"It's that punk meme page guys"
Thursday Oct.24th
9pm/ 21+/$5
Join us for a great night of music with
The Blue Kings
(unique blend of Soulful Psych Rocksteady and Ska)
The Pollution
Post Hardcore “punk” “rock”,
and Music support your host and selector AkA Miggy
Event Link And Tickets: https://www.facebook.com/events/456523201877226/
Release Date: Summer 2019
Format: Digital
Location: Denver, CO
Production: Blasting Room
Current Lineup: (Per Facebook)
Favorite Tracks: Sweetly, Punk Rock Frank, Chardonnay Shakes, Everything To Me,
Sounds Like: Nova Kicks, The Lillingtons, Alkaline Trio, and The Flatliners
A few weeks ago I ran into a local band member.. We discussed how the Ft Collins production company the Blasting Room is putting out a ton of great local music. Check out our tags from Blasting room posts here. In our discussion in became way too apparent that CPRA must have a Blasting Room show here in Denver for our bands that have recorded with the company.
Let’s jump to today. I get word that Denver’s Vegas Valley Drive has dropped a new album, “Kentucky Lawnmower” and it was recorded at the Blasting Room! So we’ve been around a few years and watched some bands grow like Bury MIA, Stray The Course and Vegas Valley Drive. It fills this writer with pride when the albums they produce come out. Let’s check out the new Vegas’s record!
The record begins with, “All The Difference”. It comes in with some great chord strikes on guitar. I love how the guitar drifts out into a few notes alone. Lyrically this song is catchy and fun. The next track is “Sweetly”. This is by far my favorite track on the album. Have you ever had a huge crush on someone and turn into a mumbling moron when they talk to you?
I’ve been there too many times to count. I see huge potential for this track. Don’t be surprised if this track ends up on the radio. It definitely needs a great music video to accompany the wonderful story line. Up next is, “Brake Park Reverse”. This track really reminds of Big Head Todd and The Monsters, although much faster and harder.
Do you have a friend who claims his punk cred to everyone every 5 minutes? “Punk Rock Frank” is that guy and that song. The singer sounds like, Les Claypool from Primus. Not sure if that’s what they were going for, but I love it. In one word the song is hilarious. “Holding On” follows and takes on a more serious tone. This track has potential as well. The lyrics are catching, hooks are strong, and the melody addicting.
“Wake Up Call”, sounds very comparable to The Lillingtons. The message is conveyed by some great vocals and a great bass line. Another favorite track is up next, “Chardonnay Shakes”. The song is introduced with a famous quote from Neverending Story. Already I kind of want to cry just thinking about the Atrex. Anyhow we shall proceed!
This track is one small step away from going metal. The extreme power chords, mini guitar solos, bass edge provide a ballad like atmosphere. If this track becomes popular. You read it here first! Let’s slow it down and go acoustic. “Everything To Me” is next and you will be sure to hear this one at the next wedding you attend. It’s beautiful. Yet another hit?
Let’s speed things back up with “Anesthetic Paramedic”. This song has a sweet skate punk edge to it. The bass is strong with some sweeping guitar hooks. The drum work is excellent. “Powers”, follows again following a skatepunk like sound. I could be wrong, but I think this track refers to the Power Rangers? Haha I have no idea, but this track kicks ass.
“Sober Elbow” is next. This one is super catchy. This track is for all the people when drunk think they are superheroes. They think they can leap tall buildings, but usually land on their face. The chords are remarkable. The last song on the album is “Punk On The Radio”. It has some great pop punk melodies, lyrically simple, but so much fun.
Well there you have it. Vegas Valley Drive’s, “Kentucky Lawnmower”, is a trip through some fantastic music with all right hooks and guilty pleasures pop punk. Fans of alternative in general will definitely want to give this one a listen. This record should be hitting all major streamers here soon. You can purchase the record here, https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/vegasvalleydrive.
Help CPRA stay up and running! Hit that donate button below!
