Tag: Denver punk

2020 local album of the year nominee, Denver punk, Hardcore Punk, melodic hardcore, skatepunk, Thousand Islands Records

Record Thieves Release ‘Wasting Time’, And All The 90’s Skatepunks Rejoiced, Vinyl Coming Feb 2021

Release Date: 11/24/2020                                               

Format: Digital/Physical 

Label: Thousand Islands Records

Current Lineup: (Per Facebook)

Mike Waterhouse

Jim Wilcox

Allen White

Fred Bear

Chad Gilbert

Favorite Tracks: Sacrifice, Work It Out, Transmission Clear, Sunburn, Actors For Hire, Who’s Driving, Wasting Time, The Feed, Daily Revolver, Crown Of Foil, and Slumber Party

Sounds Like: TBR, Nofx, Sunset Silhouette, Descendants, MxPx, Pennywise, Authority Zero, and Pulley

Are you looking for some new kickass skatepunk? Look no further, Denver’s Record Thieves have released their debut album ‘Wasting Time’ via Thousand Islands Records. CPRA has been wanting to get our hands on this one since the band released their first single a few months back. This punk rock supergroup, features members from, Of Authority Zero, Allout Helter, and Boldtype. Each member brings their own unique and epic style to this record. 

Sacrifice

The first track is “Sacrifice”. I was immediately thrown back into my highschool era 92-96. This was back when bands like NOFX, and Propagandi were bringing joy to my little teenage ear holes. The quick guitar hooks are my favorite in the track and the lyrical content hits home. 

COVID-19 is affecting CPRA, please donate if you can

Work It Out

We’ve all been there when a relationship is failing. You question everything and anything. I think we can all relate to the songwriter on this track. I love the drums on this track, The melodic hardcore style feels perfected, yet not too close to being overproduced. I’ll be adding this track to my next relationship mixtape. 

Transmission Clear

This track is about letting go and moving on. The song is more on the melodic hardcore side which is unexpected, but gives the track a more deeper feeling. The lyrics again steal the show while the lead vocals perfectly align. If you are currently leaving a tough relationship listen to this track. Music soothes a damaged soul. 

Sunburn

This track swings right back to the skate punk side with it heavy chords, fast hooks, and awesome change ups. I love the guitar on this track. It harkens back to an early Suicidal Tendencies feeling. 

Actors For Hire

This track goes full hardcore. It reminds me of early Strung Out with its kickass riffs on guitar, thumping bass, and crazy fast drums. The vocals are killer. This is by far my favorite track on the record. 

Who’s Driving

This is my second favorite track. I love everything about this track, Waterhouse’s vocals are killer! The ending guitar riff sends it over the edge! We’re gonna need a music video for this one. 

Wasting Time

I don’t know about you, but I’ve wasted plenty of time in anger. Mainly with things completely out of my control. Things I really should’ve let go. Some of those things took me years to get over. We all feel out of control right now with Covid, so put this on and get some of that out! This track is beautiful. The bass gives this a dark edge. 

The Feed

This track comes in at a breakneck speed. Hit the pit, this is the track to do it. I hear some older influences and I love it. This track talks about the dangers of technology and nonstop “Feeding The Machine”. 

Daily Revolver

The guitar riffs on this track are fucking rad. It speaks about breaking the daily 9-5 cycle and remaining true to yourself. 

Crown Of Foil 

With the invention of the internet of course conspiracy theories had to follow. The gang vocals, “We can run, but we can’t hide” are by far my favorite part of this song. 

Slumber Party

Sadly we have reached the final song on ‘Wasting Time’. I have no idea where this came from, but this track reminds me of the movie/series, “High Fidelity”. Isn’t that what art/music is supposed to do? This is the perfect ending for an album. 

