We are a small collection of writers and music connoisseurs who only want to ride bikes, drink beer and tell you what to listen to. Feel free to suggest shows in the Denver area you want us to review. [email protected] Michael Radon: New Mexico correspondent: misterradon.wordpress.com/ twitter.com/@mogomra Ben Helgeson: Austin correspondent: @benisarobot Chris Barker: Denver Correspondent https://www.facebook.com/heybarker
Walking into the Toad Tavern in Littleton, CO, was like going back to your hometown and hanging out at the bar you swore you’d never set foot in. Even when you were too young to even get two feet passed the threshold you knew, you never wanted to be a regular there, ever.
With that being said, from an outsider’s perspective, this place was a bit of a treat. The atmosphere and the comradery of the audience was refreshing to be apart of, compared to being corralled into a small bar, shoulder to shoulder with hipsters and faux-punks waiting to get overcharged for a crappy beer.
The stage was humongous and the bar, relatively uncrowded. It was a Thursday night after a snow storm so I don't want to say that the crowd was small; I'd rather say they were core, SUV/truck driving warriors of Denver and its far-reaching suburbs. The venue was comfortably outfitted with the close-knit crowd.
It was fun. It was joyous. It was good to see that genre portrayed in its original sense and not tampered with.
Both Lee & Co. and Ouzo Project are bands that most would consider "past their prime," but that was the beauty seeing them play. When a band is not playing to get recognized or hyping a CD or upcoming tour, the only thing left to play for is personal enjoyment. And that is something that shines through to the audience, leaves a lasting impression and restores one's faith in why people get some much gratification out of music.
Continuing with that theme, Tomahawk Fox, the headliner and main draw to Littleton for the Bearcules convoy, also leaves a very similar lasting impression. The quartet of young-guns (by comparison) continues to bring their old soul music to a flourishing country-folk genre.
Fronted by the young, talented, “if you don't want to hold her hand by the end of the first song then you're crazy" Brianna Straut. This girl has some killer vocals and her gusto on guitar is something that is not seen often enough in Denver. As mentioned in a previous article (link), Straut's pipes are what will draw you in along with her ownership and personal style on guitar. Straut plays every chord with authority, she makes every note count.
Michael Clay also did his part on guitar and vocals, switching on and off with Straut. Bass and drums rounded out the edges to complete the country-folk-blue conglomerate.
Seeing a band play for a smaller, hometown kind of crowd on a wintry night most certainly has its benefits. Tomahawk Fox had some previously unheard tunes to test out with the greater-Littleton public along with their ball-busting classics including their cover of “Wagon Wheel,” “Circle be Unbroken” and original “Georgia Song” followed by a very sexually-charge single sung by Straut about a sweltering relationship.
Tomahawk Fox is on the verge of releasing an EP in the upcoming weeks to which I can guarantee these three things will come true. One, if there is a release show, it will rock, regardless of venue. Two, there will be CDs for sale. And three, if you have even one romantic nerve ending in your body, you will fall head over heals for this band.
Which Spice Girl is most inspirational to you and why?
Scary Spice, she had style.
Ideal mode of transportation?
Plane
You encounter a jukebox with one leftover credit. You got your choice of the whole litter, only issue is, this jukebox plays exclusively Elton John songs. What song do you pick?
"Ticking"
What song, continuously, when you play it, reminds you most of home?
Any Floyd album with Gilmour
Alcoholic or non, what is your go to drink?
Whisky neat when at the bar, sweet iced tea when I'm around kids.
What record, or entire artists catalogue, would you most like to destroy in an open field (office space style)?
I cannot think of an artist I dislike that much, but I was never a big fan of any "Honky Tonk" radio stations.
What mythical creature most influences you on a daily basis?
When I turned seven and blew out the candles, I wished to be Godzilla.... 2nd grade was tough
Annnnnnnnd, fuck, favorite curse word??
The phrase "That Sucks Ass" has always been a favorite.
Now you get to ask us, at Bearcules.com, one question, shoot!
