unfortunately, Camera Obscura is a group of musicians, not performers. The sound was excellent, joyful and clear like a sunny day. However, it took them way too long to get to the songs that you could tell people really wanted to hear. “Lloyd, I’m Ready to Be Heartbroken” finally was played and the crowd was a mess of jubilee. Dancing and singing along overtook the audience.

In all honesty,  the unsung hero in this mess of a performance was the trumpet player, Tim Cronin. He looked like a young Michael Cera and his trumpet skills were extremely rad. I would have to say that he had the most entertaining performance of anyone on the stage. It’s not often you’re mesmerized with a trumpet player/percussionist.

Overall, I was disappointed. They seemed to be in a rush to get off stage in a way. Being Scottish doesn’t give you a free card to be boring on stage. Move around a little bit. I know the singer is pregnant but she could at least tap her foot and smile once in a while. There was hardly any engaging with the audience, which made it tough to bear.

I must hand it to them - their ending was great. This was the only point that you could tell that they were passionate about their music. They finally turned on the charisma when it counted. They have a wonderful sound. A sad story - but it’s great music to go check out if you’re trying to get to know someone and you want to chat. If you’re looking to see an amazing performance, maybe you should go check out Sweet Thing instead.

All in all, enjoy Camera Obscura’s music via record. Don’t waste your time or money on seeing them live. Well, the trumpet player might actually be worth it. Tim Cronin rocks - forever.

XO, 

Autumn Bea

Halloween at the Bluebird Theater: Air Dubai, The Epilogues, Monroe Monroe, ManCub

All Hallows Eve in the Mile High City was pretty rockin’ this year despite it falling on a Monday night. While many people chose to celebrate over the weekend, those interested in keeping their festivities local couldn’t have asked for a better line up than at The Bluebird Theatre on Monday night. Air Dubai, The Epilogues, Monroe Monroe, and ManCub all came out in full “cape and cowl”, ready to rock the east end of Colfax and help their fans celebrate Halloween.

This show was the grand finale to a four-day mini tour hosted and co-headlined by Air Dubai and The Epilogues, hitting each end of the state and featuring different acts from the respective areas as they went. With In The Whale, The Photo Atlas, My Body Sings Electric, and Monroe Monroe all being featured as main support to the co-headliners on separate nights, it was nearly impossible to pick a night you wouldn’t love to attend. Monday night went off without a hitch, as the costume-adorned audience found the Bluebird’s capacity at a perfect medium: packed full of fans, but not crowded to the point where it was uncomfortable. With ManCub opening the night with their distinct brand of techno-electronic beats, and Monroe Monroe following them with their Indie-punk energy, the crowd was obviously warmed up and excited to see The Epilogues take the stage at 9:30.

In their typical style, the band played a generous mix of new and old favorites like “King Arthur”, “Futurebox”, and “The World is Yours”. Fans were excited to hear lead singer Chris Heckman announce that their new music video for their song “The Fallout” will be released “very, very soon”. The Bluebird went wild as they finished their set with their radio single “Hunting Season”, made famous by it’s airplay from local radio station KTCL and their “Local’s Only” segment. Fans seemed very happy with the set, as the band also seemed happy to finally be home after a long, and fun weekend.

Air Dubai finished out the evening with fun for both new and old fans. Celebrating the release of their newest EP, “Day Escape” which just hit stores this past week (available online at www.airdubaimusic.com/ or on iTunes), the crowd was treated to a great mix of fan favorites like “Lasers”, “Modern Gold”, “Warm Days”, and“I Know How”, as well as new tracks like “Summer Solstice”, “Lights Out”, and “Still Searching”. Their certainly something new happening with tracks found on “Day Escape”. It might be the fact that all but one song on this new CD was recorded in California this past August, but in my opinion there’s a bit of a vintage, summery vibe to these tracks, and I LOVE it. Check out Castro’s review of the record -> HERE <-  Overall, this was one of the stronger sets I’ve seen Air Dubai play, probably thanks to the newest tunes added to the setlist. The band sounded on top of their game, and didn’t seem to stutter over any new material. Dressed like The Wiggles, the band gave the crowd an amazing set from beginning to end, closing with their radio single “restless Youth”. 


Currently The Epilogues don’t have any tour/show dates listed on any of their websites, so be sure to “like” them on Facebook to keep updated. Air Dubai is playing a big show November 19th at The Fox Theatre in Boulder. Be sure to grab tickets soon, as the band just announced a free copy of their new EP "Day Escape" with an e-mailed proof of purchase to their Boulder show! Hope to see you all out there showing Denver’s artists some love!

