Beach House Brought Their Dream Pop Vibes To Mission Ballroom

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Our favorite indie-chill band Beach House made a stop at Mission Ballroom on Wednesday night. In support of their latest 4 disc album Once Twice Melody. The first time playing the venue, the band glamoured at the amazing beauty of Denver’s still budding concert ballroom. If you’ve seen Beach House before you know that their production is minimal often syncing with their music, which has been described as chill, moody and dreamy. Flanked by nothing more than a back screen that displayed minimal images, the music still manages to come alive without all the theatrics. Led by Victoria Legrand on vocals and multi-instrumentalist Alex Scally, the band has been making music since 2004 and has evolved with each new record. On their latest the duo takes on a wave very similar to the last couple albums but a much more broader sense of the ability to convey a perfect album from beginning to end.

The band preaches minimal use of anything distracting that may hinder their live performance, in this case the use of phones in the audience. Honestly wish more bands did this. Visually the bands set coordinated perfectly into a dream-like experience. The band praised the new venue at one point stating “I feel like we are on a spaceship”, The band tore through various hits off all of their albums with a heavy dose of newer material that was well received.

Words and Images-Robert Castro

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Warpaint Had Us All in Love Last Night

“Love is die/ Love is to not die/ Love is to dance," chanted the amazing Theresa Wayman, front-woman of the all Female L.A. art-rock group Warpaint during their performance of a crowd favorite, “Love is to Die” off of their self-titled album (2014). Needless to say, the crowd died of love for the four women who played a mind-blowing, nearly two-hour long set on Denver last night. Hoards came flocking to the Gothic Theatre to see them perform their new album Heads Up, but Warpaint took us through all corners of their sound, dipping into every album they’ve put out to date. 

Instagram user: sasquatchbert

These ladies brought a strong powerful stage presence last night, but they knew exactly how to bring down the vibe too. Their sound is percussion heavy, murky and open-ended without losing sight of itself. They often build into bright flares of echoing, guitar and vocals, crafting sonic dreamscapes through slow, tense ascents. Sometimes squirming below into the ether, or escalating above into the support beams of the theatre space. 

Photo: Kendall Morris

“Tension” is the perfect word to summarize their sound; the group dances in the in-between, toying with hot and cold tonalities, and oscillating between fast and slow tempo changes. It’s highly listenable. Still accessible without sacrificing its experimentation. 

They played tracks like “Composure” and “Warpaint” off of The Fool (2010) to warm up the crowd before announcing that they were going to play their newer tracks from then on. They then played tracks “White Out”, “New Song”, and “Don’t Let Go”, all off of Heads Up (2016). Theresa Wayman was brought to her knees, sweating, black halos under each eye and hair falling in her face toward the end of her set, completely lost in her performance. Her vibrancy left the audience struck with the sense that they were witnessing something profound, something honest and alive, unmoderated. 

Despite the two year hiatus, Warpaint members kept busy in the meantime with solo projects. According to Pitchfork, Jenny Lee Lindberg (bass and vocals) released a solo album under the name jennylee, and Emily Kokal (vocals and guitar) worked with Saul Williams and Paul Bergmann. Stella Mozgawa (drums) was featured on a Kurt Vile EP. Theresa Wayman has been working on her solo project called BOSS.

They came together again to create their newest release, and it is a strong, even necessary addition to their previous. It’s both the familiar, dreamy, post-rock sound they’re been consistently working toward, but it reaches new heights, stirring in dance and pop without being kitschy, clean or over-produced. 

Jenny Lee Lindberg told Pitchfork on Heads Up, “I feel really proud of what we made—almost surprised and shocked. When we were making it, I was like, “I wonder what this is going to sound like? How’s this going to come together?” I love the way that it came together so nicely. I feel so proud of it, and like it’s an evolution of our band. It sounds like a mature version of Warpaint.” 

Last night’s performance only reiterated the sentiment. These ladies are forward moving and their recent work bears the fruit of their effort. We only see progress in the future of Warpaint, a band who continues to surprise us with new-found depth and emotive ability. 

After the band ended their set and humbly stepped off, the crowd waited for literally fifteen minutes, cheers swelling, begging for more. Finally, Wayman and the rest reappeared, eliciting a truly thrilled reaction from the crowd. They played multiple encores afterward, and only once the astonishment wore off did the crowd begin to stagger out, stupefied and totally enamored. 

Words: Kendall Morris

Interview with Indie Pop Band "Lovelife"

Please enjoy the wonderful responses of Lee Newell, singer of dreamy UK indie band Lovelife!

