Category: Denver punk

The New Narrative Releases, “Story So Far” And Denver Skate Punk Gains Another Bad-ass Album

Posted on by SkaBones in Denver punk, The Blasting Room, The Crash Pad Studio
Cartoon of the band

Release Date: 7/18/2019                                                      

Format: Record/Vinyl/Digital Album

Location: Denver, CO

Current Lineup: (Per Facebook)

  • Darin Bowman Vocals
  • Anthony Newby Guitar
  • George Wilson Bass
  • Dray Taylor Guitar
  • Marco Contreras Drums

Production: Recorded & Mixed by Bart McCrorey at The Crash Pad Studio

Mastered by Jason Livermore at The Blasting Room

Favorite Tracks: Uninvited , Left For Dead, Empty Chorus, Transient, Too Old To Punk, Money Well Spent, The Catcher, Bad Sounds

Sounds Like: Descendants, Teenage Bottlerocket, No Use For A Name, H20, Over Time, Madball, and Gorilla Biscuits

The New Narrative dropped, “Story So Far” on 7/18/2019. CPRA is currently blowing up with booking and promotion requests. We are having a hard time getting back to our roots recently. What is CPRA’s Mission/Roots? That’s you Denver. Sure Rhino isn’t 5 Points anymore. You are now far more likely to get bit by a purse dog before being mugged. Tarantulas now serves hipsters IPA’s instead of drugs. Not that it ever did, just that it was kinda scary sometimes.

Let’s talk about something still present in Denver and cities around the world. Its punk, sure it’s gone through a huge evolution. Who knows, maybe soon there will be a scene of “Old Town Road Punks”.  One thing hasn’t changed, skate punk and how much we love it. Hell we love it so much we started our own CPRA Skates!

Pic by James Terry

When the New Narrative announced they were putting out a new album. We here at CPRA all became giddy with joy. “Story So Far” was recorded and mixed by Bart McCorey (Messiahvore, Throttlebomb, The Pitch Invasion, and Valiomierda) at The Crash Pad Studios. Jason Livermore (Livermores) mastered this record at the infamous Blasting Room. So let’s check this one out!

The album starts with, “Uninvited”. Get your kicks on and grab your board. The track is fast, with perfectly well timed, “Whoas”. It’s catchy and we can easily relate to the meaning. Oh did I mention they’re playing with legends, Agnostic Front at the Oriental?

The next track is “Bad Sounds”. I love Darin ’s vocals on this song. The pure and raw emotion is evident throughout while Anthony and Dray are shredding it on guitar. This is by far one of my personal favorite tracks. You can listen to ”Bad Sounds” below and be sure to check out the hilarious interview with Bart.

“Left For Dead” is up next. This track is dark and fast asf! Hit the pit and the hardcore comes full force! Marco’s drums are insanely quick. This track has an old school 87-92 Gorilla Biscuits like sound. Next up is another favorite, “Empty Chorus”. This track feels deeper lyrically. The timing is spot on. George’s bass lines though a bit hidden are thumping. Turn this one up! This track needs a video!

Pic by James Terry

“Loose Ends” follows and screams as it flows in. Yet it slows down into more of anthem/ballad type track. The writing on this track is phenomenal. The change up is unexpected, yet perfectly executed. I’m happy I’m not in a place where I’m trying to tie up loose ends in a relationship. That sucks! “Transient”, brings back the energy and speed. This track reminds me early Suicidal, and bring that nostalgic feel. “Try To Feel Alive, While You’re Dead Inside”, try forgetting those lyrics haha!

Pic by James Terry

Ok next up is the ultimate Dad Punk song and another favorite, Too Old To Punk”. Not only does this track kickass, but it’s true. I get within 2 feet of a pit and I’m leaving with broken bones. The track is so damn catchy. Punk Tacos play this shit! “Money Well Spent”, follows with another catchy almost pop punk, yet harder. This is an old fashioned drinking song, speaking on that, “You look like you would like to buy me a drink!” Bust out that air guitar now!

“We Might Be Horrible” is next. This pogo worthy song is driven on angst and I love it! Sadly the last track is up next, “The Catcher”. From the drum intro, I’m already hooked. This is the perfect song to finish out an excellent album. In reflection this record will be spinning constantly on my player. The New Narrative is not only a powerfully talented band, but their ability to cross genres is admirable. So pick up that board, and pop on, “Story So Far”.

