Modern Leisure's New Full Length Album Proves That Love Isn't Always Perfect

July 16, 2018

Modern Leisure has just released their debut full length album Super Sad Rom-Com. The project is headed by Casey Banker formally of Shady Elder and The Don't and Be Carefuls.

Super Sad Rom-Com presents itself as the ultimate pop album with nods to bands such as The Shins and Death Cab For Cutie. The 12 song album takes us on a journey as Banker plays the role of story-teller for a complex look at the ups and downs of the modern day relationship. Not to shy away from his feelings Banker expresses true vulnerability in pouring his heart out as he dissects the subtle intricacies of past relationships all played out to an amazing and well produced album that has us celebrating more than hanging our heads.

The album has a handful of stand out tracks such as "Girls In Black", "Super Sad Rom-Com", and "The Lucky Ones". A true testament to well crafted lyrics and capturing the listener, Banker takes us to an all too familiar place in which we all have felt the same way at one point or another. Sit back light a few candles and make no hesitation on sending that risky two in the morning text message, after all whats the worst that can happen.

-Castro

Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers Still Have It After 40 Years | Review and Photos

May 31, 2017

All smiles from Tom Petty (Photo Credit: Robert Castro)

Mike Campbell and Tom Petty (Photo Credit: Robert Castro)

Only a few bands can lay claim to longevity and consistency throughout their careers. Bands such as U2, The Rolling Stones, Aerosmith have all had long and successful careers with core members that have laid the foundation for many other bands. Then we have Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers who are currently celebrating 40 years of being a band. Not a small feat considering the ever changing landscape and challenges of bands today. For Petty who by the way played back to back sold out shows at Red Rocks this week (their 18th time playing the majestic venue), change has never been much of a challenge. Tuesday nights show was a touring rendition of every major hit the band has recorded. Wearing his customary beard and adorned in cowhide fringe Petty and company managed to entertain the 9,000 plus in attendance with hit after hit after hit. It was clear judging by the crowds participation that their catalog extends far and wide.

Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers Celebrating 40 Years (Photo Credit: Robert Castro)

The little band from Gainesville, Florida came up from humble beginnings back in 1976 to become one of the most iconic bands in the world today. Seeing them play in a historic venue such as Red Rocks adds a heightened sense of mystique along the way. Flanked by guitarist Mike Campbell and bassist Ron Blair the band reached from their vast amount of decades worth of hits to entertain the crowd for a solid two hours. The 21 song setlist started with "Rockin' Around (With You)" from their 1976 self titled debut, followed by the commercialy successful "Mary Jane's Last Dance", whose lyrics couldn't have been more proper for our weed loving state. The band played all the notable sing-alongs (too many to name) with the same passion that they originally recorded them in.

The crowd was definitely favoring the older generation who would probably put them right around my parents age, at one point I even pondered if any of these songs were ones that may have sparked that twinkle in my parents eyes if you know what I mean. Rest assured Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers played an exceptional two nights that was worth every penny and more (scalpers were asking for almost $400 a ticket) to the tune of 9,000 plus in attendance each night. I hadn't seen Petty since 2008 and can safely say that this time was more magical. Opening the night was the quirky ex-member of The Eagles Joe Walsh who entertained the crowd with playful jabs in between his own setlist of classics including "Take It To The Limit" and "Rocky Mountain Way", which seemed fitting amongst those in attendance that managed to partake in smoking of the Devil's Lettuce.

-Words and Images Robert Castr

The 1975 Set The Mood With Back To Back Sold Out Performances This Past Weekend In Denver

May 8, 2017

Matthew Healy of The 1975 (Photo Credit: Robert Castro)

Denver played host to back to back sold out nights for British outfit The 1975. Last time we saw these guys they were wrecking havoc at Red Rocks, this year they brought the show to The Fillmore for an amazing two nights. We caught the later part of the back to back and much to our satisfaction the band did not hold back. Adorned with his Yves Saint Laurent hoodie leadman Matthew Healy came out strutting and dancing to the opening numbers of "The 1975", with it's climatic almost heavily build up Healy appeared with his cloaked hoodie and all into a full out dance number to the infectious "Love Me". With ear piercing screaming from the fans, the band built upon the energy with carefully orchestrated complementing visuals hues. Almost every song seemed to be a sing along which almost drowned out Healy's vocals during the duration of their hour and a half set. One thing is for certain and that is The 1975 have established themselves quite the fan base here in the Mile Hight City. We can't complain they have become one of our favorites as well.