What up and coming artists have you been digging?
Well Nick, Bearcules has really been enjoying Nick Llobet, Tomahawk Fox, Billy Goats, Bad Weather California and the Dirty Few. All sweet tunes.
((Disclaimer: I'm not sure if it's because Valentine's Day was just a few days back or if it's just something in the Denver air recently, but Bearcules is currently smitten on retro rocker, Nick Llobet. Seriously, I can't quite put my finger on it, but this pocket-sized Led Zeppelin (circa late 60s) is an under-appreciated assassin on the stage. Denver, consider yourself warned.))
"It's just too bad that he was born in the wrong generation..." or something like that. Those were my first notes of the night, overheard from a person at the bar, a few songs into Nick Llobet's set. The ongoing curse of being the understated, under-appreciated first act of the night playing for a crowd of people that are there for someone else.
With that being said, Llobet's music is better than a time machine. Llobet on guitar and his thumb playing backup bass, his strong songwriting and finely tuned musical ability gives off the presence of an entire band (something which he is still in the market for).
Having attended the Berklee College of Music, Llobet has used that training and poured it into his passion, classic rock. I'm not lying about the Led Zeppelin statement either. He's an acoustic version "Going to California" that also likes to mix in some more ballad-esque songs. You really just have to check him out.
Up next were the clear local favorites, Tomahawk Fox. This band, I don't know who they are, where they come from or how long they've been here, but they took the Lion's Lair over during there set. Their bluegrass-folk fusion gave them a very sincere, what you would expect of a band from Colorado, sound. One that is extremely comparable to the pinnacle hometown band, Paper Bird.
Tomahawk Fox's lead singer, Brianna Straut, completely took charge of the packed house. Her voice, deeply rooted with the twang of June Carter, and the quirky innocence of Zee Avi, takes you by storm song after song. Word on the street is that Tomahawk Fox should be coming out with an EP in the near future. Needless to say, my palms are already sweaty in anticipation.
Trying to streamline this dog and pony show of a music review site. If you don't mind please head over to our facebook page and hit the like button if you wanna keep up to date on our local shenanigans via Facebook. Thanks in advance.
Much like any normal single persons Valentine's Day night, ours also started and ended in a bar. Cream-filled mystery pastries made for a festive spread among the assortment of instruments strewn about the back of the venue. Debate of whose, why and why not made for an eventful 30 minutes while the first band set up.
This night's venue was the Meadowlark, a subterranean speakeasy sort of bar/venue that has been flying below my radar for the last two years. Pretty Mouth was set to headline, with Oliver Bravado preceded by Goldie set to kick off the night.
Now I'm not going to blame Goldie entirely, but her whole set gave off a very strong open mic night feel. Presumably, with Goldie on vocals, guitar was taken over by her boyfriend, not presumably.
Now at first, I'm going to say it and I'm not going to take it back, it was generic angsty chick-rock reminiscent of the 90's. At which point I can usually proceed with multiple options including trying to streamline Bearcules' various social networks on my phone (harder than one would think), stuffing my face with mystery pastries, or dancing obnoxiously.
All great options, but I chose to continue listening to the miniature Meg Ryan because, well, I don’t feel like I have to explain myself.
After that moment, you begin seeing Goldie as an artist and not as a band that you would immediately thumbs down on your personalized internet radio station. Goldie's lyrics sink in a bit further and hit a bit harder than before. You see someone exposing their personal life that results in making a connection with an audience.
With that being said, the rough, beaten down, tossed around lyrics being belted, did not match up with the music being played. The standard chord transitions were more predictable than a Friends seasons finally (spoiler: either someone is getting married, or someone is pregnant).
Up next was Oliver Bravado, a three piece band that we first met when their upright bass player (yeah, you read right) literally threw out his imaginary line and proceeded to reel in a girl (fact). Yet another example of the moderately bizarre happenings of this Valentine's Day/night.