Help CPRA stay up and running! Hit that donate button below!

Track List (Per Bandcamp)

  1. Uninvited 
  2. Bad Sounds
  3. Left for Dead 
  4. Empty Chorus 
  5. Loose Ends 
  6. Transient
  7. Too Old to Punk 
  8. Money Well Spent
  9. We Might Be Horrible
  10. The Catcher  

Links:

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Beatmaster D and CPRA Presents: Beatmaster D’s Tribute to Blink-182 Night W/ Special Guests

Posted on by SkaBones in CPRA Music News, CPRA Presents, CPRA Shows, CPRA Skate Team, Denver punk, Denver Punk shows, Denver ska, diy

From the semi-forgotten depths of our collective love of classic pop punk and Blink-182, as well as in anticipation of the upcoming Blink-182 live at the Pepsi Center in September, Beatmaster D presents: Beatmaster D’s Tribute to Blink-182 Night, brought to you in part by co-sponsors Colorado Punk Rock Army and Dream Is Grind Productions.  Join us August 16th at Moe’s BBQ Englewood for this epic night of punk and alternative rock, delicious barbecue, drinks, summer, laughs, memories, and Blink-182 as performed by Beatmaster D! 

Buy tickets now!

All the classics—some of your favorites and some of Beatmaster D’s!  Featured acts include super groups, American Wristband’s Tribute to Alkaline Trio, MountainUs, A POOR CHOICE, and 21 Taras!  

Beatmaster D is known in the Denver music scene by this name, his true name and background being largely unknown, though widely known for his diversity and versatility in all forms of music.  Associated acts include The Mazlows, The All-Nighters, Zach Maxwell Music, Pulse of Nature, Walking With Bikes, Dream Is Grind collective, and many more.  Beatmaster D is joined by his friends, up-and-coming artists Hunter Ruoff and Gil Leyva.  Hunter Ruoff and Beatmaster D are both founding members of the band the All-Nighters, though Hunter Ruoff recently released critically acclaimed solo EP “Hunter Ruoff is a Poser”, streaming everywhere. 

Gil Leyva is known for his prior involvement in band Vermillion Road, as well as current involvement with Walking With Bikes, where he and Beatmaster D met.  Leyva is also a solo artist and is currently developing his material to release in a grand debut sometime in 2020.

Beatmaster D and company are excited to see you there at what is becoming affectionately and colloquially known as “Blink Night”! 

New CPRA Presents Video Released: S01E05: Videos From Around Denver And The World!

Posted on by SkaBones in CPRA Music News, CPRA Music Radar Alert, CPRA New Music Alert, CPRA Presents, CPRA Shows, CPRA Skate Team, Denver Local shows, Denver Music Scene, Denver punk, Denver Punk shows, Denver ska, diy, ska, skapunk, skatepunk
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RIOT GRRRL In Full Effect With The Damed’s Latest Self Titled Release

Posted on by SkaBones in A Diamond Heart Production, CPRA Music News, CPRA Music Radar Alert, Denver punk, Melodic Punk, Postpunk, Punk Rock, Riot Grrrl, Small Label
Photo by Melissa Yu

Release Date: 6/28/2019                                                      

Format: Digital and Physical

Label: A Diamond Heart Production

Composition (Per Bandcamp): All songs written and produced by

Heather Hellskiss and The Damed

Production (Per Bandcamp): Mixed and mastered by Vanessa Silberman at

A Diamond Heart Production

Recorded by: Manny Nieto at Total Annihilation Studios

Cover Art (Per Bandcamp): Front cover art by David Rasmussen 

Location: Los Angeles, CA

Current Lineup: (Per Facebook)

  • Hellskiss – Vox/Gtr
  • Watts – Drums
  • Suze – Bass/Vox ( Suzanne Slade of Denver from such bands as Battle Pussy and H2awesome)

Favorite Tracks: Extreme Vacancy, Equal Pay Day, Ritual Revolution, 

Sounds Like: Bikini Kill, The Breeders, Doll Skin, L7, Cheap Perfume and Bratmobile

Photo by Melissa Yu

Let’s take a moment to congratulate the US Women’s soccer team on their hard earned victory in this years World Cup! Wait is it really a victory if you’re earning less than your male counterparts? Per NPR’s article this is the case and severely messed up. LA based The Damed are ready to kick ass in the name of feminism and sexual equality. Their debut record dropped 6/28/2019 via their label, A Diamond Heart Production. 

