First Listen: Pink Fuzz - Ain't No Friend

Pink Fuzz is a brother/sister led three-piece out of Denver made up of singer/guitarist John Demitro, singer/bassist LuLu Demitro, and drummer Forrest Raup. Growing up and playing music together since grade school, Pink Fuzz came to fruition at the end of 2017. Quickly picking up steam and wanting to expand out of Denver, Pink Fuzz started touring extensively. Creating a DIY circuit throughout the country, they’ve built a grassroots fanbase that has anxiously been awaiting new releases. Finally, 4 years after their newest release, the band is putting us on track for new singles leading up to what will be their strongest body of work they’ve produced yet. The first single drops on January 5th followed by their headlining show on January13th at The Bluebird.

We got our hands on the single “Ain’t No Friend” and it is nothing short of pure unfiltered rock and roll. The song starts fast with intense drumming and screeching guitars reminiscent of early 80’ metal rock anthems. Not surprising for the band as they have been dishing out hard rocking singles for a few years now. This one seems more polished and a little harder than anything we have heard from them. A guitar maestro (and probably best guitar shredder in Denver, fight us) John Dimitro lets loose on this one with no holds barred, emitting fuzzed driven articulated chords, which brings the song to life. Joining in on the shennanigans on bass is the talented LuLu Demitro that brings a solid bridge and pleasant aestetic and clarity to the song. The backbone of the song is brought by the drumming sound of Forrest Raup who lays down the foundation for the song, he brings a rapid based blast beat often compared to early sounds of punk bands in the past. The song maintains consistency throughout and stands out above the rest. Self produced/Self recorded. Mixed by Mike Fahey of Starbird Sound Studios. Mastered by Chad Cuttill of Aura Mastering Agency. Artwork by Elias Armao of Rare Form 

The song is available on all streaming platforms on Friday. January 5th and will playing a headlining show on January 13th at The Bluebird.

The band kickoffs a mini-tour starting Friday:

Upcoming Shows:

1/5 - Sherbino - Ridgway, CO.

1/6 - The Alibi - Telluride, CO.

1/13 - Bluebird Theater headline - Denver, CO. 

1/18 - Goldenlight Cantina - Amarillo, TX.

1/19 - Which House - Denton, TX.

1/20 - Farout Lounge - Austin, TX.

1/25 - Kirby’s - Wichita, KS.

1/26 - The Bottleneck - Lawrence, KS.

1/27 - Auntie Mae’s - Manhattan, KS. 

3/20 -3/24 - Treefort fest - Boise, ID.

Photo Credit: Hannie Rie

First Listen: Elektric Animals "Constant Static Noise"

One of our favorite Denver locals Elektric Animals have dropped their latest project and we have the “First Listen”. The band approached this one with a whole new perspective and delivers with a catchy and unique production that will see the single take on several variations in the coming weeks.

For this track we decided to go outside our usual Garage Rock/Blues Rock sound and work with producer Stayloose (fka Stelouse) who is mostly known for his EDM work. We recorded the bare bones of the track then handed him the keys to produce and mix however he saw fit. After the release of this version we are also releasing another mix from our usual producer Eric Everhart who took it in a more live band direction. We also will be doing a stripped piano version with local legend Aaron Rothe and releasing them all together.

As far as lyrical content on the surface it feels as if it could be a typical love song. But, as it digs deeper it is more a song of trying to hold on for something or someone to change. Knowing that it will not and they will not and eventually you’ll have to let go. But, at the moment you don’t know when that time will be and your heart still says … forever 

Influences include: Cage The Elephant, The Black Keys, Royal Blood, Arctic Monkeys, Young The Giant, Glass Animals, Alt Rock of the 90s, Pop of the 80s. 

Bailey Elora Releases Her Newest Single "DRUNK RN" ft Broth3r

We love discovering new talent among the bustling music here in Denver, a few years ago we came across this gem of an up and coming star Bailey Elora. With a voice that carries over and reminds us of stars such as Billie Eilish and a young Gwen Stefani, the 21 year old singer-songwriter just released her newest single. DRUNK RN which was written during the pandemic and features local rapper, Broth3r. It was recorded, mixed and mastered by Glenn Sawyer and Rich Veltrop at The Spot Studios in Evergreen, Colorado.

“I didn’t want to write just another depressing song about how shitty life felt at that moment. I wanted a song that expressed all the feelings and different coping mechanisms brought on by the pandemic in a fun light hearted way and I really think DRUNK RN does that”, said Bailey Elora.

Bailey Elora has come a long way, from singing covers to performing originals at various venues throughout Colorado. With new music, Bailey Elora and her band (Alfredo “Freddy” Zamora, Isaac Zamora, Geoff Orwiler, and James Romine) are ready to take on the music scene, wherever it takes them.

Andrew J. Elofson, Guitarist for Suitable Miss says, “Armed with a powerful voice, a fierce spirit and undeniable kindness, Bailey is showing the world why you should stop what you're doing and pay attention to her.”

Michael "Ill Se7en" Acuña, MC with Brass and Gold Society says that Bailey Elora is “A creative brilliant young artist pushing forward Denver's sound!!”

Don't Call It A Comeback: UMS Returns In August

 

Our favorite weekend of music is back after a year break (still did an amazing job virtually) the annual gathering of music on South Broadway is set to return in late August. In what has become one of the most exciting independent music festivals in the country we cannot wait to gather with our friends this year and celebrate this amazing event.

UMS IS BACK FOR 2021. We're hitting the streets of Broadway from August 27 - 29th for a year unlike any other. It's our duty as the Underground Music Showcase to provide the stage for Denver's music community and to let your voices be heard. We're rising from the ashes of 2020 in full color and we're counting down to best weekend of the summer.

We'll be announcing artist applications shortly. Stay tuned for more details on how to apply to this year's edition of Underground Music Showcase.

P.S.: Presale tickets go live on TODAY – tell your friends!

Go buy your tickets today!

Bison Bone Set To Release New Album, Watch The Video For "Alright" Now

One of our favorite local acts Bison Bone has remained busy during this pandemic putting together the finishing touches on their third album. The video is full of many amazing visuals and even features some of our favorite venues here in Denver. Sit back relax and check out the video for “Alright”, it will get your weekend started real proper.

Find Your Way Out  d​ue to come out September 25, 2020, is Bison Bone’s most strikingly unguarded and redemptive collection of songs yet. With an elevated lineup and focus, the band pushes themselves sonically and lyrically. While continuing a recovery through Lyme Disease, Bison Bone’s frontman, Courtney Whitehead writes these songs on redemption, optimism, and kindliness, wrapped in americana rock and roll. In a world where it is easy to dismiss those emotions, Whitehead pushes for songs that help uplift anyone going through their own mental and physical hardships. “This record is for the people in or coming out of difficulties or discomforts. I've gotten my fair share of trying times in the last decade, but I continue to work beyond it and build on defining who I am. In my process of healing, I establish being more present, supportive, humble and vulnerable.”

Find Your Way Out​ is Bison Bone’s 3rd album and 2nd LP. Ben Wysocki (The Fray) co-producer, Mark Anderson (Paper Bird) co-producer/engineer, and Dave Welsh (The Fray) mixing. It was recorded mostly live with a lineup that includes Adam Blake (drums), Adam Stern (pedal steel/electric guitars), Ben Wysocki (percussion), Brianna Straut (backing vocals), Courtney Whitehead (guitars/vocals), Jess Parsons (keys), Mark Anderson (backing vocals), Tony Piscotti (bass), Wolf Van Elfmand (electric guitars.) All songs written by Courtney Whitehead.