Music | Big Gig 2016 Lives up it's name with Massive Performances

Big Gig fit it’s title this weekend thanks to some huge performances from the bill’s seven different main stage acts. KTCL’s annual summer show packed Fiddler’s Green to the gills for sets from The Unlikely Candidates, Vinyl Theatre Misterwives, Young The Giant, X Ambassadors and Cage The Elephant. 

(photo credit: Maddie Casey/Ultra5280)

Kicking off the day were performances on the Locals stage out in Marjorie Park, located just north of the main gates. Fans arrived in droves and put the park at it’s capacity within an hours after doors opening - something we’ve never seen before, but certainly appreciated. POPFILTER, One Flew West, Cody Qualls, and Almost, Maine kept fans dancing while enjoying $2 beers that disappeared quick. Locals Midnight Club were honored with the opening slot on the main stage, a perfect slot thanks to the big crowds so early in the day. Denver is showing more and more appreciation for our local groups, and KTCL’s dedication to supporting them certainly has not gone unnoticed. 

Once the locals were done, national acts The Unlikely Candidates and  Vinyl Theatre kicked off an afternoon of fun for fans. The Fueled By Ramen trio’s quick set was a perfect peak into their album for anyone unfamiliar. Ending their set with radio single “Breaking Up My Bones”, Keegan Calmes’ voice sounded so on point, we could have easily mistaken his live performance for a recording. 

Next to stage were Ultra5280 favorites Misterwives. While we haven’t seen the dynamic sextet in nearly a year, Mandy Lee and her band of brothers haven’t missed a step. Rocking high-top Vans and pom-pom shorts, the peppy New York native commanded the stage with infectious joy. Amidst celebrating her birthday with bandmates (in Denver for the second year in a row!), Lee took a moment to remind the crowd that “we are all one,” mentioning how heavy her heart has felt over the recent ongoings in America before slipping into a beautiful rendition of “Oceans.”

(photo credit: Maddie Casey/Ultra5280)

The heart-wrenching actions of the last week weighed heavy on the artists on Saturday. Lee was followed by sentiments from Sam Harris of X Ambassadors, and Sameer Gadhia of Young The Giant - all urging fans to use their voice to stand up and support one another, condemning violence and hatred. It was timely, respectful, and incredibly important for these artists used their platforms to speak to the massive crowd. So many attendees at radio shows are young and look up to the performers, we’re thankful these artists recognize their ability to involve the youth, and chose to be vocal while others may stray fearing controversy. 

X Ambassadors set was more than just politics. After hearing rumors of frontman Sam Harris feeling under the weather, we were astonished to see him charge on stage with a unexpected ferocity. Leading their set with tracks like “Jungle”, the all-too-quick performance from this explosive quartet was amazing. The energy from the band on stage translated to the crowd, with fans all the way back to the grass waving their hands, dancing along. Catching a full set from these “Renegades” has quickly moved up the list as one of our “must sees” before the year is out.  

(photo credit: Maddie Casey/Ultra5280)

Fan favorites Young The Giant’s set felt quick, but gave fans an exciting taste of their new album, Home of the Strange, set to debut in August. Their new radio single “Something to Believe In” had fans dancing, and the introspective piece “Amerika” was fitting for the political undertones of the evening. 

As for Cage the Elephant….words escape us. Photographer Maddie Casey is quoted saying “photographing (them) felt like having an enjoyable seizure...if that even makes sense.” Jumping into the crowd, dancing across stage, catapulting off drum risers, Cage The Elephant certainly lived up to the stories we’ve heard of shows past. Vocalist Matthew Shultz is a stage personality unlike anything we’ve seen before. Their set list full of radio singles and familiar hits spoke for itself, showcasing a deep, evolving discography. Even the most passive fans found themselves singing along to more songs than not - a tribute to the astounding success the band has garnered over the last nine years. A jam-packed set and  crowd-surfing antics from Shultz during the group’s last song ensured that fans left feeling like they got more than their money's worth.

(photo credit: Maddie Casey/Ultra5280)

Music | Review - One Flew West "Selective Memory" EP

Tomorrow night, One Flew West are hosting their sold out EP Release show at The Larimer Lounge, and lucky for you, we got a sneak preview of their new Selective Memory EP, as well as a pair of tickets to send you to the show!

It’s safe to say that we’ve been obsessed with One Flew West since Denver was first introduced to this folk-pop sextet through KTCL 93.3’s “Hometown For The Holidays” competition last winter. Their first single, “Kind of Love” has all the trappings of a successful radio single: witty lyrics, a deceivingly addicting chorus, and the gentle addition of horns, bringing the song new life with it’s playful inclusion. 

