Welcome to our monthly series on new Colorado music. Every month, we highlight five local musicians, five local music videos and five local songs. Go here to check out previous entries to the series. Are you a Denver artist with fresh music you would like us to check out?
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5 New Songs By Local Artists
Compass & Cavern — Shift
Compass & Cavern, a Denver duo with a drummer rounding out their sound, have released Shift, a 16-track album that stands out immediately with its artwork of a monkey’s face adorned with abstract paint. “The Crown” dives into an edgy, darker vibe while not shying away from mainstream pop elements, “All Lowercase” channels the chaotic energy of pop punk from Vans Warped Tour days, and “Too Many Windows” fuses rock with pop sensibilities, perhaps with a nod to early Panic! At The Disco. This release absorbs listeners in a state of wonder, sparking curiosity and exploring aspirations through noteworthy narratives and hardships. Compass & Cavern adds a cool, thoughtful dimension to Denver’s music scene, making “Shift” an album worth checking out for those intrigued by an accessible album with a twist that has enough weight to hook you in for more.
Porcelain Twin — “Drift“
Porcelain Twin, a five-piece band based in Denver, has released their new EP “Drift,” featuring four songs that feel heavily inspired by Radiohead vocals and Broken Social Scene instrumentation. This release comes off as something that would be heard in the background of an indie film during a scene of a road trip riding along endless fields of flowers, guiding the cast along the way. Certain parts of this release feel intimate, like “Around You”, while other tracks, like the self-titled “Drift,” feel like they come in with big energy, ready to make a statement. It would be interesting to see this band live to see if they can translate the magic of this album, as well as they can, into their live performance. Listen to this EP and see what mystical journey it can take you on.
Midnight For Now — “In the End“
Midnight For Now, an alternative rock four-piece from Fort Collins, has just unleashed their EP “In The End” this month. Their punchy, 90s, lo-fi sound feels made for summoning a mosh pit or inspiring a stage dive at any punk venue. The lyrics delve into the darker realms of anger and struggle, resonating with those who’ve felt the weight of life’s challenges. “Vital Ideas” showcases a heavy riff that feels self-reflective, while “Voices” channels a raw, angsty vibe. As Fort Collins’ music scene flourishes, it’s intriguing to see Midnight For Now emphasizing the rock aspect, moving from lo-fi roots towards a potentially more polished sound. It’s worth keeping an eye on Midnight For Now as they evolve, crafting rocking tune that could define their growing presence in the scene.
Reed Fox & Mick Jeets — “Vortical”
Vortical by Reed Fox and Mick Jeets was released this month. It’s a dancey tune that feels like it could be played in front of a big crowd at a festival with the sun shining down on people ready to come alive or even at a house party to energize the mood of the night. It’s fun, bumping sound begs the listener to let loose and do what they feel, embracing the wild and weird elements of music. Mick Jeets and Reed Fox are both creatives in the Denver music scene who have performed in other projects, gaining a following and a pattern of creating good music. This song, “Vortical,” in particular, embodies their spontaneous and magical connection. Their music transforms the mundane into something mystical, inviting listeners into a world where beats are both wildly chaotic and wonderfully enchanting.
Tantok — “Different Eyes”
Tantok just released their latest song, “Different Eyes”. This track is a fist-pumping, booty-shaking techno tune that keeps the beat moving with its bass-driven energy. A female guest vocalist serenades the song, adding a special mix of emotion to this track. The opening line, “I don’t want to know the truth”, sets a deep, provocative tone right from the start, making it a standout in the dance music scene. Tantok has already made a significant impact in the Denver music scene, notably with performances at renowned venues like Cervantes. With this momentum, the future looks bright for Tantok, likely releasing more music that could very well hit the speakers soon.
5 Local Up and Comers
Sturtz
Sturtz are gaining traction in Colorado’s music scene with their soulful folk sound. Their music, fronted by Andrew Sturtz’s calming vocals mixed with banjo, cello, and bass, creates a soothing experience when listening to their music. It’s easy to picture this style of music being performed at a music festival in the mountains, lying in the grass, surrounded by serene nature in a breathtaking atmosphere. Their latest album, Hyacinth, features cover art with a soft feel to it, that is reminiscent of something you’d find displayed in a coffee shop. This album offers a snapshot of their charm as they steadily become recognized in the Colorado folk scene.
Barbara
Barbara are a female trio, giving off nostalgic vibes of having a psychedelic experience with close friends while dancing in your living room to lush sounds filled with good energy. Their music spans from shoegaze to indie reverb, though the recurring theme of their sound could be classified as a dreamy soundscape. It’s exciting to watch this band as they are already touring, playing festivals, and releasing memorable songs. It feels like the band shares a warehouse, underground spirit, connecting to a love for DIY culture and the inspiration that comes from it. Barbara is still relatively new within the Denver music scene, but they seem to be quickly finding their sound and what fits them as a band, so keep a close ear out for them. Be sure to catch them on February 1st, 2025, at The Marquis Theater, as it’s certain to be a memorable experience.
