First Listen: CITRA - "Inside My Head"

Local faves CITRA has just released their new song “Inside My Head”. They will be releasing a slew of singles in the coming weeks, as well as a sold out show tomorrow night at Globe Hall. The band is also scheduled to release the video for “Inside My Head” next week.

The song embellishes hints of early Kings of Leon with what could safely pass for an arena anthem song. Catchy lyrics and infectious beats lead to a well rounded single that can be played over and over (in your head). Be sure to follow the band on all of their social media for updates and news. If you were one of the lucky ones to get a ticket to their sold out show you will be in for a treat!

Ten "Must See" Acts At This Year's Westword Music Showcase

Westword Music Showcase crowd going crazy for Galantis last year. (Photo Credit: Aly McClaran)

Westword Music Showcase crowd going crazy for Galantis last year. (Photo Credit: Aly McClaran)

This year the Westword Music Showcase is celebrating 25 years, an amazing accomplishment. Luckily we have been able to cover this festival for about half of that time. Each year while our staff is narrowing down their schedules we come across a few acts that you must see. Bands that have caught our attention and doing amazing things in the local and national scene. (In no particular order). If you haven’t purchased your tickets today is the last day before they go up in price. Use code: ULTRA5280 for your discounts.

Bailey Elora | 2:30-3:05 | 100% De Agave

Bailey is starting to put her stamp on the Denver music scene with a breakout year in 2019 so far. The singer-songwriter will touch your heart and evoke all the feels of a live performance. Look for her to be a household name in the up-coming year.

Adiel Mitchell | 2:30-3:05 | #VYBE Stage

2019 has been an amazing year for Adiel Mitchell and he is just getting started. With a slew of festivals on the horizon Mitchell brings his own unique sound to the masses. Evoking the persona of Bruno Mars while maintaining the cool of Khalid, Mitchell is set to breakout into one of Denver’s most versatile performers.

Corsicana | 4:10-4:45 | The Church

One of our favorite bands we have been listening to this year is Corsicana. The band is riding the wave of their recently released album and has our stamp of approval. Lead by lead singer Ben Pisano, the band pulls you into a world that evokes the feels of the song truly making a connection with the masterful songwriting.

Yasi | 12:25-12:55 | Breckenridge Brewery Main Stage

Ahhh fresh off the cover of this week’s Westword Magazine, YaSi has been having herself quite a year. The sultry singer has been traveling the country playing gigs in New York, Chicago, and Houston and returns to get things started off on the Breck Brew Main Stage. Her current single “Issues” has been on repeat for us and is sure to conjure up mutual feelings between her and her audience.

CITRA | 7:30-8:05 | The Church

While those of you who prefer your drinks stiff, make sure to catch CITRA headlining The Church. The rock band has become the staple band in the Denver rock scene the last few years and brings one of the better live sets of any band. Make sure you have your Jack & Coke ready!

SHAED | 1:20-1:55 | Breckenridge Brewery Main Stage

Electro-pop darlings SHAED is ready to shine on the main stage. Hailing from our nations capital the band is led by singer Chelsea Lee and rounded out by siblings Spencer and Max Ernst. If you are fans of Bishop Briggs or Marian Hill, you will enjoy their mid-day set at Westword.

The Hollow | 6:40-7:15 | The Church

What can we say about The Hollow? A band that has come into its own the latter part of the last few years along with CITRA has been hailed as one of the best rock acts to grace the Mile High. If you like your music hard, fast, and raw, The Hollow is for you. P.S……Bring your ear plugs.

Optycnerd | 1:40-2:15 | The Church

Optynerd is set to take their act on the road next month but before they do make sure you check out the duo of Chris Kimmel and Chris Scott. Their music just makes you want to dance, even though if you don’t know how. Catchy beats and feel good lyrics makes this band a must see. Come cool off from the treacherous heat indoors for a wild set.

Plastic Daggers | 5:00-5:35 | Bar Standard

We had a chance to see these guys not long ago at Lost Lake and our ears are still ringing. Plastic Daggers consists of Keaton Kidder and Jordan Palmer. The duo has been making music for the last few years cementing themselves as one of the better live acts in our city. Three things, it’s going to be loud, it’s going to raw, and just like your favorite beer.. it’s going to be unfiltered. Get some!!!

