Four Colorado bands entertain audience with diverse styles
For many audience members, getting the catchy tunes out of their heads may be a challenge after watching talented local bands The World Romantic, Paper Bird, Ian Cooke, and The Autumn Film perform at the Boulder Theater on Feb. 8.
Unlike most concerts, none of the bands could rightly be deemed an opening band or a headliner. The talent of each band was so diverse and gained so much audience enthusiasm that no band received the usual shunning associated with opening a show.
The World Romantic from Denver played the first set of the night. Audience members scattered themselves about the venue, most sitting at tables or on the floor, saving their legs and energy for the band they loved the most. A few fans loudly hooted when the band finished their set, though the venue was mostly empty.
As Paper Bird entered the stage in single file formation, the girls wearing matching crushed velvet dresses and the boys barefoot, it was clear that they were meant to entertain. Trombone player Tyler Archuletta played OutKast’s “So Fresh, So Clean” to much laughter from the audience.
Stunned at how big of a stage the small-venue players got to perform on, singers Sarah Anderson, Genevieve Patterson, and Esme Patterson waddled bowlegged around stage to try and compensate for the extra space. To the embarrassment of one singer, her dress split open in the process. Seemingly unaltered and giggling, the band played “Pennies”, “Blue Sparks” and “Livin’ Lucky” in their trademark harmonized style. Much of the audience danced throughout the set.
“I am awe-struck with Paper Bird and Ian Cooke,” said Allison Zellner, 21, a sophomore psychology major. “They have such different instruments than other bands, and the three singers that play off of each other are great.”
Ian Cooke took to the stage next, accompanied by some uncustomary guests. Cooke, a classically trained cellist, usually performs alone on stage. Instead, he was joined by a full backup band that included a violin, bass guitar, synthesizer and pounding electronic drum kit.
“You guys rule,” said Cooke as the audience cheered at his song choice, including covers of ABBA’s “Gimme Gimme Gimme (A Man After Midnight)” and Dolly Parton’s “9 To 5”.
With the harsh thrust of his bow, Cooke created a dramatic flourish that complemented his thoughtful lyrics. Paired with the pounding beats of the accompaniment, his music rose to a higher level.
“Something about him stirs me up,” said junior journalism major James Collector, 21. “It’s like he’s been to the bottom, and where he is now is where he’s pulled himself up to.”
Sitting alone on stage with her piano, Tifah Al-Attas of The Autumn Film played the final set of the show. Her raspy, dark voice echoed that of Amy Lee from Evanescence, but with one defining factor- her talent.
Her fellow band mates joined her with violin, guitar, drums, and bass in hand to play “Because We Are” and “Sleep”, which Al-Attas declared to be one of her favorites. Aubrea Alford stood out as one of the group’s most talented members, playing a violin solo with aching passion and gorgeous tone.
The audience left the venue in the early morning of Feb. 9. Most were tired from the length of the show, but satisfied with the talent they witnessed.
For more information on all four bands, visit their Myspace pages.
Contact Campus Press Staff Writer Carolyn Michaels at carolyn.michaels@colorado.edu
