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

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