Let’s take a listen. Please promise to avoid all anarchic activities until you have fully read this review. I kid of course. The record starts out with “Extreme Vacancy”. This is a great tune to set the mood. You can feel the anger brewing, yet there is some playful melodies. This track is great for those leaving and moving on. 

My favorite track rolls up next, “Equal Pay Day”. The track has a great old school sound similar to Bikini Kill or even some Distiller tracks. The message is in the title. The delivery is solid gold. This will make all punks pogo with a cause. The intro riff is kick ass!

Photo by @holistic_chaos

“Ritual Revolution” follows and goes heavy like L7. The drums provide the backdrop for what feels like some sort of ritual dance. You have to hear, Hellskiss’s vocals on this track. She is wicked angry and ready to rip a head off. “Pulse”, comes in with another dark theme. The bass and drums come with a gothic tone, providing the mystery. 

In the 1980’s, alternative came in many different forms from many different bands. “Little Ship”, contains so much more besides punk. It’s a great example of a wonderfully composed song that has the ability to switch structured genres in a flash. While it encourages the end, it also encourages self-improvement and self-worth. Is this Siouxsie And The Banshees? Na, but it could give old Siouxsie Sioux a run for her money. 

“Pursuit” starts out with this crazy bass line that I adore. Did I mention Suzanne Slade of Denver’s Battle Pussy and H2awesome is on bass! This is a track you can dance to. The post punk influences return with a rhythmic fashion. In “We Are The Proof” the message is simple the #METOO is a movement that will only get stronger. This anthem like song, speaks of bonding together to fight a society. That has allowed women to be treated like shit for too long.

Photo by Melissa Yu

“Escape From The Shadows” is the last track. The song is like a culmination of this record up until now. The anger has brewed, the storyline foreshadowed. They are ready to step out from the shows in a tribal like blast of violence, destined to reclaim everything in its wake.  For a society that refuses to accept equality, that change will come with a fury. 

In closing the Damed’s new release is a brilliant composition filled with punk, post punk and synth. If you’re looking for a definition of Riot Grrrl music, look no further. The band could have easily sold out CBGB’s, or any local venue in the 1980s and just as easy in 2019. You can download the album here, https://thedamedband.bandcamp.com/album/the-damed.

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Track List (Per Bandcamp)

  1. EXTREME VACANCY 
  2. EQUAL PAY DAY 
  3. RITUAL REVOLUTION 
  4. PULSE 
  5. LITTLE SHIP 
  6. PURSUIT 
  7. WE ARE THE PROOF 
  8. ESCAPE FROM THE SHADOWS 

Links:

Denver’s Bury MIA To Drop Debut Record, “…And Sleep It Off”, This Friday at Marquis Theatre

Posted on by SkaBones in Album of the year nominee, CPRA Presents, CPRA Shows, Denver Local shows, Denver Music Scene, Denver punk, Denver Punk shows, diy, Emo Punk

Release Date: 7/13/2019 At The Marquis Release Show!

Format: Digital (Physical may be available at the show)

Label: DIY

Location: Denver, CO

Current Lineup: (Per Facebook)

  • Justin O’Neal – Vocals/Guitar
  • Alex Crabb – Guitar/Backing Vocals
  • Devin Martinez – Bass/Backing Vocals
  • Marcus Allen-HIlle – Drums

Favorite Tracks: Fools, Say This, Eighty Two In A 25, Adios, Death By Misadventure, and Firefight 

Sounds Like: Penske File, JerkSwitch, MCR, The Used, and the Descendants

We here at CPRA have been bugging Bury Mia for a new release for over a year now. I’m happy to announce the boys have not let us down.  The new record, “…And Sleep It Off”, drops this Friday at their release party with Major Glen and Jailpocket. This is a kick ass lineup and should not be missed. So let’s dig into, “…And Sleep It Off”.

