The Lumineers‘ Wes and Jeremiah teamed up with Neyla Pekarek after relocating to Colorado at the beginning of the year, and the trio has been captivating Denver audiences ever since.  While still relatively unknown, every show they play brings new fans, as evidenced by the many positive comments I heard from folks while chatting at the UMS.  Tyler Despres joins the band on several songs here, but the affair should come as no surprise:  his appearances with the Lumineers are becoming a frequent occurrence.

The Lumineers
7.16.2010
Hi-Dive, Denver, CO

Source:  [Microtech Gefell M300’s > Lunatec V3] + [SBD > 1/4″] > Oade Mod Edirol R44 @ 24/48 > SDHC > Adobe Audition 3.0 > Mixdown > Resample to 16/44.1 > CDWave
Taped by:  Lance Stack

Setlist:
1. Elowese
2. Life in the City
3. Scotland
4. Sleep on the Floor
5. Flowers in Your Hair
6. Morning Song
7. Hey, Ho
8. Submarines
9. Stubborn Love
(Encore)
10. Gun Song

A zipfile of the mp3s is available here.
FLAC files can be downloaded as a zipfile here.

(Photography braved by Lori Wolfson!)

Love it or hate it, last weekend’s Machine Gun Blues reunion at 3 Kings Tavern was one for the books.  With lighting fixtures are instrument parts still strewn throughout the venue the next morning, I’m just happy my gear survived the ordeal!   (p.s. Can anyone identify tracks 4, 7, and 9?)

Machine Gun Blues
7.24.2010
3 Kings Tavern, The UMS, Denver, CO

Source:  [Oktava MK-012’s > Shure A15AS > Apogee Mini-Me] + [SBD > 1/4″] > Oade Mod Edirol R44 @ 24/48 > Adobe Audition 3.0 > Mixdown > Resample to 16/44.1 > CDWave
Taped by:  Lance Stack

Setlist:
1. (Sid Pink intro)
2. We Fucked It All Up
3. An Inconvenient Song
4. unknown
5. A Rabbit Named Bunny Stratton
6. Rock Song No. 1
7. unknown
8. unknown (take #1)
9. unknown (take #2)
10. Wanna Be My Baby
11. (chaos #1)
12. 20th Century Boy
(Encore)
13. (chaos #2)
14. I Wanna Be Sexy

A zipfile of the mp3s is available here.
FLAC files can be downloaded as a zipfile here.

After a six-month break from performing, Dualistics returned to the Hi-Dive this month to celebrate their brand new Crimson EP.  Crimson is undeniably addictive, with lyrical hooks and guitar riffs that will have you singing along on the second play.  Don’t go in expecting this release to break new ground, or you’ll be disappointed.  But if you’re in the market for some great rock tunes, give the album a free listen and then purchase it from the band’s BC page.

What impressed me most at the show is how tight these guys are playing together, despite their infrequent performances.  Vocals have also improved substantially over the past year, no doubt a result of the various solo/side projects pursued by the band members.

Bassist Jimmy Stofer and drummer Nathan Barnes will be heavily involved with Rose Hill Drive this fall, so Dualistics shows will continue to be a rarity.  The next time they do appear on a bill, don’t pass on an opportunity to attend.

Dualistics
7.17.2010
Hi-Dive, Denver, CO

Source:  [Microtech Gefell M300’s > Lunatec V3] + [SBD > 1/4″] > Oade Mod Edirol R44 @ 24/48 > SDHC > Adobe Audition 3.0 > Mixdown > Resample to 16/44.1 > CDWave
Taped by:  Lance Stack

Setlist:
1. The Optimist
2. Sleight of Hand
3. Pure Sorcery
4. Sabbatical
5. Unique (Like Everyone Else)
6. Only Way To Stay (Fan Out)
7. End of the World
8. Taking the Time
9. Man-Made Army
10. Get It On
11. Last Call
(Encore)
12. Scentless Apprentice

A zipfile of the mp3s is available here.
FLAC files can be downloaded as a zipfile here.

The Pseudo Dates
4.17.2009
Lion’s Lair, Denver, CO

Source:  Microtech Gefell M300’s > Lunatec V3 > digi-coax > Oade Mod Edirol R44 @ 24/48 > WAV > Adobe Audition 3.0 > Resample to 16/44.1 > CDWave
Taped by:  Lance Stack

Setlist:
1. Indeed We Love You
2. Last Night I Dreamed I Cut My Hair
3. Sinister Kisses
4. Amber, Show Me Your Scars
5. Songbirds
6. Wine & Coffee
7. Amateur Night At the Shooting Range
8. Sleepy Shoes
9. Cross Your Fingers
(Encore)
10. I Don’t Know But I Think I Might

A zipfile of the mp3s is available here.
FLAC files can be downloaded as a zipfile here.