Pic by Jacob Fox

CPRA Conclusion

In Denver we have 2 scenes, Metal and Punk Rock. Occasionally there may be a show which features bands from both, but unfortunately it’s not very often. ‘Wasted Time’ by the Record Thieves may just be the album that can bridge these 2 scenes under one roof. The 90’s skate punk sound will leave you with “Devil Horns” in the air as you hit the skatepark. It will leave a lasting impression on you as it has on this writer. This record is just what I needed to cure my Covid 19 blues.

Seriously get this on vinyl for that authentic sound here, or buy the digital release here, https://thousandislandsrecords.bandcamp.com/album/wasting-time. 

Links:

2020 Single Release of the year, Denver Music Scene, Denver punk

Denver’s Poor Me Drops Surprise New track, “Classwar”, Don’t Forget To Vote!

Release Date: 11/1/2020                                                          

Format: Digital

Location: Denver, CO

Current Lineup: (Per Facebook)

Brett Delaney: Vocals / Nick Butler: Guitar / Nick Chmel: Drums / Mike Goyn: Bass/Vocals / Jason McWhinnie: Guitar/Vocals

Favorite Tracks: Classwar

Sounds Like: The Shell Corp, Propagandhi, Good Riddance, and Anti-Flag

Denver’s Poor Me dropped a surprise new single yesterday in support to remind you to get out and vote. Poor Me’s latest release, “Classwar” is an anger driven punk rock anthem that begs you to challenge the truth. The gang vocals really make this track stand out. You can pick it up here, https://poorme.bandcamp.com/track/classwar. 

Make sure your voice is heard on November 3, 2020, You can find your local polling place here, https://www.usa.gov/election-office.

“This oath is class war – tandem discourse.

No wished reward. Here’s giving to lofty goals.

Ugliness took the polls.

Touché. Well played.

And they never cared at all.

And they never cared.

No, they never cared at all.”

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Track List (Subject To Change)

Classwar

Links:

Denver punk, Female Fronted Band

Battle Pussy Drops Surprise New Single, “Vote”, Vote So They Don’t Kick Your Ass!

Release Date: 10/15/2020                                                       

Format: Digital 

Current Lineup: 

Suzy Slade – Guitar and lead vocals

Judy Porter-Bosco- Bass and back up vocals

Betty “the Beet” Romero – Drums

Favorite Tracks: Vote

Sounds Like: The Damed, Distillers, Bikini Kill, Babes In Toyland, and the Lunachicks

Denver’s Battle Pussy pulled out a giant surprise this morning with their new single release, “Vote”. The new track is super catchy, Suzy Slade’s vocals are riveting and tight, while Judy’s bass thumps. Betty’s drums feel like they are channeling the ghost of Tommy Ramone.

 This politically driven track reminds me of how important it is to vote! Most Colorado residents should be receiving their mail in ballots soon. If you need to register to vote please go here, https://vote.gov/. I don’t want to hear anyone complain about the election results if you didn’t vote! And if you don’t Battle Pussy will kick your ass! Ok maybe they won’t, or will they? 

Donate to Colorado Punk Rock Army! Even just 5 bucks helps us pay our bills for this site!

Links:

Denver Local shows, Denver punk, Denver Punk shows, Punk Legends

King Rat’s Front Man Luke Schmaltz, New Book, “The Belcher” Out 9/30/2020

Pre-Order Here!

We are anxiously awaiting the release of Denver punk icon, Luke Schmaltz, new book, “The Belcher” which is due out September 30, 2020 via Mutiny Press aka Mutiny Information Cafe. After listening/reading to a few chapters this writer is officially hooked on, “The Belcher“.

Photo by Tyner Photography

Oh and if you have never heard of Denver’s King Rat. Be sure to give them a listen here, https://kingrat1.bandcamp.com/. Be sure to pre-order “The Belcher” here, https://lukeschmaltz.com/ or pick up on on 9/30/2020 from Mutiny!

