Cold and frigid conditions didn’t stop Interpol in their Red Rocks debut. (Photo Credit: Robert Castro)

New York mainstays Interpol made their Red Rocks debut this past Wednesday under chilly and frigid conditions. The band has maintained staying power over the years with their unique sound often compared to the likes of Joy Division and the post-punk revival era of the 2000’s. With a new EP on the horizon the band extended into their vast catalog to play a mix of old and new classics. Their latest album Marauder gives us the customary sound we have come to adore from the band, not changing the recipe to their early success. Opening with “Pioneer To The Falls” the band settled in for a night in which temperatures dipped into the low 30’s. Crowd favorites included early hits such as “C’mere”, “PDA”, and “NYC”. We did get a glimpse of their upcoming EP A Fine Mess with the single under the same name. The four piece group maintained a rather low-key attitude, but still reveled in awe of the majestic venue. It’s hard to believe that this was the first time the band had played here. Here’s hoping that we get to see them again soon. The night played out like a mini indie festival as Sunflower Bean, Japanese Breakfast and Car Seat Headrest all played terrific sets even during the downpour that has become customary for late April and early May shows Red Rocks.

SETLIST: Pioneer To The Falls | C’mere | If You Really Love Nothing | Public Pervert | PDA | Complications | Say Hello To The Angels | NYC | Take You On A Cruise | The Rover | Rest My Chemistry | Evil | Fine Mess | Leif Erikson | All The Rage Back Home | The New | Slow Hands | ENCORE: Obstacle 1

Words and Images: Robert Castro

Carseat Headrest

Japanese Breakfast

Sunflower Bean

John Gourley of Portugal. the Man (Photo Credit: Robert Castro)

New music Fridays gave us the highly anticipated album from Portland (by way of Alaska) indie darlings Portugal. The Man. What better way to celebrate than by hosting two shows in our amazing city. The first more intimate show took place on Saturday at The Bluebird Theater (probably not as cozy as their Larimer show a few years ago) with the second of two taking place at Red Rocks. We had a chance to check out the show at Red Rocks with amazing opening performances from Car Seat Head Rest (although their set was cut to 5-6 songs), Local Natives who captured the crowds energy right off the bat with songs from their newest album. The mood was set for John Gourley and company as the lights went dark and the Righteous Brother's "Unchained Melody" blared as the band began to settle in.

Opening with a cover of Metallica's "For Whom The Bell Tolls", into their customary mash up of "Another Brick In The Wall/Purple. Yellow, Red and Blue", the band tore through an almost two hour set of classics such as "Modern Jesus", "So American" and encore "Atomic Man". Throw in a cover of Oasis's "Don't Look Back At Anger" which highlighted the famous falsetto of John Gourley to give it a new dimension. The show was highlighted heavily by material off their new album that just dropped Friday Woodstock. The radio friendly and early nominee for catchiest song of the summer "Feel The Still" went over pretty well with the 9,500 plus in attendance. The two night Denver stay proved to be worthy for a band that reminded us all of why Red Rocks is the best venue in the world.

Words and photos: Robert Castro