Words and Images: Robert Castro

Bonobo Delivers With His Latest Migration | Album Review

January 17, 2017

At this point in Simon Green’s career as our beloved Bonobo, I am convinced that this human can do no wrong. Migration, as an album, strays away from Bonobo’s servitude to the dance floor, and is a compilation of what seems to be more explorative and mature content. Reminiscent of BADBADNOTGOOD, Four Tet, and even newer Gold Panda, aspects of unfamiliarity add a new twist to Bonobo’s otherwise soft piano and guitar sounds. Well layered, I noticed a growing texture of sound in nearly every track and it kept me interested where the bass lines may not have.

Different than previous albums, a heavier pop influence is apparent on this album with features such as Rhye, Nicole Miglis, and Nick Murphy, but Bonobo seems to find a natural balance with soft, ethereal sounding “Second Sun”, the worldly trance of “Bambro Koyo Ganda”, and the R & B groove of “Kerala”.

“Outlier”, holy heavens, takes a turn for the upbeat in the simplest way, and won my heart immediately. Simple downtempo drums, layered over a mixture of ethereal and cosmic sounds, with a steady buildup that makes it hard to stop moving. “Outlier” feels like a familiar house anthem, neutralized by classic Bonobo’s soft instrumental strums, and it feels damn good.

Every album needs a banger, so to say, and “Bambro Koyo Ganda” is it. An upbeat drum progression reminiscent of earlier work “Flashlight”, worldly chants, and a trance hook that is hard to escape, have my body convulsing almost involuntarily. Layers of bells, claps, and bass allow for 5 minutes of non-stop pulsating. Tight.

Seventeen years after his debut album Animal Magic, Green’s signature downtempo sound is still vibrant and relevant, as well as ever evolving, which is all we talentless people can hope from our favorite artists.

Bonobo’s upcoming tour with Nick Murphy aka Chet Faker will certainly be a beautiful crossover of electronica, downtempo, and pop. See it come to life at Red Rocks May 21st for what’s sure to be an unforgettable show!

-Lina Skrzypczak

Music | The 1975 Brought Out "All The Feels" at Red Rocks On Monday. | May 2, 2016

May 4, 2016

It was a chilly night at Red Rocks this past Monday, but that didn’t keep English rockers The 1975 from turning up the heat. Hot off the release of their sophomore album, I Like It When You Sleep, for You Are So Beautiful Yet So Unaware of It, the group’s already massive fanbase has continued to expand, leading to a decently packed show at Colorado’s premiere music venue. Led by dreamy frontman Matthew Healy, the band played a melodic, and sexually charged two hour set. Prancing across the stage with his curly locks out of control, Healy managed to capture the audience with sincere odes to the venue and a humbleness not often seen in today's performers. Often referencing the sheer size of the historic venue, Healy emphasized what an honor it was to play there in quick moments between fan favorites including "Girls", "The Fame", "A Change of Heart”. The groups stage design was highlighted by the weather on Monday, with eerie fog adding dimension to the lights. At one point in the show, Healy instructed the audience to put their phones away and “...enjoy the next five minutes” featuring a rather impressive version of "Me". The band never let up, ending with a rather strong encore featuring thier most popular numbers including "Chocolate", "The Sound", and my personal favorite, “Sex”

The 1975 breaking hearts and shedding tears (Photo Credit: Robert Castro)

The gentleman of The 1975 seemed to revel in the moment all night long. Their energy and sheer excitement translated to the fans, and left the crowd screaming non-stop as if they were witnessing a modern day version of The Beatles (a rather bold statement). It's apparent that we are witnessing only the beginning from this band, as it’s only been a mere three years since the group first played Denver at The Marquis Theatre and they’re now headlining one of the most iconic music venues in the world. This group certainly has the right recipe for success: mixing a retro sound like 80's counterparts such as INXS with the signature soundtrack style of John Hughes films (Sixteen Candles, Pretty in Pink). Based on path the band is currently trotting down, it’s only a matter of time before the they take the next step from amphitheaters to arena venues, where even more fans can reminisce about making mixtapes to our teenage crushes and scream along to their heart-broken, teenage angst-filled lyrics when we are sad.

Photos and Words: Robert Castro

Matt "Dreamy" Healy (Photo Credit: Robert Castro)

Jamestown Revival (Photo Credit: Jeremiah Clark)

Jamestown Revival | The Fox Theatre | Review

June 9, 2014

On Friday Jamestown Revival rocked the Fox Theater in Boulder, CO. The band recently started their summer tour with Seattle based Kris Orlowski and The Wind and the Wave. It was an eclectic gathering of everyone from young to old.