2020 Local EP Nominee, Denver punk

Best Local EP Of 2020? The Unindicted Co-Conspirators Drop Surprise Release ‘Colfax Confidential’

Pic by Heather K

Release Date: August 11, 2020

Format: Digital

Label: DIY

Artwork By – Heather K

Location: Denver, Colorado

Production – Recorded by Felipe Patino With Green Door Recordings

Current Lineup: 

  • Fletcher Neeley – Guitar and Vox
  • Troy Thill – Sax on “To Catch A Theif”
  • David Dinsmore – Trombone 
  • Steve ‘Filthy’ Illich on trumpet.
  • Felipe Patino – Bass on Counterfit and Koi Tattoo 
  • Brian Barrows – Drums

Favorite Tracks: To Catch A Thief, Counterfit, La Mentirosa, D-Days In Pacific, and Koi Tattoo 

How many records can you say you had a straight impulse buy with? I’m guessing not many. In this day and age we have to be careful where and when we drop that hard earned cash. So to my surprise I noticed a new Denver band, The Unindicted Co-Conspirators released a 4 track EP called, “Colfax Confidential”. From the very start to the very end I was hooked. So what makes this record so rad? Let’s take an in depth look. 

The record starts with, “To Catch A Thief”. There’s something I really love about Fletcher’s vocals. Not only are they very well done, but feel more like a storytelling experience. Don’t get me wrong I love me some Danzig, yet sometimes I can’t understand him. Thill’s saxophone on this track is wicked and totally unexpected. 

The next track is “Counterfit” and starts out with a kick ass rockabilly feel. This track has a Cold War theme with legendary Felipe Patino on bass. Patino’s bass, Barrow’s drums and Fletcher’s vocals come together for a wonderful sound. I love the story line and lyrics. How many punk tracks talk about spies? 

“She was set up at some sketchy punk rock dive bar just off of East Melrose and 101
And the suitcase from a spooky looking g-man by the Pan Pacific Auditorium
We made love in the bed of her director guess that she was trying to settle some old score
Then he burst in I fired twice and hit him one time
That’s when we left him bleeding on the floor”

“La Mentirosa” is up next and translates to “The Liar” in English. The guitar on this track is on point. This love song is aggressive and fast and retains the storytelling element of the EP. The next track is  “D-Days In The Pacific”. The Japanese were a well oiled machine before and up until the very end the Pacific Theater in WWII. It took two atomic bombs to stop them from continuing the war. This track is frantic till the very end!

“Koi Tattoo” is sadly the last track. It opens with a traditional Japanese tune, before launching into madness. To sum all of this up, “Colfax Confidential” by the Unindicted Co-Conspirators is EP that deserves the full album treatment. The mix of different genres, talents of the players, and incredible storytelling make this record stand out among others. It’s only $4.00 over on Bandcamp right now, but I have a feeling the price will go up. Pick it up right here, https://theunindictedco-conspirators.bandcamp.com/

Donate to Colorado Punk Rock Army! Even just 5 bucks helps us pay our bills for this site!

Tracks: 

1. To Catch A Thief 

 2. Counterfit 

 3. La Mentirosa 

 4. D-Days In Pacific 

 5. Koi Tattoo

Links:

Colorado Music Scene, Denver Music Scene, Denver punk

Best Pop Punk Album Of 2020? Denver’s The Mazlows Release ‘Community Locker’ And Skabones Realizes He’s A Music Snob

Photo by Rick Kooker

Release Date: August 6, 2020                                                              

Format: Digital

Label: DIY

Location: Denver, Colorado

Album Art – Mckenna Kooker (album art design)

Current Lineup: (Per Facebook)

  • Nate Hout – vocals/guitar
  • Colton Kooker – guitar
  • Daniel Carrillo – drums
  • Peter Hodel – bass

Favorite Tracks: All Of Them!

Sounds Like: Sunset Silhouette, Bury MIA, Came And Took It, Filthy Hearts, Mixed Kid Fridays, The Swifts, Modern Baseball and Stray The Course

Photo by Lola Marie

The Mazlows have been making headlines within the pop punk world for the last year or so. You can read our posts about the Mazlows here, https://coloradopunkrockarmy.com/tag/the-mazlows/. From the first time I heard I heard their single, “The Wolf Inside”. I knew this band was going places. I’ve been bugging them since day one for a new album. Today my wish came true with the release of “Community Locker”.