Thanks so much for taking the time to respond to the oh-so-pressing questions that we have. My name is Autumn Coleman and I am a writer for Ultra5280. We saw you rock the pants off of Denver at the Gothic last month where everyone fell in love with you. Your super sexy synth supported jams are excellently complimented by your dashing United Kingdom charm and good looks. AKA: Methinks you are totally more than interview material. Now on to the exciting stuff:

First of all; can you shed a little light on who brings the most muscles to the band? Who is the best kisser?

Muscle wise, I suppose that would be Frank. He came 4th in the 1998 Young Bodybuilder Of The Year (Berkshire Division). As for best kisser, that would be me.

What has been your favorite American tour spot? (You don’t have to say Denver – but we fully expect it)!

Denver. You welcomed us with open arms and cheap beer. We also got to visit some hot springs pre-show so we were revitalised.

How would you describe your music to someone who has never heard it before?

Heartsick pop music.

Where do you find inspiration when you’re writing?

It's nearly always about a failed relationship. Writing about it has always seemed to be the most therapeutic form of recovery.

When is Frank going to star in a video?

When we need some eye candy.

Have you been told that your music would be a perfect addition to a lovemaking playlist?

Yes, often.

Why the name “lovelife?”

It was the only one that wasn't taken... And also, at the time my personal lovelife had come to somewhat of a standstill. So I had to create one for myself.

Give one random and interesting fact about each of the members:

I've never eaten a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Ally is from Herefordshire, home of cider. Frank is an officially qualified coffee expert. Sam has never been on a roller coaster.

When I come to the UK, can we grab a beer and/or tea (Ally – you can feel free to make me a cup)?

Of course. We'll have some overpriced lager and weak tea. On us!

What do you boys do when you’re not melting faces with your gorgeous music?

We drink, and eat, mainly drink. I struggle to remember more than 12 hours ago.

Who is each guy’s celebrity crush? (I figure it’s only appropriate to get into love lives…. DUH.)

(All) Emily Ratajkowski. Although she isn't technically a celebrity yet.

Will any/all of you marry me? (Say yes.)

Will you sign a prenup first?

(When) can we expect a full length album?

Next year. It's something we're working on right now.

Lee – When did you start singing?

I didn't know I had started? I just make noises.

What has been your favorite American food?

Po-Boy's. That is some next level shit.

Sam –  who is your favorite artist right now?

Diana. (The band, not the princess.)

Any final thoughts/comments:

Our new 7" Your New Beloved // Dying To Start Again is out on Neon Gold Records now. Our newest EP Stateless will be out in the summer.

You can download the rest of our catalogue for FREE from http://lvlf.info/

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Monday Morning Wake Up Call

My Friend’s Band Feature – Saint Motel

Nine times out of ten, when someone tells you to “listen to their friend’s band,” you would rather have your ear drums blown out of your head as a free pass to decline putting your listening organs through indescribable agony. Not this time, friends!

I bring to you – Saint Motel. They are a four piece gang from Los Angeles who I’d describe as dream-pop indie rock. I had the pleasure of consuming their aesthetic and sonorous jams  and making friends last summer at Rickshaw Stop – just days after the release of their first full-length album entitled “Voyeur.” While they are hardly new to the scene, the hipster in me always finds ways to share Saint Motel as an “almost famous” kind of band.

I was mesmerized by the visual flare that Saint Motel brought to the stage. Not because of Dak, the bassist’s, sexual and magnetic flare – but because of the images being projected behind Saint Motel and their incredible ability to interact with the audience and simultaneously their musical weapons of choice. Each member’s charisma is unmatched, making them a dynamic quartet whose live show blows their record out of the water.

Prior to releasing “Voyeur,” Saint Motel opened up for bands like Neon Trees, Smashing Pumpkins, and even did a Guitar Center session which garnered them lots of attention. Their debut EP “ForPlay” houses a few of my favorite songs.

“Pity Party” is my surf-rock go-to when I’m feeling like a sexy badass. It should be yours, too. The alternative distorted guitars and symbol-threaded drum ensemble make for one of my favorite summer drive jams. The people at the stop light are quick to fall in love, too – so don’t worry.

“Butch” is a quixotic tune detailing the story of falling in love with a girl who dresses like a guy. Don’t you hate that? Happens all the time! While I’m sure there’s more meaning behind it than meets the eye, it’s incredibly fun to air-guitar your ass off and play drums to on your steering wheel.  