Track List
Links:
Check out and download for FREE their new album, Vol. 9 – Street Urchin From The Animal Chronicles here, http://pcpsux.com/street-urchin
I myself couldn’t be happier to have some new PCP tunes! Since you’re hear go check out more of our PCP reviews. See PCP tonight at Bar Bar with Lockjaw and Donger at BAR BAR!
Event Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/2411023082489019/
$5.00 cover with valid 21+ ID
Holy crap look at this incredible line up! 2 Nights of kick ass music followed by a show with the Kids Are Alright!
Next weekend Goosefest 4 at Goosetown Tavern
Fri.Sept.27th – Sun.Sept.29th
Doors 7PM – 2AM
Day1 https://tickets.holdmyticket.com/tickets/335241
Day2 https://tickets.holdmyticket.com/tickets/335242
Day3 https://tickets.holdmyticket.com/tickets/337737 (Special Kids Are Alright Show)
Release Date: August 21, 2019
Format: Digital
Label: DIY
Location: Lyons, Colorado
Current Lineup: (Per Facebook)
Favorite Tracks: The Way Back Up, Foundation, Bust It, U.S Nothing, and Wolfpack
Sounds Like: Black Flag, Minor Threat, Strung Out, Circle Jerks, and the Cro-Mags
Back in February 2019, CPRA and Just Miggy partnered up to bring All Ages Shows downtown Denver. These amazing shows are called The Kids Are Alright At Goosetown Tavern. The first Kid’s show was an absolute riot. I was blown away by all the acts. In fact one band, Tuck Knee, struck a personal chord with me. I would later pen this review here, https://coloradopunkrockarmy.com/tag/tuck-knee/.
Their breakout EP, “Can’t Stand For It”, wasn’t compiled just yet, so I listened single by single for my review. I probably listened to this album at least 3-4 days a week. One thought still hits me as I listen to their latest release, “The Way Back Up”. “These kids are kids. Yet they play and write music with the heart of a band that has years in the industry”. All members are under 21, but you can’t tell by listening.
So let’s check out their 2nd EP release. I’ll be straight up honest here. Second releases sometimes scare me. I’m always worried that I won’t like it. Not that there’s been that many secondary releases that have sucked, but there’s been enough. How is “The Way Back Up”?
The title track takes the name of the EP. River and Sam kick off the track on guitar and bass, while Harlan’s drums build the rise. As Ellis joins in on vocals the combination starts a meteoric rise. This song is fast angry and loud!
“I’ve got an edge over people like you,
Drag me down on the way back up.
I’ve got an edge over people like you,
Brainwashed youth I’ve had enough
The way back up”
Tuck Knee – “The Way Back Up” 2019
The next track, “Foundation” comes screaming in with a powerful hard edge and clocks in at 42 seconds. I think it was Lala who once said, “All my favorite songs are less than 2 minutes long”. Damn she sure was right! “Jawin” follows and continues the insane upbeat progression. Harlan’s drums are incredible while River smashes on guitar.
Is Tuck Knee a reincarnate of all my favorite hardcore bands? The next track is “Bust It”. This track encapsulates the bands belief in living a straight edge. It’s short, fun and pogo friendly. Up next is by far my favorite track on the EP, “U.S Nothing”. This track uses some of the words from the USMC, “Rifleman’s Creed” which also appeared in the movie, Full Metal Jacket.
The drums set up an almost military like drum corps while Rupa’s bass line bring the emotion. Elli’s spoken word at the intro, provides the background setting and template. While I understand the “Rifleman’s Creed” was supposed to help soldiers distinguish military from civilian life.
“Fighting a war far from won,
Tell me I got to kill Someone,
Iraq, Cuba, Vietnam these are wars never won,
Military graves I’m not alone,
Now I don’t even want to go home!”
Tuck Knee “The U.S. Of Nothing” 2019
The words in this day and age, sound like brainwash dribble. In the US we have Proud Boys (Many whom have never served), holding guns at protests like morons manipulated by a hateful dictator. Do they chant this while preparing to intimidate others? The mere thought is scary.