The Sweet Heavy
Telluride-based rock trio The Sweet Heavy feels like you would catch them at a dive bar venue, sipping on a PBR with the hope of dancing to their music with the most attractive person in the room. Their sound feels interesting; their song “Feeding On The Silence” has a more sinister synth tone, while their track “Another” echoes a The Black Keys rock ‘n’ roll style. There’s a lot of opportunity for this band, in the sense of having the ability to be playful and memorable with these songs. It feels like they could be fun to see live with the right level of charisma on stage, and if that energy is conveyed within these songs, they’re definitely worth staying excited about in the future. Don’t miss your chance to experience their vibrant energy live at The Alibi Telluride on February 7th, 2025. It’s a show you’ll want to be part of to see if the energy of their songs matches the zesty vibe they’re set to deliver.
Pool Sharks
Denver’s four-piece Pool Sharks bring a happy, indie pop groove to The Mile High music scene. Their music feels playful like it’s birthed from a group of friends just trying to have fun. The guitar alone on their song “Filet Mignon” has an eccentric pop feel to it, and it is definitely worth listening to. The vocals in the song seem unserious in certain areas, which makes it better and stand out. Having something that isn’t focused on being perfect but more on having a good time can convey a better overall atmosphere to a song and a band’s general vibe. Seeing them live would likely be at a house party or some type of event that isn’t a standard venue, and this is all a good thing because it sets them apart from other bands. They’ve released their self-titled LP, which contains rocking tunes that are psychedelic and garage rock-focused. This is definitely a band to keep tabs on, not just for their music, but also for the positive energy they very likely bring.
Hashtronaut
Hashtronaut, a Denver four-piece, emerged from the shadows of the pandemic. This band is loud and in your face, with an end-of-days mood where everything seems apocalyptic. Hashtronaut makes music meant to turn the volume all the way up when you’ve had a bad day at work or at the gym and need that boost of fuel to get through the moment with an intense, fiery sound. Their music is influenced by bands like Black Sabbath and Thin Lizzy but feels slightly heavier in certain sections of their catalog. Watching Hashtronaut grow as they carve out a niche in the local scene is fascinating. With each performance and new release, they’re proving themselves to be an up-and-coming band worth keeping an eye on. Their trajectory suggests a bright future for fans of doom and heavy metal.
5 New Music Videos By Local Artists
Guava Tree — “Feeling Your Love”
Guava Tree’s latest video for “Feeling Your Love” is a psychedelic rollercoaster that kicks off with a quirky cooking show twist. The duo starts with a simple cookie recipe, but things get weird fast. Think juggling ingredients, a trip through an 80s beach, and a jungle safari. They leap into a bathtub that turns into a spaceship, encounter a milkman in space, and ride a cosmic rollercoaster. It’s all fun and games until they’re back in the kitchen, cookies baked, only to find their space milkman friend at their door. This video is a trippy, entertaining masterpiece, making it one of the coolest local music videos you’ll see. This is definitely a must-watch.
Evan Bingham — “Best Friends”
Evan Bingham, a Colorado Springs artist, kicks off his album “Lovesickness” with the single “Best Friends,” accompanied by a video that’s as intriguing as it is confusing. The video starts with a table littered with Mountain Dew cans, setting the scene at a seemingly lackluster party. There’s chatter, makeup application, and a declaration that “this party sucks.” Scenes of frustration, arguments, and a dramatic exit follow, with the girls finding solace outside. While the song offers a soothing, coffee shop vibe, the video’s narrative feels disjointed, possibly hiding some subliminal messages beneath its randomness. It’s a curious watch, to say the least, making it a standout, if not for clarity, then for its unique approach to storytelling.
ABANDONS — “HABITATS”
ABANDONS, the heavy instrumental trio, delivers a visually striking experience with their video for “HABITATS.” Be warned, the video features intense flashing lights which could be overwhelming. It starts with the glow of a pedal board, setting the stage for what’s to come. The band members are seen intensely engaged with their instruments amidst a room filled with stark black and white flashes, punctuated by bursts of color. Midway, an eerie layer is added with old audio of a man speaking, coinciding with a gripping guitar solo, maintaining a minimal yet potent atmosphere. Don’t miss your chance to see this intensity live at Lost Lake on February 7th.
Bleed Moxie — “Closer to You”
Bleed Moxie’s “Closer to You” video is a moody, atmospheric journey. The sky is an overcast grey, with everything tinted in shades close to grey, setting a somber tone. Quick cuts show the natural world – leaves on trees, a bird taking flight, and the moon. Then, we see Bleed Moxie himself, running through smoke, evoking a sense of urgency and perhaps escape. Scenes alternate between the woods and a smoky room lit by red lights, enhancing the video’s dark, emotional weight. It’s a visual that might tug at the strings of relationship themes, making for a compelling watch.
The Cat’s Glasses — “Jouer”
“Jouer” by The Cat’s Glasses is a vibrant fusion of jazz classics with the energy of jam bands, neo-soul, funk, and classic rock vibes. The band has just dropped two new albums, one captured in the studio at Mighty Fine Productions and another live at Dazzle Denver. The music video showcases the band in full swing on stage, with the trombone setting the tone, trumpet adding bright accents, soprano and tenor saxophones weaving through the melody, guitar strumming out funky chords, keyboards laying down smooth, soulful layers, bass keeping the rhythm grounded, and drums driving the beat with a solid energy. The atmosphere is filled with good, happy vibes, capturing the essence of a live jam session that feels perfectly orchestrated.
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