On a more musical note (rim shot), Oliver Bravado was the shocker of the night. Members of Oliver Bravado described their music as "folk & roll," which after seeing them live, is pretty damn accurate. The band, consisting of drums, guitar and aforementioned upright bass, made the low-lit ambiance of the Meadowlark seem like their natural habitat.
The whole feel of the band was gritty, southern-fried and once slowed down, a little more folky. Oliver Bravado is a band that is at their best when they are at their extremes, allow me to explain. When stripped and slowed down to just the lead singer and his guitar, Oliver Bravado is phenomenal.
On the other side, when the whole band is raging there respective instruments out and the bass player complains about his fingers hurting between songs, the band is also at the top of there game. The in-between songs though, the ones that fall in the middle, begin to drone even their best songs out. Overall, this is a solid young band that will be making a name for themselves shortly, after some tightening up.
The belle of this ball though was the sorrowful, gloomy-folk songs of Pretty Mouth. Marie Litton’s haunting voice accompanied by cello and electric slide, gave the Meadowlark a very bleak feel. This collection of artists, with their fingers in numerous other projects in Denver past and present, has nailed down a unique sound.
From first listen, you know this band is going to be a heart-breaker The cello backbone, intermingling soft drums and slide guitar, this is just a set up for Marie Litton’s regretfully earnest, poetic lyrics and somber voice.
With the vocals and lyrics as the strongholds of their performance, the band played a finely tuned set. Pretty Mouth has a lot going for them and has talent for days.
The dark folk route that this band has chosen to take could serve some greater good though. Possibly serving as the Yin to the ever-popular, up-tempo, Yang of the pop-folk genre that has been recently taking the world by storm and thus providing some much needed balance to the musical universe.
We had the awesome pleasure of being able to sit in on this taping and what a fucking rad experience it was. This was the last Denver show for R.L Cole and what a great time it was, we wish him the best. Thanks to the guys at Deer Pile for giving us this oppurtunity and to Mountain to Sound for sharing the video.
Forget that friend of a friend’s bar crawl you promised to make an appearance at, we just found you something MUCH more worthy for your Friday night.
This Friday, Feb 1st, 2013, Mike Clark & the Sugar Sounds are releasing their new album, Round and Round. I don’t want to ruin it for you, but seriously, this band and this album is too good to pass up.
Not only does this band from Colorado Springs play a clean-cut set, they can turn even the most stubborn of wallflowers into a downright part-time rug-cutter. On that note, Mike Clark, also has the ability to slow it down a notch and touch a listener’s soul. Sounds creepy, it’s not.
I was first introduced to his music from the popular Fuel for Friends blog (based out of Colorado Springs also, coincidence? Conspiracy?!) and have wanted to see him perform live ever since. The song, “Smooth Sailing,” will get stuck in your head and refuse to leave until a time it sees fit, or you turn on the radio and you catch a riff of this gem(Link to hall & oates – you make my dreams come true).
So, it’s settled, tell your little sister you could care less about her half-birthday party on Friday night, it’s superfluous as hell anyway, and we will see you at Deer Pile (located above City O’ City, 13th and Sherman) at 8:30.
Lion's Lair, your $10 and under school-night shows cease to amaze us at Bearcules. Cheap beers, bitchin' jukebox and always a wide variety of new talented bands on the marquee, what's not to love?
The Billy Goats, a band still in its first year from Fort Collins, have a simple attack plan. Drums and guitar combined to form some hard hitting blues-rock. Yes, I know what you’re thinking, “Sounds like the Black Keys or early White Stripes!” I know and I agree, you see this combination a lot nowadays, but it’s a timeless combination and the Billy Goats really own it. The gritty two-some are off to a solid start and should do well in the Colorado, especially based in the blossoming music scene that is Fort Collins.
The shocker of the night was Denver's own, The Dirty Few. Twin brothers Seth and Spencer Stone, transplants from Nashville play drum and guitar. Justin Trujillo accompanies the brothers on bass. These guys are the real deal embodiment of modern day punk. The Dirty Few are a group of sweaty rockers, jumping up on bars and doing stage dives in a venue where I approximate the ceiling is about 9 feet. If you haven’t yet, go see these guys, they've got spunk .