They took a little bit of a different direction when it came to “Voyeur.” There seems to be more emotion in this record than fun being had - but fear not, their drinking days aren’t over. Feel free to grab these guys a scotch on the rocks when you go check them out.

“Daydream/Wetdream/Nightmare” is perhaps the most romantic and original song on the record. It is composed of three entirely different riffs and tempos. With funk guitar, bass solos and love-woven sensual melodies, it’s the soundtrack to a one-night stand that you don’t want to end. The “Wetdream” portion is, in my opinion, the most creative and sexy jam they’ve ever written.

“Puzzle Pieces” also highlights AJ’s stunning vocal abilities and the band’s passionate and energetic take on bad plastic surgery. Guitar player Aaron Sharp’s grungy guitar undertones coupled with the playful piano melody makes for an interesting and infectious tune that incites all kinds of singing along.

My favorite thing about Saint Motel is the variations of tempo and dynamics from song to song. They have an aptitude for keeping the fans on their toes. Not to mention that the guys in this band are golden. While being ridiculously talented, they’re also totally nice. The first time I saw Saint Motel, I met A/J’s mom. That is getting your fans involved!

If you want to get your Summer into gear the right way, check out Saint Motel in a town near you! They’re just a few short weeks away from kicking off their Summer tour with Hockey and Swimm. The only way I could like this band more is if they were playing in Denver this time around. They kind of dropped the ball on that one – but they’re still great, I promise.

Up until today, Saint Motel was my best kept secret. I’m glad to share this titillating quadripartite with you all. Somebody please tell me why this band hasn’t completely blown up yet? Check out my friends’ band – Saint Motel, and let your eardrums in on the “O” they’ve been waiting for.

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PS: I mean seriously – how can you not just love these dudes?

Any inquiries regarding the awesomeness of Saint Mo’ can be directed here: autumn@ultra5280.com. Feel free to let me know what you think!

HANDS | Larimer Lounge | June 14

Yet another late and lovely night at the Larimer Lounge in Downtown Denver to see Los Angeles indie-rock shahs “Hands” perform. I met a couple of the guys the night before at Superhumanoids, and just the fact that they were out supporting other bands was an immediate thumbs up. These dudes enjoy whiskey on the rocks - and fully deserve a round when they come to your city.

After Denver bands Common Anomaly and We Like Monsters graced the stage, Hands set up and began the evening with my favorite song, “Videolove.” With a dreamy intro, heavy drums and the tings of tin cans - singer Geoffrey Halliday sang with his perfectly indie-rock suited chorals  to kick the night off.

The subtle electronic additives in Hands’ music make it energetic, fun and danceable. Let me just say that these guys know how to perform. Every single member in the band interacted with the audience in some way during the show. Bassist Alex Staniloff is quite the anomaly when it comes to bassists - he actually moves to the music and puts on quite the show. Hands’ new album “Synesthesia” is heavily endorsed by Staniloff’s vibrating bass lines.

Drummer Sean Hess was completely on-beat the entire night. With hard hits and a perfect flow, his beats carry many of the songs and add to the jammability (term coined here first) of the music. This dude is a drumming machine - no pun intended. I started getting real critical because he wasn’t messing up. He also drums without shoes. Riddle me that, Batman.

Finally, dreamy guitarist Ryan Sweeney and his fabulous hair accentuated the rhythm excellently with melodic riffs. The dance grooves produced last night had the ladies in the crowd totally swooning. Not to mention, I don’t think I’ve ever seen more women at an indie-rock show. Good work, dudes.

During “Trouble” (arguably on of the best songs on Synesthesia), Ryan shook it (a tambourine) and tiny galactic synths glazed over the eyes of everyone at Larimer. The guys interacted with one another on stage proving their excellent creative chemistry. If you haven’t been listening to these rad summer jams, you really should be.

A fan after the show put it best. “Hands” presents a succinct and clear approach to indie-rock. It lacks moody sentiment and highlights the will to party. Even their name gives them a unique edge. While the music is formulaic, it incorporates an entirely original sound. Comparable, some say, to the likes of Hot Chip or Tanlines, I disagree and present that they’re the next big epidemic in indie music in all of the best ways.

If you aren’t completely convinced after you hear their new album “Synesthesia” - I still recommend checking them out live. And when you do, I think you’ll find that (in the words of their song “Brave Motion”):

“It makes no sense - you’re in love, again.”

Check these swell fellas out in a town near you. When you do, let me know what you think at autumn@ultra5280.com!