Mach Heroes rising in the Denver music scene

Local band aims high with upcoming concerts and EP

CU’s own Mach Heroes will be playing at A Taste of Colorado festival in Denver on Friday at 3 p.m.

“We’re kind of progressive, alternative rock, with jazz influences and a groove.” Casey Kohen, a senior psychology major from Denver, said.

Kohen is the bass player for Mach Heroes, and his description of the band is a good one. A quick listen to “Perfection Conception,” on their Web site showcases the group’s hybrid musical style. The hard rocking guitar riffs are there, but Kohen’s bass and Brandon Van Louck’s drums have a distinct alternative feel.

Van Loucks, a senior finance major and drummer for the band put it best.

“We don’t really follow a formula that other bands follow,” he said.

Considering they cite The Police and Incubus as influences, this blend of genres should come as no surprise. Chris Williams, a psychology major and lead singer of the group, says they have often been compared to the likes of 311, A Perfect Circle and Tool. All these bands are outside the musical mainstream, and it appears that Mach Heroes has a similar disregard for following standard musical conventions.

The group has a solid connection with the local music scene – all four band members grew up in Denver and attend classes at CU.

The quartet formed in 2002 when they were juniors in high school, though Kohen was not a part of the initial lineup.

However, the origins of Mach Heroes go even further back. Van Loucks and Matt Kelsall, a senior finance major, both went to elementary school together, and the foursome all went to the same middle school. The group is very tight knit and does not suffer from the fighting that plagues many bands.

“We’re really good at overcoming disagreements and working stuff out,” Kelsall said.

The group has a busy month ahead of them. After A Taste of Colorado, they are off to Fort Collins to record an EP at the Blasting Room Studios.

Mach Heroes has yet to record a major album or sign to a label.

“We’re shooting for radio quality stuff with these songs,” Van Loucks said. “This is by far the most difficult recording session we’re going to do, but it’s also going to be the best.”

Contact Campus Press Staff Writer Rob Ryan at [email protected]