The records starts out with “Adios”. I love the chords on this track. The melody is sweet yet meaningful. The lyrics are catchy, yet non generic. The perfectly well placed, “Ois” bring in that extra edge commonly not found in pop punk. “Say This” is the next track up. It has somewhat of a Ramonescore. As Admin A once said, “Pop Punk creates the best break up punk ever”. This track is for anyone needed that extra boost to leave a bad relationship. Could Bury Mia pull off a couple of Ramones songs? You bet and probably more. 

My favorite song is up next and you may have heard, “Fools” before. Give it a listen in the bandcamp player below. This track is pure anger and feels refreshing and unexpected. The chords and general progression is killer. Grab your air guitar while there’s time. The next song up is “Eighty Two In A 25”. The track is heavy on drums and I love it. The message is powerful. 

Help CPRA stay up and running! Hit that donate button below!

“Death By Misadventure”, comes roaring in next with a blast of energy. This is my second favorite on the release. The track has a great skatepunk sound, while the guitar narrows the gap from metal. This song is KILLER! “Cold Hard Shiny Plastic” is up next, slowing things down a little. This track continues the great melodic sound the album is building. This song will easily be stuck in your head soon after.  

“Firefight”, follows up with more of a street punk theme. The track seems to be about friendship. The drums are heavy, the bass pounding. This one may bring a tear to your eye. After listening you too will be saying, “There was a firefight”.

The last track up is, “Cry About It”. This song is very reminiscent of the Flatliners. The opening riff is fantastic. Justin’s spoken word part really sells this one home. It’s time to wrap this one up. Bury MIA’s new record, “…And Sleep It Off” is not just another run of the mill pop punk album. Every song is different, and in every chord strike, in every drum beat. You can feel the hours of blood, sweat and tears poured into this album. 

Check out their recent interview with the Punk Rock Horror Podcast here,  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/punk-rock-horror-podcast/id1338630845?i=1000443504165&fbclid=IwAR1WWTyMmZKS43UM_4vhlimJOPpW1EBuVr-Xx7BkGtS7APv90-382LDDDxA

Track List (Subject To Change)

  1. Adios
  2. Say This
  3. Fools (Single)
  4. Eighty Two In A 25
  5. Death By Misadventure
  6. Cold Hard Shiny Plastic
  7. Firefight
  8. Cry About It

Links:

Are You Ready For Over Time’s New EP, “Decades”?

Posted on by SkaBones in Denver punk, Denver Punk shows, diy, Hardcore Punk, Punk Rock, skatepunk

Release Date: 7/13/2019                                                            

Format: Digital and physical

Production: “Decades”was  recorded at Denver’s, own Black In Bluhm studio.

Mastered at Dog Gate Studio

Label: DIY

Location: Denver, Colorado

Current Lineup: (Per Facebook)

  • Ben Kellogg- Bass/Lead vocals. 
  • Ira Dechter-rhythm guitar/back up vox. 
  • Brian Burke-lead guitar/backup vox. 
  • Joel Gonzalez-Drums

Sounds Like: CIV, Comeback Kid, Gorilla Biscuits, NOISE, and Youth Of Today

In an age where EDM and shitty pop dominates the airwaves. You need some authentic and pure Denver punk to get through your day. Over Time hung up their Blades Of Steel to record a new EP for our ear holes. Speaking of Blades Of Steel I’m hoping they will release more of the shirts below. Mine is getting small or I’m getting fat. Anyhow you didn’t come to read about weight loss you came to read about, “Decades”. 

The record intros in with, “Decades: What A Nightmare”. As the heavy kick drum starts out. You can feel the weight of this song, as it launches into a full on audio assault. This track is about watching your friends change and growing older. This track hit me on a personal level. I’ve watched a few of my so called, “Best Friends”, grow up and move on, to never hear from them again. Yet I’ve made new friends since and my relationships with them are now everlasting.

“And we’re past the point 

Where this life is scary

I’ve buried more friends than I’ve seen get married

Man, it’s sad to say

But I hope they’re all in a better place”

“Cant Stay The Same” is up next. Now I’m not sure if this is a coincidence or not but it seems there are some nods to the Boss aka Bruce Springsteen on this track. With references to the tracks, “Born To Run” and “I’m On Fire”. This track comes to life with energy, with strong chord strikes, head nodding drum beats, and great lyrical content. This tune will get stuck in your head from the get go. As the record progresses I  love it more and more. Here’s my own nod to the boss below. 

