In case you didn’t get a chance to catch Friday’s four-band, CD-release extravaganza at the Gothic, you should kick yourself.
In one incredible night, four local bands (Meese, Nathan and Stephen, The Photo Atlas and Born in the Flood) joined forces for a stellar night of music. Tons of Denverites came out to support the local music scene in an audience that ranged from grandmothers (no lie) to the chicest of “scenesters.”
The show kicked off with the growing local sensation Meese. After playing at the The Fray show in Vail last weekend, expectations were high for an outstanding performance. With an energetic set full of driving guitars, sophisticated piano solos and strong vocals, Meese did not disappoint. In fact, this show proved to be even better than last week’s, due to a PBR-infused, vivacious audience.
As excited as the audience was during Meese’s set, the intensity tripled once the next act, Nathan and Stephen, took the stage.
There aren’t enough adjectives to describe this band, but here are a few: huge, crazy, eclectic and mind-boggling. Upon taking the stage, a flurry of giggles and screams arose from the audience. It is a rare sight in today’s music scene to see such an odd looking band.
All 14 members donned solid white duds of all kinds from short shorts to what appeared to be a space suit on one band member. While the outfits may have been awkward, the performance was nothing short of hypnotic. Blaring trumpets, saxophones, violins, guitars, drums and vocals fused together to create a fabulously unique and unexpectedly awesome sound.
While I’m not entirely sure that any one member could sing or play especially well, together they were mind-blowing. Perhaps it was the wild dancing, the space suit, or the sheer fact that not a single person had a visible panty line (the curse of white pants) that I found so engrossing. Regardless of reason, I am definitely a fan. These guys will absolutely be a band to watch in the future, as I am sure they are going to explode. Look for the band’s upcoming shows in Denver and check out the new CD, The Everyone EP, available on Morning After Records.
While Nathan and Stephen were decidedly a tough act to follow, The Photo Atlas rose to the challenge remarkably well. From the first chord, shrill lyrics and erratic beats, The Photo Atlas ignited the audience. A frenzy of booty shaking, arm waving, hair tossing and dancing ensued. Not a single body in the entire theatre remained unaffected by the frantic, electrifying sounds of lead singer Alan Andrews and his band. Even the artists themselves were overcome with crazed shimmies and frenzied guitar swinging. Song after song, the audience remained enraptured.
Such performances are typical of more mature bands, yet The Photo Atlas accomplishes them after just over two years as a band. The band has been well received by local venues and college radio stations and are steadily gaining attention on a national stage. With the support of a religiously devoted fan base, the band looks to be on a fast track to fame. In the coming months the band will be on the road with its new CD, No, Not Me, Ever, available on the Stolen Transmission label.
After such a wild set, Born in the Flood took to the stage to calm the crowd with its liquid sound. These guys have been a constant on the local scene for a couple of years now, and the release of their new CD has been greatly anticipated.
However, in spite of all the hype, their performance proved to be mediocre. While the overall sound was great, the lead singer’s performance lacked heart and energy. Nathaniel Rateliff’s incredible vocals were devoid of the sincerity that makes seeing bands live worthwhile. Thankfully, his bad vibes didn’t inhibit his other band members. Matt Hall, Joseph Pope III and Matt Fox executed solid performances full of the earnest vivacity one expects from an outstanding band.
Perhaps Rateliff merely experienced a rough night or an unfavorable mood; similar to the many times that I have seen them live, disappointment never reared its ugly head. His performance aside, the music exuded a rich, multifaceted, melancholy resonance. The new material definitely offers a refinement not found on the previous CD while still maintaining the band’s signature edgy feel.
The album needs to be listened to thoroughly to fully appreciate the new concepts, styles and rhythms. By track eight, “The Anthem,” you will be so consumed by the music that the CD will never leave your player.
Grab a copy of If This Thing Should Spill for an all-around good listen. Oh, and if you’re still feeling the post-Valentine’s Day blues, “In Debt to the Heart” is a must.