In contrast to the full-band set posted a few weeks ago, Erin Roberts of Porlolo toned the things down for Surfacing #9 at the Meadowlark by inviting long-time collaborator Roger Green on-stage for a duo show.  Erin and Roger apparently released a split album back in 2004, but I’ve yet to stumble upon or hear a copy of it.

Porlolo (Erin Roberts and Roger Green)
6.26.2010
The Meadowlark, Denver, CO

Source:  Oktava MK-012 cardiods > Lunatec V3 > digi-coax > Oade Mod Edirol R44 @ 24/48 > SDHC > Adobe Audition 3.0 > Resample to 16/44.1 > CDWave
Taped by:  Lance Stack

Setlist:
1. “Not Alone”
2. “Cardboard”
3. “Thirty-Two”
4. There is No I in Athens
5. Animals Should Live Forever
6. “Noticed”
7. Tread Softly
8. “Little Something”
9. “Turn My Head”
10. outro

Full lineup for Surfacing #9:
Porlolo, Girls Walk By, Zayante Spoils, New Allante!, Night of Joy, Marara Air

A zipfile of the mp3s is available here.
FLAC files can be downloaded as a zipfile here.

The Somnambulists
4.17.2009
Lion’s Lair, Denver, CO

Source:  Microtech Gefell M300’s > Lunatec V3 > digi-coax > Oade Mod Edirol R44 @ 24/48 > WAV > Adobe Audition 3.0 > Resample to 16/44.1 > CDWave
Taped by:  Lance Stack

Setlist:
1. unknown
2. Pavement Saw
3. unknown
4. unknown
5. The Bee Song
6. unknown
7. unknown

A zipfile of the mp3s is available here.
FLAC files can be downloaded as a zipfile here.

Gathering to celebrate DJ Peter Black’s birthday, the altered Tjutjuna lineup last week resulted in a very unique show.  Robert was unable to attend, so Adam Shaffner scrapped guitar, theremin, and electronics in favor of playing bass for the night.  Dylan Shumaker joined James Barone in the rhythm section behind a second drum kit, and Peter Black provided samples and textures.  With only two members on their regular instruments (Brian on guitar and James on drums), you’ll likely never hear another Tjutjuna set like this.

Tjutjuna
7.15.2010
Larimer Lounge, Denver, CO

Source:  Microtech Gefell M300’s > Lunatec V3 > Oade Mod Edirol R44 @ 24/48 > SDHC > Adobe Audition 3.0 > Resample to 16/44.1 > CDWave
Taped by:  Lance Stack

Setlist:
1. Collider
2. Tobermorey
3. Kulturvultur
4. The Swish (fast version)
5. Bottle Kids

A zipfile of the mp3s is available here.
FLAC files can be downloaded as a zipfile here.

Now backed by Fez Garcia on drums, Night of Joy‘s performances have achieved a new level of intensity.

Night of Joy
7.09.2010
Titwrench Fest, Glob, Denver, CO

Source:  [DPA 4060’s > Lunatec V3] + [SBD > 1/4″] > Oade Mod Edirol R44 @ 24/48 > SDHC > Adobe Audition 3.0 > Mixdown > Resample to 16/44.1 > CDWave
Taped by:  Lance Stack

Setlist:
1. Concrete Jungle
2. Vein Popper Brain Ripper
3. Put Your Sunglasses On
4. Fix Me
5. Take Me To Your Dealer
6. Cool Runnings
7. Do You Love Me Now?
8. Doo Wop (Dude Swap) Sunday Night
9. Marge Simpson

A zipfile of the mp3s is available here.
FLAC files can be downloaded as a zipfile here.

Here’s another great songwriter-in-the-round showcase from last year’s UMS.

Robyn Aasmundstad, Dan Craig, and Jessica Sonner
7.26.2009
South Broadway Christian Church, Denver, CO
Denver Post Underground Music Showcase

Source:  Oktava MK-012’s (card capsules) > Lunatec V3 (opti-mod) > Nomad JB3 > Firewire > Adobe Audition > CDWave
Taped by:  Lance Stack

Setlist:
1. unknown (Robyn)
2. Solid Ground (Dan)
3. Most Beautiful Thing (Jessica)
4. unknown (Robyn)
5. unknown (Dan)
6. Best You Can/The Bicycle Song (Jessica)
7. Bird Song (Robyn)
8. unknown (Dan)
9. Best Kinda Way (Jessica)
10. Love Song (Robyn)
11. Sunday Morning (Dan)
12. Rescue Me (Jessica)

A zipfile of the mp3s is available here.
FLAC files can be downloaded as a zipfile here.

If you haven’t heard, Hello Kavita will be playing one last gig this weekend before going on hiatus.  They’re appearing at the UMS outdoor stage on Sunday afternoon, so don’t miss it!  Their penultimate performance last Friday was one of the band’s best:  they were aware that every song counted.  At one point, Corey mentions writing new songs, so hopefully we’ll be seeing him out again in the future.

Hello Kavita
7.16.2010
Hi-Dive, Denver, CO

Source:  [Microtech Gefell M300’s > Lunatec V3] + [SBD > 1/4″] > Oade Mod Edirol R44 @ 24/48 > SDHC > Adobe Audition 3.0 > Mixdown > Resample to 16/44.1 > CDWave
Taped by:  Lance Stack

Setlist:
1. Pillar
2. Sunday (It’s A Chrome Tide)
3. OK
4. The Pangs are Closing In
5. The Last Time
6. You Can Call Me Al
7. To a Loved One
8. Burn
9. This May Be Over Someday
(Encore)
10. Silent Bed

Notes:
Lineup shared with The Lumineers and Roger, Roll.

A zipfile of the mp3s is available here.
FLAC files can be downloaded as a zipfile here.

Lust-Cats of the Gutters
7.09.2010
Titwrench Fest, Glob, Denver, CO

Source:  [DPA 4060’s > Lunatec V3] + [SBD > 1/4″] > Oade Mod Edirol R44 @ 24/48 > SDHC > Adobe Audition 3.0 > Mixdown > Resample to 16/44.1 > CDWave
Taped by:  Lance Stack

Setlist:
1. intro/soundcheck
2. Love Song
3. ???
4. Revenge Bikini Body
5. Sister
6. Violet
7. Housewife With a Loose Grip on Reality
8. Cemetery
9. ???
10. Stalker

A zipfile of the mp3s is available here.
FLAC files can be downloaded as a zipfile here.

Pretty much anything goes at a Larimer Lounge Sunday BBQ, and Accordion Crimes took advantage of this to try something different.  The band situated themselves on the floor instead of on-stage, and did not run through the front of house PA.  This didn’t result in the best sounding show (vocals are often drowned out by other instruments), but it was certainly fun.

Accordion Crimes
8.02.2009
Larimer Lounge, Denver, CO

Source:  Microtech Gefell M300’s > Lunatec V3 > digi-coax > Oade Mod Edirol R44 @ 24/48 > WAV > Adobe Audition 3.0 > Resample to 16/44.1 > CDWave
Taped by:  Lance Stack

Setlist:
1. intro
2. Planes
3. Potshots
4. Vacation
5. Extractor
6. Forcast
7. Lacota

A zipfile of the mp3s is available here.
FLAC files can be downloaded as a zipfile here.

Sporting a 7-piece lineup, frontman Eric Peterson brought Roger, Roll to the Hi-Dive last night in celebration of the release of his first 7-inch, Polaroid in Reverse.  The records are individually lathe cut and limited to a run of 50, so if you want a physical copy, track one down soon.  My suggestion?  Stop by Roger, Roll’s set this Thursday at the UMS. A more convenient (and cheaper) alternative is to purchase the digital download, which should be available online in the next few days.

Roger, Roll
7.16.2010
Hi-Dive, Denver, CO

Source:  [Microtech Gefell M300’s > Lunatec V3] + [SBD > 1/4″] > Oade Mod Edirol R44 @ 24/48 > SDHC > Adobe Audition 3.0 > Mixdown > Resample to 16/44.1 > CDWave
Taped by:  Lance Stack

Setlist:
1. Foreward
2. Digging
3. Picture Perfect
4. Growing
5. Meaningless Pop Song
6. The Essence of Things
7. Is Anything Right

A zipfile of the mp3s is available here.
FLAC files can be downloaded as a zipfile here.

It had been more than a year since I’d last seen Churchill, and they’ve come a long way since that Meadowlark show.  It would be unfair to compare the two performances (the former being a basement acoustic show, this being a full-band show in a theatre), but the Fox show definitely highlighted Churchill’s songwriting abilities, confidence, and stage presence.

Churchill
6.12.2010
The Fox Theatre, Boulder, CO

Source:  Microtech Gefell M300’s > Lunatec V3 > digi-coax > Oade Mod Edirol R44 @ 24/48 > SDHC > Adobe Audition 3.0 > Resample to 16/44.1 > CDWave
Taped by:  Lance Stack

Setlist:
1. intro
2. Stubborn Love
3. I Still Remember
4. Catalyst
5. Happy
6. The Only One
7. Don’t Give Up
8. The Girl and the Surgeon

A zipfile of the mp3s is available here.
FLAC files can be downloaded as a zipfile here.

Julie Slater kicked off the first evening of Titwrench with a nice  poetry reading and warm-up improv piece.  The short films of Gretchen Polzen provided a visual backdrop to Julie’s performance.

Julie Slater
7.09.2010
Titwrench Fest, Glob, Denver, CO

Source:  [Microtech Gefell M300’s > Lunatec V3] + [SBD > 1/4″] > Oade Mod Edirol R44 @ 24/48 > SDHC > Adobe Audition 3.0 > Mixdown > Resample to 16/44.1 > CDWave
Taped by:  Lance Stack

Setlist:
1. intro
2. Dance of the Seven Veils
3. Improvisation

A zipfile of the mp3s is available here.
FLAC files can be downloaded as a zipfile here.