The new Selective Memory EP steps up to the expectations set by the single, proving that One Flew West is more than a one hit wonder with solid songs to stand on, and room for these young artists to continue to grow. Opening track “Had it All” begins with a tantalizing melody line reminiscent of early 2000’s rock from the likes of Third Eye Blind and Something Corporate, accompanied by a heartwarming trumpet that immediately gets your head bobbing. Lead singer Linden Jackson’s voice glides through verses and chorus' with an ease and timbre that feels as familiar as your favorite drink on a Friday night. Nothing about this EP feels forced or out of place, a welcome change compared to so many artists who are focusing on trying to stand out, rather than standing up with solid music.

We get a taste of their “rock” side with the track “Motion Sickness”, featuring gang vocals and driven guitars on the chorus. The rest of the EP takes the quieter route, with tracks “In The Water” and “These Old Bones”, a touching sentiment that’s sure to tug on listener’s heartstrings. 

One Flew West’s debut does exactly what an EP should for any young band. Without backing themselves into one particular corner, the group plays their cards just right and showcases variety in their songwriting, while establishing themselves as solid performers with a good understanding of their musical identity. If there’s one thing you take away from Selective Memory, it’s that this band very clearly has a story to tell. Catchy lyrics that are easily relatable paired with familiar melodies, this EP is easy listening for anyone regardless of musical taste. A great diving board for the band, we’re curious to see what comes next. 

ticket giveaway is happening on our Facebook and Instagram.
Winners will be chosen by 2pm on Thursday 10/28

Music | Denver Weekend Roundup: July 10 - 12, 2015.

It’s a busy weekend for music here in Denver, so let us be the first to tell you that it’s completely unacceptable for you to not go see at least one show! To try and help make the decision process easier, we’ve compiled a list of shows of varying shapes and sizes: from Red Rocks to radio festivals, down to the little “need to see” acts who are just about to blow up and the locals who always deserve your time and attention. Check this over, and see if you can’t squeak in a little live music to liven up your weekend festivities. 

If you want something BIG: KTCL 93.3 FM’s Big Gig

When: Saturday, July 11th.
Doors: 2:30pm

If you’ve been jamming to any songs currently in rotation on Denver’s top Alternative station, 93.3 FM, love a good outdoor concert, or like to blend your big names with a little local love, you couldn’t ask for a better show than the annual Big Gig. Presented by KTCL with some help from AEG, this radio station annually gathers local rockstars, national bands on the up-and-up, and pairs them up with some of the biggest names in Alternative for one massive day of shows. This year’s concert features the likes of a locals stage (featuring many of the bands from Hometown For The Holidays), Nate Ruess of fun., Andrew McMahon in The Wilderness, New Politics, Banks, Atlas Genius, and headlining is AWOLNATION. Sit back, grab a $20 beer and enjoy this eclectic lineup from the comfortable grass of Fiddler’s Green Amphitheater.
for tickets: http://www.fiddlersgreenamp.com/events/detail/274698

If you want some RED ROCKS: The Avett Brothers

When: Friday - Sunday night, July 10th - 12th.
Show start: 7:30pm on Friday/Saturday, 5:30pm Sunday. 

photo credit: Matt Smith (Ultra5280)

I must (sadly) premise this part of our list by saying that yes, all three nights of this residency from Indie/Folk/Americana superstars The Avett Brothers is already sold out. But tickets are still available via Craigslist and StubHub! if you’re interested. This band of brothers has been selling out one weekend at Red Rocks each summer for the past few years - and with good reason. The group’s harmonies are top notch, and their music varies from heartfelt, violin-riddled lullabies to leg-slappin’, Banjo filled shoe-stompers. The Avett Brothers are some of our favorite artists, and it’s a stern Ultra5280 belief that you must see them at least once, or you’re certainly missing out.
for more info: http://redrocksonline.com/concerts-events/detail/the-avett-br-7-11-2015 

If you want to say “I SAW THEM FIRST”: K.Flay

When: Saturday, July 12.
Doors: 8:00pm

I say this honestly, and from the heart: go.see.K. Flay.right.now. Well - at least on Saturday night. This brilliantly unique artist has been blowing up the internet for a few years now, while slowing growing her live presence.