Photo by Lola Marie

Back when I reviewed “The Wolf Inside” and “Leaving Town” I mentioned you needed to listen to this band so you could be proud to say, “I knew about them before they got big”. I realize now that is straight up music snobbery. Am I sorry for this? Nope, I’m proud of this and that’s why we started CPRA to share new music with those looking for it. So why Skabones did you say, “Best Pop punk album of 2020? Let’s dig into The Mazlows ‘Community Locker’. 

Donate to Colorado Punk Rock Army! Even just 5 bucks helps us pay our bills for this site!

The album is a whopping 14 tracks long. That’s impressive as hell! Some of my favorite tracks are “Best Days”, “Where Were You”, “Leaving Town”, “Here To Stay”, ”Thrown Away”, “Head First” , “Say Yeah”, “Were Not Dead Yet”, and last but not least, “Night Caps And Goodbyes”. All of these tracks have major potential to break the music airwaves. 

“Best Days” reminds me of my teenage years. I dated a girl at the one one would consider an “Alternative Girl” or “Punk Rocker”. Boy did I feel super cool at the time. We both moved on, but when a song can trigger a memory like that. You know it’s good. “Where Were You” also has a youthful tone with some great riffs from bass and guitar. Beatmaster D kills it on the drums. The overall harmony is amazing. This is not another “Pop Punk Love Song”. 

Pete. Photo by Rick Kooker

I reviewed “Leaving Town” a few weeks back. This track is exactly about leaving town. As we get older our desire to grow often leads us out of town. You may leave town, but you always return back to the community locker. “Here To Stay” has some wicked hooks and change ups. Nate’s vocals are amazing as the rest of the band joins into the fray. I love Hodel’s bass lines as they are unexpected. This track will surpass 1,000 plays within a few months or maybe sooner. Who knew punk rock could make you dance? 

Colt. Photo by Rick Kooker

Now “Thrown Away” actually threw me for a giant loop. Here I’m thinking the track will maintain the catch pop punk formula. Nope it didn’t happen. This track is dark, with a AFI like sound. The bass is wicked, Beatmaster D’s drums are insane! “Head First’ returns to back to the pop punk. It’s very addicting. It wouldn’t surprise me if “Say Yeah” does become the next pop punk anthem of the decade. The bass and drums with the “Say Yeah” chorus is awesome! 

Nate. Photo by Rick Kooker

Next up is another personal favorite, “We’re Not Dead Yet”. It goes to the dark side fast with a progressive melodic hardcore tone. The drums are nuts. The chorus is ultimate perfection. My last favorite track is “Nightcaps and Goodbyes”. This is a great ending track to an overall incredible album. We’ve all been there as we leave the bars at 2am. We all hope this won’t be the last time we can be together. 

Beatmaster D. Photo by Rick Kooker

In closing, The Mazlows, ‘Community Locker’ blew my expectations away. This crotchety old Misfits loving punk rocker now believes in the power of The Mazlows. The tracks will not only will make you dance, make you cry, but most of all provide a deeply needed sense of hope. This album is definitely getting added as a nominee for best pop punk album of 2020. Don’t wait till you hear them on the radio, check them out right now, https://themazlows.bandcamp.com/. 