“Art Of The Steal” come up next. It reminds somewhat of an older H2O song. This one is politically charged and motivated by anger. If you’re even slightly afraid of a nasty pit, better get out on this one. If not join the fun! NYC Hardcore fans you will love this track! 

“Energy” follows with more speed and some insane drums. This track is more on the melodic skate punk side. The writer is reminiscing about time with a friend while listening to Op Ivy’s, “Energy”.  I felt I really couldn’t find the words when trying to describe this song. Nor felt I could give it the justice it deserves. Every time I tried to type a tear would well up. So I reached out for comment. 

Per Ben Kellogg, “So, “Energy” was written about a friend of mine, my best friend actually that left us in 2015. It touches on the years that we first met and our connection over a taped copy of “Energy” by Op Ivy and the times we spent learning all the songs on the record and singing them at the top of our lungs whenever we got the chance. Fox, the person in question, always had a bit of mystery surrounding him and constantly left me worrying, so the song kind of touches on that in the sense that I always had the utmost confidence that he would survive his demons, but was always a bit shaken to the core by some of our conversations. 

The first line, “I got that sinking feeling, the moment you flew south, you were the one that I told everyone about” kind of sums up the whole theme of the song, as I was always so proud and in constant awe of his friendship, but when he moved away in 2013 I just had a gut feeling that something bad was going to eventually happen.”

The next song is, “Twilight Sentinel”, fitting with the theme of the album and the nightmare of growing older. The acoustic intro starts out on a somber note, before building into an electrical climax. The bass line although not prominent adds that underlying emotion, while Kellog’s vocals provide the story. This vocals and style are similar to Lenny from Darkbuster. The big difference maker being, this track has an extreme amount of depth both instrumental and lyrically. 

“Walls”, loses the acoustic while returning to a faster heart pounding sound. This one is pure driven hardcore. Have you ever obsessed about something you missed or felt you needed? You might be over it, yet still think of it from time to time. Yet still feel like there is a political undertone.  

“Drag The Lake” is the last track on the EP. Personally I’m not ready for it to end. This track is nothing but heavy and I love it. One part I love about Over Time is you never really know which way a track will go. It may go the pop punk route, before quickly reverting to a hardcore skate punk sound. In my head I see fists pumping and kids circling the pit to this track. There’s a sense of unity somewhere in there. 

I reached out to the band for comment as I really wanted to know more about what drove this record into production. Per Ira Dechter, “The album has a theme of growth and putting the past behind you. Learning from our mistakes and becoming a better person. While still touching on the current state of our country with the songs like “Walls” and “Art of the Steal” relative to being a better person and treating everyone as equals no matter where they’re from or what their background is.”

This EP has come to an end and so must this review. Over Time’s, “Decades”, has been composed with anger, love, and unbridled talent. The brillaint combination of NYC Hardcore, melodic skate punk, and a dash of pop punk, makes this little EP, one giant record. Sure there may be more like it out there, but none made by Over Time. Be sure to download here, https://overtimehxc.bandcamp.com/ and hit their massive 4 Way Release Party with Filthy Hearts, Sorry Sweetheart, and ZEPHYR.

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Track List (Subject To Change)

1. Decades: What A Nightmare

2. Can’t Stay The Same

3. Art Of The Steal

4. Energy Master

5. Twilight Sentinel

6. Walls

7. Drag The Lake

Links:

Episode 3 Of CPRA Presents Is Up: Meet The Skate Team

Posted on by SkaBones in CPRA Presents, CPRA Skate Team, Denver Local shows, Denver Music Scene, Denver punk, skatepunk, Uncategorized

***Bands featured in this episode***

Amazing Flying Dumbasses
The Hacks
Frontside Five
MF Ruckus
Tuck Knee
Pleading Guilty
Trick Punch
Evil Engine
The Pitch Invasion

#SkateOrDie #CpraPresents #CPRASkateTeam #StayRad

Theme music by People Corrupting People at pcpsux.com

Help CPRA stay up and running! Hit that donate button below!