Mixing brutally honest lyrics, entrancing beats, and a unique voice, K.Flay’s music is irresistible - perfect for jamming out, dancing, and my personal favorite - totally throwing down in the car while cruising on the highway, catching stares from all the people I pass. She was out on the entire Vans Warped Tour last year, and has toured with Denver darlings Air Dubai in the past - how many more reasons do I need to give you to make you? If you want a preview, check out “Can’t Sleep”, “Wishing It Was You”, or my favorite, “The Cops”. 
tickets: http://www.larimerlounge.com/event_details.cfm?blogid=1901

If you have a thing for LOCALS ONLY: The Bluebird Disctrict Music Festival

When: July 10 - 12th.
When: All Day Err Day

In it’s inaugural year, The Bluebird District Music Festival already seems to be a promising new festival rising out of the East Colfax chunk of Denver. Featuring some of our favorite locals acts like Reno Divorce, Synthetic Elements, Dirty Few, and A. Tom Collins, this festival is a great, small scale festival truly celebrating some of Denver’s best. With show happening at The Bluebird Theatre, Goosetown Tavern, Southside Bar & Kitchen, Lost Lake Lounge and Park House, easy shows with great food and drinks are available all weekend long.
For more information: http://lost-lake.com/bdmf.cfm

Music | Misterwives, Børns, Handsome Ghost | Bluebird Theatre | March 9, 2015

I go to a lot of concerts. Both a curse and a blessing, I’ve realized in the four years I’ve been working for Ultra5280 that regardless of a bands musicality, live concerts can only really fit into one of four basic categories: 1) A show that’s just meh, 2) the band that sounds good, but is boring to watch perform live, 3) the band that I love unconditionally and will be happy to watch regardless of sound or performance (everyone has these, no judging me), and 4) the band who’s music is good, but their live performance truly hooks me as a diehard fan. Misterwives easily claimed their seat in category number four on Monday night, and did so by the end of their first song. A night showcasing many up and coming pop acts to be watched in 2015, Handsome Ghost, Børns, and Misterwives made for a great lineup as they stopped by The Bluebird Theatre this past Monday night. 

Opening the night was Handsome Ghost, an ethereal, ambient duo based in Boston, Mass. Playing a quick 30minute set, fans got an early taste of the group’s new “Steps” EP which was being released the next day. Lead singer Tim Noyes blends tranquil-yet-upbeat piano grooves with airy, melodic harmonies one would expect from a Bon Iver record. A genre he personally describes as “Indie Prom”, I find this a fitting description for the band that seems poised to take Owl City’s place atop the synth-pop podium of the radio world. I was pleasantly surprised by this band’s resonance with me on a evening when I was only expecting upbeat, funk-laced pop. Certainly a group to watch, Handsome Ghost left me satisfied in ways I did not expect, anxious to hear a slightly more diverse repertoire as the band continues to grow. 

Next to take the stage was newcomer Børns. With spring right around the corner and summer following in quick succession, it’s hard to not feel entranced by their effortlessly catchy songs overflowing with sun-kissed melodies and danceable bass lines. Singer/songwriter Garrett Borns’ charismatic electro-rock EP Candy was released last November, and the track “Electric Love” has been steadily making it’s way onto radio stations across the US over the course of the last month. Although the record is filled with unique instrumentation, I was most curious to hear Borns’ vocal range on Monday night. While his vocals were pitch perfect, I found myself disappointed to hear the singer choose to not hit the high note that carries the chorus of “Electric Love”. An understandably difficult request for any vocalist, I’m hoping to hear the song in it’s full glory at SXSW next week. With a talented four piece band accompanying the singer on stage complete with a badass (sorry) female drummer and another vocalist producing perfectly matched harmonies, Børns had the audience moving and grooving without much solicitation. 

Capping off the night was Misterwives, who’s radio single “Reflections” has been burning up KTCL 93.3’s rotation for months now. As the stage went dark and the band took their places, lead singer Mandy Lee led her band of brothers in a series of hand gestures, ending in a “salute” to the audience before diving into their new album’s title track “Our Own House”. Lee took control of the stage immediately, leading fans in hand-claps before the band broke into the song’s chorus. Dancing, spinning, jumping and oozing with passion, Lee’s stage presence feels more fitting of a big band bandleader from the 1950’s than a vocalist of any modern day group, keeping both the audience and the band easily in sync. As the group finished the track’s last punchy notes, the crowd could not stop cheering: errupting in a standing ovation (if you will) by the end of track one, only for drummer Etienne to take the mic and inform the audience that Ms. Lee has been in bed sick for the past two days…WHAT?! It was unbelievable to me that she could be sick after watching this frontwoman move on stage, yet as I watched more closely through the rest of the night, there it was: her timid coughing in between tracks, and the occasional squirting of honey straight from the bottle down her throat to coat her inflamed vocal chords. We were five minutes into this show and I already felt as if I could not be more impressed with group, but there I was, shocked and amazed, watching Lee continue to lead her band in a choreographed stomp-clap routine before jumping into “Box Around The Sun” despite her illness.

