Starbucks has made it blaringly obvious that the PSL is back. And while the drink's return comes with it's own set of feelings (seriously, what's so special?)... it also means that autumn's debut is not far behind the star studded beverage's release. After listening to the latest record from Denver's token mountain man, Joel Van Horne the season really couldn't come any faster.

When the leaves begin to blush red and our air conditioner is no longer needed, a switch goes off inside us Coloradans. Meaning that it's time to start a fire (our guess is Van Horne chops down his own trees), dust off our sweaters and find a warm body to lie next to. Covenhoven's "The Wild and Free" gives us the urge to nest, reflect and distill our own whiskey... Making it the perfect companion to Colorado's crisp months ahead.

If the album was the soundtrack to an indie flick, it would chronicle a couple falling in love-running wildly through apple orchards, catching snowflakes on their eyelashes and watching icicles form through time lapse... Or maybe we're just hopeless romantics. Whatever the imprint it leaves on you, it's a true testament to Van Horne's ability to transport the listener to a place of nostalgia and beauty. Where one truly is wild and free.

Van Horne's latest captures everything pure and terrifying about falling in love and couples it with endearing and vivid prose. It is a true masterpiece that begs the question, "Where was Covenhoven when the Garden State Soundtrack was being recorded?"

This album was meant to be dissected and contemplated. It is a reflection of a man getting lost and not finding himself... It is real, raw and everything we would have expected from Van Horne.

Van Horne will be releasing his album on September, 19th at Syntax. Get your tickets here: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/1789948

What a great way to kick off the weekend with a night filled with hard rock, punk, and thrash up in Longmont Colorado. Denver-based band Lola Black went up north and showed the state’s northerners why they are rising to the next level. There was a strong sense of energy at the historic Dickens Opera House as everyone was in party mode and ready for the weekend.

Starting off the evening was Denver band Scarlight. A hard rock sound with vocal harmonies mixed in with some screams, this group of young musicians gave their all and had a great time as they were often seen smiling with each other and chatting with the crowd in between songs. Their sound has enough bite to not only get your attention, but keep you enthralled as they take you through their catalog, including 2014 EP Gliding Over All. They’re certainly a fun, young band to keep your eye on.

Next came Longmont’s “hometown heroes” Smackfactor. With the exception of the lead vocalist Payden Browning, the rest of the band resides in this northern Colorado town. I was excited to see these guys perform again: their sound is visceral and heavy, and their live performances are definitely something to be seen. Barefoot bassist James Boyd has a very animated and entertaining persona onstage. He mentioned to me before they went on that he puts himself into the same mental state one would be in if they were entering a brawl. As he stomped and growled through their set, it was clear that he was “in the zone”. Both guitarists John Palmer and Shawn Wolf shred on harmonies and put down their heavy right hands to produce the king of chugging riffs that remind me why I love metal. Vocalist Payden has a great range of screaming that cuts through the room and demands your attention. Drummer Loren Honstein’s drum kit it something to be reckoned as well, as his enormous kit can be described as beautiful as easily as it can be called punishing. Loren thrashed on his kit effortlessly as the drum pummeled the crowd. These guys know what they’re doing and their performance should not be missed by true fans of metal.

Headliner Lola Black, fronted by their vocalist of the same name, came ready to rock. Their hard rock/punk sound is very catchy and heavy. The crowd was primed for Lola and crew thanks to their opening acts; fans felt right at home. Wasting no time, the band burst into their performance the minute they hit the stage. Bassist Yosh Yoshikawa (a phenomenal shredder on the seven string) is a true showman: thrashing, stomping and interacting with the crowd like a seasoned veteran. Drummer Ryan Oakes tight, punchy drums were on point all night long. The groups three guitarists Paige O’Meara, Scott Kennedy and Chris Dellinger all have their own sound yet blend awesomely as to not sound muddy. You can easily see the fun they have on stage together.

Lead vocalist Lola Black was in great form as her powerful voice did not falter even once. Very thankful for the great crowd and their enthusiasm, there was plenty of playful banter between Lola and the crowd, as well as her bandmates. Lola and the guys clearly know how to let the fans know that they are appreciated and respected.

This was a great night for live music by all of the bands as each one clearly brought their ‘A’ game. No fan left the venue without a smile plastered across their face at the end of the night. A great way to start the weekend for sure.

- Dave Burke/Mammoth Metal

SEE MORE PHOTOS FROM THE LOLA BLACK SHOW HERE