Also, it's nice to see a band pay homage to some of their influences, including a cover of Harlem's "Someday Soon" and the Aquabat's "Super Rad."
The Rich Hands put on a commendable show for the already preheated and raucous crowd. The Texas group, passing through town, brought a 60's pop garage rock vibe that isn't as prevalent in Denver as some (I) would hope. The Rich Hands hit hard and seemed to turn up the punk knob on their set a few notches to match the raw tenacity of The Dirty Few. The three-piece band played a tightly tuned set and had the majority of the crowd wanting more, within reason of course, I mean; it was a school night after all.
Billy Goats on Tuesday night were a fucking blast. That show review will be up later tonight. However this Friday we will be covering the fabulous band that opened for Eye and the Arrow last Saturday. They are having a CD Release this Friday at Deer Pile. Cmon on down and check em out.
Denver's Hi-Dive hosted a stellar line-up this past Saturday for Eye and the Arrow's release of their "If by Fire" EP. If you haven't heard of Eye and the Arrow yet, do not fret because chances are you might have heard of Paper Bird. Haven't heard of Paper Bird? Sweet Jesus, if you haven't Googled these bands yet you might just be hopeless. Two of the three members of Eye and the Arrow are also moonlight in Paper Bird, Mark Anderson on drums and Paul DeHaven on guitar.
Kicking off the show were a couple other impressive acts, all Google-worthy of course.
For starters we have Mike Clark and the Sugar Sounds, a band haling from Denver's pigeon-holed neighbor to the south, Colorado Springs. Mike Clark’s retro rockabilly soul sound is something you won’t soon forget. These guys are good, so good in fact and they have THEIR VERY OWN album release show on Friday, February 1st, 2013 at Deerpile, located right above City O' City on 13th and Sherman Street. More on that in a few days though.
Eye and the Arrow is a band I’ve just been introduced to recently and have stuck to them with more success than any of my New Years resolutions. This band has a timeless feel to them that allows them to transcend time periods. Eye and the Arrow have perfected the quirky country-blues genre that has been sneaking into the music scene for sometime. Following in the steps of bands like Deer Tick, Eye and the Arrow have meshed something classic with a new indie-rock take on it, and have put out a stand-up EP.
Since moving to this glorious city two years ago I have found this one solid truth. Anything, no matter if it's a band, ballet event, coffee shop, or certain type of creamer, ANYTHING making mention or having connection to Paper Bird has a 100% chance of being awesome. Eye and the Arrow are no exception. They were also awesome enough to answer our random questions.
Which Spice Girl is most inspirational to you and why?
Scary Spice.
Ideal mode of transportation?
Riding a horse in a stampede
You encounter a jukebox with one leftover credit. You got your choice of the whole litter, only issue is, this jukebox plays exclusively Elton John songs. What song do you pick?
Hakuna Matata
What song, continuously, when you play it, reminds you most of home?
Either 'The City' by Dismemberment Plan or 'White Christmas' Sung by Bing Crosby
Alcoholic or non, what is your go to drink?
Gin and Tonic (cheap gin, the fancy stuff makes me feel like I'm wasting something)
What record, or entire artists catalogue, would you most like to destroy in an open field (office space style)?
I'm sure there are more creative options, but based on pure hate: Nickelback. oh yeah, and for the record I would destroy the band in the field, by dumping loads of their albums out of a forest-fire plane and crushing them.
What mythical creature most influences you on a daily basis? Iorek Byrnison, the Polar Bear from His Dark Materials trilogy by Philip Pullman
Annnnnnnnd, fuck, favorite curse word?? 'eat a bag of dicks'
-Chris Barker
*click the banner for more pictures
Haven't done one of these in awhile but these fine gents are gonna be at the Hi Dive this Saturday and Bearcules will be there to see to it they have an awesome show. The music has an Eagles type of feel for some fucking reason but don't ask us why we just fucking love it and the video is sublime.