The show continued much like this, each track keeping me head-bobbing, toe-tapping and smiling ear to ear. When listening to their debut album, I was immediately impressed with the band’s seamless blend of indie pop and funk-influenced instrumentation, but what intrigued me the most was lead singer Lee’s diverse, powerful range. Often times voices like hers can be hard to control live, but Monday night she sang like she was born to do nothing else. I did not hear one single sour note escape Ms. Lee’s mouth from the evening’s beginning to end, only continuing to prove her vocal skill with songs like the jazzy “Oceans” and the addictively anthemic “No Need For Dreaming”. If this girl has a voice like that on a night when she’s sick, I can’t begin to imagine what it must be like during a show when she’s at 100%. Multi-instrumentalist Jesse Blum was another highlight of the show, playing a trumpet with one hand while playing keys with the other, even picking up an accordion and glockenspiel for different tracks. The fun the band was having emanated from the stage out into the crowd, keeping fans moving all night long right alongside them. 

As the band began their radio hit “Reflections” at the end of the night, you could barely hear the instruments above the crowd’s momentous sing-along; every part of the room was exploding with energy. As if they had not expressed it enough throughout the night, band’s genuine appreciation for the crowd was displayed by the awestruck looks on each member’s faces as they ended the song to an uproar of applause. Bassist Will Hehir looked beside himself as he and the rest of the band took in the crowd’s raucous approval for a few moments before ending their set with the song “Queens”. 

It takes a lot to get me excited about a new band these days, but Misterwives has checked every box on my list, if not more. We’re expecting to see the group again this next week at SXSW (pending Lee’s health concerns - get well soon!), but regardless of when my next chance comes, you can bet that I woldn’t miss it for the world. Honest and uplifting lyrics mixed with impressive performance skills and even more impressive musicality, I both admire and appreciate Misterwives’ determination to set the new standard for pop acts.

Everything Is Alright | Motion City Soundtrack's "Commit This To Memory" Anniversary Tour Review | Saturday, Februay 21, 2015

It’s been ten years since crazy-haired Justin Pierre first posed the question “Are you feeling fine?” to fans of the Moog-riddled pop-punk that is Motion City Soundtrack. Despite all the changes the years have brought to us, we all stood together on a snowy night last Saturday answering that same old question with the answer of “Yes, I feel just fine” in chorus at the top of our lungs. Fans new and old filled the Gothic Theatre despite the snow to help the midwestern band celebrate the tenth anniversary of their most critically acclaimed album, Commit This To Memory. In the past ten years the group has continued to create: releasing three more albums with another on the way later this year, but the passion surrounding the tracks of their Sophomore release has been proven to be insatiable. Accompanied by recent radio darlings Brick & Mortar, as well as another familiar face of the past, William Beckett (formerly of The Academy Is…), Saturday’s show was a beautiful mix of new and old from beginning to end, mixing nostalgia and passion with excitement and forward progress. 

Motion City Soundtrack. Photo credit: Maddie Casey.

Opening the night was the two piece Brick & Mortar based out of New Jersey. This band has seen an absurd amount of love from the local alternative radio station 93.3FM (KTCL), and it seems to be paying off. The band played at the Black Sheep in Colorado Springs last week and will be back in another three weeks to play as a part of KTCL’s annual St. Patrick’s Day “Kegs and Eggs” lineup at Lodo’s on Friday, March 13th. Making use of tracks and drum pads to accompany the strictly bass-and-drums duo, their live sound was surprisingly full for their small stage presence. Lead singer Brandon Asraf’s interaction with the crowd was unique from anything I’d ever seen before: quirky, quiet, yet deep and connected. He took time to speak with fans about the meaning of each song, and his personal belief that success can come from anyone and anywhere. Coming from humble beginnings themselves, it’s fabulous to see such a passionate group working their way into the touring community so quickly. The band’s discography currently only contains a 7-song EP, which gave them just enough material to fill their 40-minute set. Opening with “Keep This Place Beautiful”, the group’s radio singles like “Locked In A Cage” and “Hollow Tune” certainly got the most applause, but fans were bobbing and moving throughout the set. Although their songs sound great live, their show leaves room to be just as exciting as the music they’re performing, which can only really be perfected by playing live more and more. You can bet we’ll be there the next time they come through Denver, excited to see the progress and change. 