CHVRCHES | 7:20-8:35 | White Claw Stage

I mean it CHVRCHES…..

Must See DJ’s

Hexkitten

Polyphoni

Erin Stereo

DJ Bedz

Always gotta give love to our city’s best DJ’s who week in and week out provide us the soundtracks to our weekend shenanigans.

303 Music Fest Is Just Around The Corner

Our friends at 303 Magazine have always been supporters of the Denver local music scene and this year they are taking things up a notch by putting on this amazing event. We suggest purchasing tickets before this thing sells out. Trust us with this lineup you wont want to miss it.

303 Music Fest will feature performances by headliners STéLOUSE and Trev Rich. Also on the lineup The Other Black who will be leading our Colorado SuperJam, CITRA, Ray Reed, Eldren, church fire, Jay Triiiple, MILKY.WAV, Ghost Tapes, Impact, boyhollow, DJ Simone Says and Ru Johnson as your host. Be on the lookout for many more to be announced soon!

The Church Nightclub, one of Denver's hottest nightclubs, has hosted industry giants from Anjunabeats to Jack Novak and Deorro, and we can't think of a better place to party. In addition to the silent disco, Super Jam and meet and greet we'll be selling "303 Music Vol. 1" at the event. Eighty percent of all record profits will go to Youth on Record, creating a better tomorrow for local youth and in turn, the Colorado community as a whole. "303 Music Vol. 1" is a Colorado compilation record printed by “the best damn record club out there,” Vinyl Me, Please. Featuring strictly Colorado musicians, the ALBUM features beloved local artists like GRiZ, Trev Rich, Wildermiss, an exclusive track by Flobots and more — only on vinyl.

Record Features: Limited to 1,000 copies on vinyl only, an exclusive track by Flobots, a photobook featuring quotes and photos of all participating artists, exclusive album art by Denver artist John Vogl, colored-splatter wax and a FREE download code for a Youth on Record album.

Vertical FULL 303 Music Fest Poster.jpg

CITRA | Mr. Copacetic EP | Review

26993400_1568918726530826_6668441408123158468_n.jpg

Denver Grit-Rock outfit CITRA is set release their new extended release EP (since 2016's Ocean) later this week and we got an early chance to listen to it. Upon first listen the album is full of potential that only goes to show the sheer amount of hard work that was put into this album. The album gives us those early hints of pioneer rocker masterpieces from Foo Fighters (One By One) and Queens of The Stone Age(Songs For The Deaf). Fun, wild and a sheer way to let your hair down and don your finest leather CITRA is establishing themselves as the premier rock group in the Denver music scene.

A steady dose of flailing guitars and body whirling lyrics are evident from the opening track "Static Erratic", this would make for one of those epic MTV videos were the band is playing a rooftop with pyrotechnics going off left and right, hell throw in a helicopter for shits and giggles ala "Cochise" by Audioslave. Easily my favorite track on the EP.

The next single "Felt So Right" conjures up the early sounds Dave Grohl's howling vocals with a subtle change of pace towards the middle of the song that gives us a chance to catch our breath from the onslaught featured in the first minute of the song. Brandon Arndt's vocals give this song its life with an infectious chorus that has us begging for more.

The next single's title is easy fodder for a Michael Scott joke. One of the slower songs on the EP "That's What She Said" is marked by some impressive guitar play that evokes the emotional feelings of the track. An easy candidate for a track I would have put on a mixtape for that very special someone during my high school days. It's a perfect example of that heartfelt melodic rock the band is known for.

The next song "Grant My Wish" is a perfect example of your modern-day arena rock anthem highlighting each members strengths that are evident from the opening note. Dan Naddy's drumming gives this song the backbone for it to perfectly sync with precise guitar playing and amazing bass undertones. Lay that underneath Arndt's vocals and you have yourself one of the finer gems on the album.

The last track "R.Y.F.F." comes out of the gate like Ricky Bobby behind the wheel of a stock car. A high powered fueled track that doesn't let go at all. A perfect way to go out for this fast, edgy, and well produced EP. All the ingredients for a in-your-face 25 minutes of hard rocking blissfulness. Well done gents, well done.

The band is having a release show this coming Saturday night at The Hi Dive and we highly recommend attending as this review will prove that these songs will be better experienced hands on in the perfect cavernous setting of the Hi Dive. Ticket information can be found here. 

Robert Castro