-Maddie

Karl Denson's Tiny Universe, Halloween 2011

Monday night at the Fillmore Ultra 5280 traveled back in timewith Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe to 1971. Their cover of The Rolling Stones Sticky Fingers album, from front to back, had an interesting crowdgrooving to the funk-inspired rock and roll tunes.  Singer/songwriter, Anders Osborne, opened the show and laterjoined Karl Denson for his full set. Followed by Boulder natives Rose Hill Drive, the floor of the Fillmorestarted to shake a bit as they covered The Who’s album Who’s Next, getting the kids ready for an almost two-hour setby Karl and his crew.

AlthoughDenson’s Jagger dance moves looked slightly painful, he belted those familiarsongs and gave a funky twist on those that may have been skipped over on thealbum.  To kick things off, theband played a few original songs before playing “Brown Sugar”, the first songoff Sticky Fingers.  Crowd favorites such as “Can’t You Hear Me Knocking” had everyone singing anddancing in crazy costumes.  Somefavorites were Edward Scissorhands, a couple PBR cans, the occasional zombie, aQueen of Hearts and a woman dressed like Michael Jackson; it was scary how muchshe looked like him!

            
Asthe evening went on, so did the party. The last song of the album, “Moonlight Mile” was not the finale; theband carried on with a few more original songs bringing the show to an endaround midnight.  All evening thestage was packed with incredibly talented musicians; Denson tore up the sax aswell as the flute; he put Ron Burgundy to shame!  If you ever have a chance to see him perform I wouldstrongly encourage it and if you haven’t yet, get your hands on the GreyboyAllstars album What Happened to Television?Denson’s other project he co-founded alongside DJ Greyboy; you won’t be able toskip a track. 

Amanda

An interview with Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr.

Hey folks!

Amanda here, I did my first interview ever today and I can’t tell you how stoked I am right now!  I was super nervous but Josh Epstein, of Dale Earnhardt Jr Jr, was really great and made it fun and exciting for me.

We had a few questions lined up, some to familiarize our readers with the band, as well as get them pumped up for the fall tour. Denver is the first city on their tour and they are looking forward to it, just as much as we are.  So here it is, friends, Ultra5280’s interview with Josh Epstein of Dale Earnhardt Jr Jr.

Left to Right Daniel Zott and Joshua Epstein of Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. (photo caption Jeff Snow)

(Ultra) How would you describe the sound of Dale Earnhardt Jr Jr and what are some of your biggest influences?

(DE) I’d say our sound is a cross between a lot of different things; a lot of elements of folk mixed with some electronic.  Our influences include a lot of hip hop, like the Beastie Boys, old melodic music, but a lot of late 90’s early 2000’s hip hop.

(Ultra) You recently played Lollapalooza, what was the best part about it and what was the fan’s reaction?

(DE) My favorite part of Lollapalooza was riding in the golf carts all weekend, just cruising around in them. As for the crowd, they were very enthusiastic which was really encouraging for us.

(Ultra) Denver will be the first stop on your fall tour; what can we expect from you and what has been the best/worst thing about touring?

(DE)We have a couple of new things we are going to do but for the most part, if they haven’t seen us perform before they won’t be disappointed and if they have, they won’t be bored by it.

There’s not really a “worst thing” about touring, if you’re a musician and complain about touring, then you just shouldn’t tour.  I’d say the best thing is seeing and experiencing a new town.  We love Denver, I think it’s a great place.  The last time we were here, we hung out at City O’ City.

(Ultra) Detroit has been a hotbed for up and coming bands such as The Von Bondies, The Dirtbombs, Electric Six, Eminem, Kid Rock, who would you say is the next big thing to come out of the Motor City?

(DE) Us. (a simple and direct answer, I like)

(Ultra) What is the most memorable event you guys have played for and who has given you the biggest compliment?

(DE) I would have to say that every time we play for ad agencies and large corporations.

(Ultra) Is it sort of a moment for you, when you step back and realize what you’ve accomplished? Like an, “oh my gosh” moment?

(DE) No, it’s just the closest we’ll ever come to working a 9-5.

(Ultra) And lastly, if you could go on tour with any band, past or present, who would you pick?

(DE) (a pause while he thought)  Probably that Buddy Holly and Ritchie Valens tour when they died, well, except for the whole dying part.