Brandan Asraf of Brick & Mortar. Photo credit: Maddie Casey.

After a quick changeover, the duo on stage morphed into the one-man act of Mr. William Beckett. Known best for his days as the frontman for Fueled By Ramen darlings The Academy Is…, Bill Beckett has been touring as a solo act for the past few years, using his full name as a stage handle and performing much more pop-centric songs compared to the alternative sounds of his past. Although the focus of the evening was the celebration of Motion City Soundtrack’s album anniversary, it was hard to neglect that this year also marks the 10yr anniversary of The Academy Is…’ debut release Almost Here. I hadn’t really thought much about how much old vs. new material I expected out of Mr. Beckett until he opened his set with a beautifully reimagined version of “The Phrase That Pays” and was immediately sent spiraling into what he referred to as “Nostalgia City”. Seeing Beckett’s name on the bill was certainly a nice addition to a show I was already excited for, but I hadn’t realized how happy i’d be to hear his music until his set started, really making it the unexpected highlight of the night for me. Like Brick & Mortar, Beckett took time to talk about the history of each track he was playing during his set. Reminiscing about his time touring with Fall Out Boy, and working with Cobra Starship’s Gabe Saporta on a music video idea, it was amazing to realize how much time has passed since all of those bands ruled my musical conscious. Playing acoustic versions of his new tracks, Beckett’s new music reflects growth and experimentation for the artist. Mixing fun harmonies and unique instrumentation with his recognizable writing style, it was really great to hear so much progress and change in the music he’s creating. I haven’t seen him perform his new material with a fully fleshed out band yet, but after playing only three of his new tracks, it’s certainly been added to my “to-do” list. Playing old hits like “Down and Out”, “About A Girl”, and the fan favorite “Attention”, he ended the last song of his set with the line “let’s get fucked up and die” - sparking an uproar from the audience, proving just how ready they were for what was to come next.

William Beckett. Photo credit: Maddie Casey

Charging onto stage to kick off the evening’s highlight, Motion City Soundtrack didn’t hesitate as they kicked off the night with the chords of “Attractive Today” - the crowd was going insane, belting along every word as Justin Pierre attacked the microphone. I’m a huge fan of the anniversary tour “fad” that’s going on right now (especially since I personally credit the music produced from 2003-2006 as the reason I chose to pursue a career in music), but there are certain pieces to this concept that can be problematic…like when the hit single of your record happens to be the second song of your album. Although fans were ecstatic to hear “Everything Is Alright”, it did feel a bit odd to hear the group’s hit so early in the evening. While it made for an electric beginning to their set, anyone who wasn’t a diehard fan of the group didn’t have as much left to look forward to after the first ten minutes. It might have made things a bit weird for the passive listeners in the audience, but again, playing the album front to back is kind of the point of anniversary tours. I back the group’s choice to stay true to the record, and even though some may have seen it as a speed bump in the show’s set list, the rest of the night was a dream set for any serious fans of the group. Group crowd sing-alongs to “Let’s Get Fucked Up and Die” and “Together We’ll Ring in The New Year” gave way to an encore filled with B-sides and fan favorites like “Invisible Monsters”, “A Life Less Ordinary”, and second encore including “Last Night”, “Capital H”, “This Is For Real” and “The Future Freaks Me Out”. 

Although the band’s live dynamic has certainly shifted in the past decade, their passion for performance and the enthusiasm of their fans has certainly stayed the same without fail. A true treat for those who choose to treasure these older records, the Commit This To Memory anniversary tour was all that it should have been: a fabulous homage to times past, and a great celebration of the shared love of music that keeps us all going to shows no matter how much snow falls in one single day.

-Maddie Casey

Hometown For The Holidays | A Hometown Christmas Carol

This past Saturday marked the 2014 Hometown For the Holidays competition, a show which led to local newcomers AMZY taking home both the crowd favorite award of the night as well as the top prize of taking 1st in the music surveys, winning them time at the Blasting Room, and the opportunity to open next year's Not So Silent Night. 

The contest itself might be over, but this year showcased a delightful new level of camaraderie between the competing bands than we've ever seen before. Although there was less "#DenverBandBeef" than we've come to expect (and love) from this competition, we did get one big band medley out of it, and it's this fabulous rendition of "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus" that the boys from Filthy T put together with fellow competitors Amzy, DeDoz, Rumours Follow and Ivory Circle. Just in time for Christmas, you can throw this awesome local cover onto your holiday party playlist and just wait for friends to ask you who it is. Mad props to Filthy T for putting this all together, and consider this your "happy holidays" from your Ultra5280 family to yours.