Track List (Subject To Change)

Best Days
Where Were You
Leaving Town
Here to Stay
Leave It All Behind
Echoes
Thrown Away
Head First
Breakfast Epiphanies
Say Yeah
Forever And
We’re Not Dead Yet
Last Call
Nightcaps and Goodbyes

Links:

2020 EP Of The Year Nominee, Denver Music Scene, Denver punk, Denver Punk shows, diy

Punk’s Not Dead, It’s Still A Teen: Amazing Flying Dumbasses & Worthless Commodity Release Surprise EP Split

Release Date: April 15, 2020                                      

Format: Digital 

Cover Art: Bobby Brown

Location: Denver, CO

Production: Recorded at Swamp Rocket Studios

Favorite Tracks: A.F.D, I’ll Get More, P.M.A, F**ck Old People, Brain Dead, and Throwing Two’s

Proving that age has nothing to do with your punk “Status” are 2 local Denver bands Amazing Flying Dumbasses and Worthless Commodity. Both bands have enjoyed local success and are known as rising stars in the Denver punk rock scene. Amazing Flying Dumbasses have raked in over 7,000 streams on Spotify with  “All Cops Are Bastards” being their most popular track. This split is Worthless Commodity’s first public release.

So let’s check out this EP split. The record begins with A.F.D. How many bands have an actual theme song? Well grab your shit and hang on cause we’re hitting the pit on this track! It clocks out at a whopping 53 seconds, I LOVE IT! The next song is “I’ll Get More”. Benny Vigil is straight up angry on this track. Mikey’s drums bring an unleashed energetic power as Connor and Noah join in on bass and guitar. Yet another track I adore!

Video Credit: Victor Valdez

The last Amazing Flying Dumbasses track on the split is “P.M.A. This is one of my favorite “AFD” tracks and only plays second to “Skate And Destroy” from their “Bruised” album. Worthless Commodity tracks are up next for the review. The first track, “F**K Old People”, comes in like a swift kick to the face. The guitar riff is addicting. The lead singer’s voice reminds me of the late Buzzcock’s singer, Pete Shelley which is incredible.

Pic by Victor Valdez

The next song is “Brain Dead” is what Skabones defines as “Pogo Worthy”! This track has a bit of more hardcore sound with a deep bass line. This is my personal favorite track from Worthless Commodity! The last and definitely not least track on the split is “Throwing Twos”. This anger driven track has kick-ass bass, drums and intense vocals. This track kicks serious ass! I cannot wait to hear more in the future from Worthless Commodity!

You can listen to the split here!

The coolest part of this split? The oldest senior band member is 18 years old. So when I said, “Punk’s not dead, it’s still a teen” it proves how amazing and badass our younger musicians can be. So your old “Dad punk” while it may be considered classic, bands like Amazing Flying Dumbasses and Worthless Commodity continue to keep the light burning bright. Be sure to check out the new split on any major music provider. This is a nominee for best local EP release!

Track List (Per Spotify)

A.F.D.

I’ll Get More

P.M.A.

F**k Old People

Brain Dead

Throwing Twos

Links:

Facebook- Amazing Flying Dumbasses: https://www.facebook.com/TheAFDband/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theafdband/

Facebook – Worthless Commodity: https://www.facebook.com/worthlesscommodityband/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/worthless_commodity/

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/6kVgvftlbNRw6aDZPYMEQE?si=GzPBsJdWSEWzY_5jUMqr9g

Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/album/amazing-flying-dumbasses-worthless-commodity-split/1508059261

CPRA Youtube Review Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAHReU2iGck1gS8j98PS5VrDM0-qtYua0

Denver Music Scene, Denver punk, Denver Punk shows

CPRA Press Release: No Bueno Releases New Video For “Outlaw Song” Proving Carole Baskin Is Guilty (Satire)

Release Date: April 11th 2020                                          

Format: Digital 

Location: Denver, CO

Current Lineup: (Per Facebook)

matt whitesides: guitar and vocals

scott ridl: bass and vocals

tyler kurchinski: drums

jeremiah ludemann: guitar

Favorite Tracks: The Outlaw Song

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Joe Exotic and No Bueno!, Join Forces From Prison And Release “Outlaw Song”. This video proves without a doubt Carole did feed her husband to the tigers. For proof I present the gleam in her eye. “That bitch Carole Baskin killed her husband” 

END PRESS RELEASE

The PROOF right in the first FRAME! Long live the detectives at No Bueno!

Per No Bueno! This is just a taste of brand new music headed our way! I never expected to hear anything like this from No Bueno!, so this makes me so excited!

Help CPRA stay up and running! We Need Your Support

Track List 

Outlaw Song

Links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nobuenoband/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nobuenoband/

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4mRxfp17YnXhS8viGECbyb

CPRA Youtube Review Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAHReU2iGck1gS8j98PS5VrDM0-qtYua0

Denver punk, Denver Punk shows, Hardcore Punk, skatepunk

Hardcore And Rising, Denver’s Chew Thru Debut EP, “Heavy Hands” Is EPIC

Release Date: November 29, 2019                

Format: Digital

Location: 

  • Denver, Colorado

Current Lineup: (Per Bandcamp)

  • Tomaso Eugenio Di Cosola – Guitar, Matt Lamoureaux – Vocals, Bill Jenkins – Drums, Matt Rinehart – Bass

Favorite Tracks: Shithole Country, Heavy Hands, Find Your Line, Fake Smiles, and Drawbridge

Sounds Like: Black Flag, Suicidal Tendencies, CroMags, Gorilla Biscuits, AFD, and Tuck Knee

There is an amazing feeling when someone sends you great music. It shows they are thinking about you and know what you might like. This morning I was sent the Heavy Hands EP by Chew Thru. The feeling was even better because I have already been listening to it daily since December. Somehow it was like a vindication of, “Ha, I already knew it was great but you knew I would think that.”  If you have ever read a Colorado Punk Rock Army album review, you know out of the staff writers, I am in fact the weakest link. What you will get from me is heartfelt and wacky comparisons. 

pic by @mythik

Here’s the comparison; Cro-Mags hardcore meets old school crossover. I love the heavy grit on this EP. I am through and through a sucker for that dirty, hard bass. You get that on every song. The voice and lyrics give that punch in the face you need when listening to what I like to call, “beat your ass music.” What I mean by that is you can kill it at the skate park, gym, driving too fast or… Round it out with the perfect guitar riffs and strong solid beats and you have what is the late entry for 2019’s EP of the year. Check them out live. Go to their socials, like, follow, and stream it.  You will not be sorry.  

Help us stay online! Hit that donate button below!

The heart is this; Matt and the guys have been staples in one permutation or another around Denver and they truly deserve the love and recognition. Call it earned boys, because this is a helluva of a hard, and heavy ride.  “Heavy Hands” by Chew Thru is amazing on so many levels. The heavy bass lines, the outright assault, and pure relevance to everyday life will have this record stuck on repeat. It’s out now on all major music providers and should definitely be purchased here, https://chewthru.bandcamp.com/. 

Tracks: (Per Bandcamp)

  1. Shithole Country 
  2. Find Your Line 
  3. Heavy Hands 
  4. Fake Smiles 
  5. Drawbridge 

Links:

CPRA Music News, CPRA New Music Alert, Denver Music Scene, Denver punk, pop punk, Uncategorized

CPRA Music News – Stray The Course Drops New Single cover of “Dua Lipa’s IDGAF” aka Pop Punk Goes Metal!

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Release Date: December 16, 2019

Format: Digital

Label: DIY

Location: Denver, CO

Current Lineup: (Per Facebook)

  • Ronnie Toplyn: Vocals/Guitar
  • Steve Nelson: Vocals/Guitar
  • Ben Baroch: Bass Guitar/Back up Vocals
  • Cooper Travis: Drums/Back up Vocals

Favorite Tracks: IDGAF

Sounds Like: Flatliners, Came And Took It, Nerdlinger, and Fourbanger

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It seems that Stray The Course is prepping up for a new EP! We here at CPRA are huge fans! Today they released their brand new cover of DUA LIPA – “IDGAF”. The track is pop punked with a side of metal. The original version is not my style, but I”ll rock this one everyday!

I LOVE this song! Be sure to check out our other articles on the Stray The Course here, https://coloradopunkrockarmy.com/2018/10/09/stray-the-course-self-titled-ep/

Tracks: 

  1. IDGAF

Links: