Courtesy Old Deer
As the trees begin to shiver and shed, Colorado musicians were in full bloom with a host of fresh tunes during September.
From post-black metal and sludge EPs to synth- and bedroom-pop, and even some wacky powerviolence, these are the best new releases by local artists this month:
Helga Pataki
Helga Pataki
Bet you never heard of Nickelodeon-inspired powerviolence before, but that’s exactly what Denver’s Helga Pataki is doing on its latest self-titled record, released on September 22 via local DIY label Worm Food Collective. While the band name is taken from the popular cartoon that every millennial will immediately recognize, the music is a zanier mix of oddball quips and quick clips, including “Antichrist Landlord,” “Discount Church” and “Hippie Nonsense.”
With 21 songs packed into just over thirteen minutes, Helga Pataki knows how to kick out the jams. So move it football head, and listen to some of the most original, weirdest on the Front Range right now.
Old Deer
“Maelstrom”
Old Deer is one of Denver’s most exciting new bands, as the sludge slingers announced last year with their EP Something in the Water. The four-piece of guitarist-vocalist Matt, bassist Josh, guitarist Tyler and drummer Adam (first names only for these dudes) are teasing a more proper introduction with their latest single, “Maelstrom,” released independently on September 19 and the first look from upcoming debut Someone in the House, set to be out on November 7.
Another misanthropic mathcore dipped in noise-sludge offering that pulls no punches and is sure to only builds anticipation for the full long-play. So stay tuned for more on Old Deer here.
Oreyn
In Silent Decay
Oreyn shared its new EP, In Silent Decay, independently on September 19, and the Denver quartet’s penchant for brooding post-black metal fits the vibe of the current clime.
While only three songs, the offering makes for an immersive atmosphere steeped in misery and woe, an auditory expression of the dying season, particularly opener and longest track “No Light.” The nature-inspired Cascadian element is most relevant on “Hour of Woe,” while “Staring Daggers” is the fiercest on In Silent Decay. With two EPs out now, Oreyn is one to watch.
Packaging
“On Holiday”
Local music maker and producer Connor Birch recently teamed up with Seattle musician Daniel Lyon on a snyth-forward post-punk project called Packaging, which shared another single, “On Holiday,” on September 17 via Sub Pop subsidiary Share It Music. The track also features Cali-psych duo Sugar Candy Mountain.
In ramping up for the October 10 release of the self-titled, “On Holiday” is Packaging’s fourth single in as many months, following “Running through the Airport,” “Always Calling” and “In Your Pocket.” A conglomerate of Birch’s band Flaurel and Lyon’s Spirit Award, Packaging is big on collaborating, which is a big part of the upcoming album and the latest song showcases.
Riah
The Fourth Wall
Denver dark-pop artist Riah dropped her sophomore album, The Fourth Wall, on September 13, along with three-video visual EP, Reclamation.
Her second record in as many years, Riah, the sensual alter-ego of singer-songwriter and competitive pool dancer Mariah Heller, further explores taboo topics, empowerment and self-discovery she first breached on Trauma Bond in 2024 with such songs as “Skin on Chrome,” “MisB3Hav3” and “Talk to Someone.”
“‘The Fourth Wall’ isn’t just an album to me — it’s me confronting my own truths and inviting people to see the raw, unfiltered parts of my story,” she shares. “I didn’t make this as background music. I made it as art that demands to be seen, heard and felt.”
She further punctuates that point with the visual storytelling for tracks “Talk to Someone,” “Misandrist Interlude” and “Sacrilege.”
“Reclamation was my chance to turn pain into power,” Riah proclaims. “Each visual — whether vulnerable, furious or taboo — is me reclaiming my narrative on my own terms.”
Tunnel Jumper
“Snake Around A Scepter”
A clean bill of health can cost you an arm and a leg. JP Lichtenberg, the vocalist behind Denver hardcore crew Tunnel Jumper, knows that, which is why he wrote “Snake Around A Scepter,” the band’s latest released on September 19. A searing condemnation of the pitfalls and perils of the current healthcare system that’ll have you risking it all in the pit.
The group also released a fittingly chaotic music video for it, mimicking the infuriation of the whole setup.
“When I set out to help tell this story in video form, with my own personal experiences in navigating the healthcare system, I noticed the whole process is frustrating, lots of noise surrounds the facts and can feel extremely isolating,” guitarist Tyler Rogers says.
Tunnel Jumper doesn’t need to worry about hitting a deductible with bangers like this.
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