“Wolfpack” is the last track on the EP. This track is written for the united angry youth. I’m almost 42 years old, but still want to join the wolf pack. In reflection, “Tuck Knee’s, “The Way Back Up” is an avalanche of hardcore punk. This release shows the band confidence is rising and they cannot and will not be stopped. I’m telling you get in on the ground floor now! You can pick up the record here, https://tuckkneeband.bandcamp.com/
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Release Date: June 29, 2019
Format: Digital
Location: Denver, CO
Current Lineup: (Per Facebook)
Recorded – Recorded January 2018 and produced by Bart McCrorey at Crash Pad Studios
Favorite Tracks: Equal Opportunity, Rampage, Divide & Conquer, and All You Do
Sounds Like: Adolescents, Zipperz, Dirty Work, The Casualties, UK Subs, and Total Chaos
Holy crap? Apparently I have been living under a rock within the last year or so. Well if you’re like me and like to dwell below the earth. Allow me to introduce Denver’s Barking Mad. This kick ass gut punching, street punk band just released, their Rampage EP on June 29, 2019. Lets dig in!
“Equal Opportunity” opens with a good dirty bass line. Suddenly I’m thrown back into the 1980’s LA punk scene. This track encapsulates everything I love about the era. With the guttural throat style, simple but admirable riffs on guitar. This track is already stuck in my head like a rusty nail you have grown fond of.
Next up is “Rampage”. This track is a tribute to the game, “Rampage” and maybe even to the Damned with “Smash It Up? This song kicks ass! Grab your pogo, hockey mask, or a citizen out of a window to level up! The aggression, catchy lyrics, and killer drums will have you on your own RAMPAGE! “Anti-Social” slows the progression down a bit. The song has more wicked riffs on guitar. This track was me after the last election. The nonstop media coverage made me want to leave the country. I took a break from the world for a few months.
The next track is “Divide And Conquer”. The progression comes back like a fast baseball to the face. Here’s another pogo song, but watch the pit on this track. The song clocks in at a mere 1:57. Didn’t someone say all my favorite songs are less than 2 minutes long? The drums are thumping the battle hymn.
“All You Do” is the next song up. Not sure if this is a break up song, but we’ve all been with that person who won’t shut up. This band is full of some superior talent. Check out the drums, guitar strikes, and vocals on this track. “1984” is based off of Orwells book, 1984. This heart thumping track spills the truth. We are not safe from our “Protectors”.
This tiny EP is now forever encased in my brain. Barking Mad’s, “Rampage” is 6 tracks of pure and unrivaled street punk. The fact that this record flew under our radar is amazing to this writer. So be sure to pick it up here, https://barkingmad.bandcamp.com/releases.
Help CPRA stay up and running! Hit that donate button below!
Track List (Per Bandcamp)
Links:
Release Date: 8/22/2019
Format: Digital
Location: Denver, CO
Current Lineup: (Per Facebook)
Recorded & Mixed – Nick Nodurft, Rusty Sun Audio
Mastered – Ira Dechter (Over Time), Dog Gate Mastering
Favorite Tracks: Wasted Summer (Endless Bummer) Favorite Tracks:
Sounds Like: Madaline, Buck-O-Nine, RBF, Goldfinger, MMB, Younger Than Neil, The Holophonics, and Deals Gone Bad
Why does time move so slow when you’re excited for something? So I am sitting here counting down the hours to tonight’s Buck-O-Nine show at the Bluebird. I’m straight bored off my ass. All Waffle Trick and Younger Than Neil are opening!
When what do my little eyes see? All Waffle Trick drops a brand new happiness doozer right on bandcamp with “Wasted Summer (Endless Bummer)” ! Not only do I have a new track from one of my favorite local skapunk bands, but now I can use my time wisely! If this track is any indication of something new in the works. I cannot wait! Check it out below!
Need tickets get them here, https://www.facebook.com/events/435715776971849/
Help CPRA stay up and running! Hit that donate button below!
Track List (Per Bandcamp)
Links:
