Contact CU Independent News Staff Writer Noelle Coultrip at Noelle.Coultrip@colorado.edu.
Check out the artists that take over the music scene this week in the Boulder-Denver area:
Good Old-Fashioned Rock: moe.
The emergence of progressive rock band moe., from its humble Buffalo, New York roots, has marked a shift in the progressive rock world. Signed to Sugar Hill Records, moe. intermingles guitar, vocals, bass, percussion, vibraphone and drums to create their music.
This five-piece band cultivated its catchy, rock-filled sound by playing local bars in its hometown, paying dues and establishing themselves as credible musicians. moe.’s success is undeniable, with a career spanning three decades and an accumulation of 24 albums over the course of its career. The combined talents of Al Schnier, Chuck Garvey, Rob Derhak, Jim Loughlin and Vinnie Amico catapulted the band’s success all the way to performing at Radio Music Hall on New Year’s Eve back-to-back in 2006-07, an incredible accomplishment. moe. performs at the Boulder Theater at 9 p.m on Friday, Jan. 22.
Emotion-Fueled Melodies: Jack’s Mannequin
Alternative rock band Jack’s Mannequin got its start after lead member Andrew McMahon began creating music that did not fit into the genre of his former band Something Corporate. This new sound was sensitive, gripping, visceral and needed its own space.
McMahon’s new therapeutic approach to songwriting sparked the formation of Jack’s Mannequin, an Orange County-based band whose name is inspired by a childhood friend’s leukemia diagnosis. With the help of producer Jim Wirt, Andrew McMahon crafted Jack’s Mannequin’s sound, pairing catchy lyrics with a rock edge. “Kill the Messenger,” a song that exhibits the shift in McMahon’s sound, is a sad, slow melody that latches on to the more melancholy parts of life and refuses to let go until the intended emotions are evoked. The lyrics paired with the slow tempo of the song produce a bitter, cold bite, leaving a lasting impression.
If Jack’s Mannequin’s musical content isn’t enough, Andrew McMahon also emphasizes the importance of dedicating oneself to a cause, apparent in the link displayed on his website, which leads to a foundation that supports adolescents diagnosed with cancer. Jack’s Mannequin will perform at the Ogden Theatre on Friday, January 22 at 8 p.m. with opener She is We.
Music You Can Dance To: Technicolor Tone Factory and Rowdy Shadehouse
Technicolor Tone Factory, one of Colorado’s up and coming rock bands, constructs its multifaceted sound by combining elements of funk, disco and progressive rock. The band’s drive and its “general love for music” pushed it to headline at venues like the Coors Events Center, the Bluebird, the Boulder Theater, the Fox Theatre and various music festivals. Technicolor Tone Factory’s unique pairing of different musical elements results in some spectacular shows.
Rowdy Shadehouse, a funk rock band hailing from Denver, takes the meaning of the word entertainment and amplifies it by a million. This seven-piece band takes its artistic expression to a whole new level by adding crazy costumes and stage props to each of its performances. Rowdy Shadehouse adds an element of sexuality to its music, putting an emphasis on sexual freedom. The band claims its music helps people to “let their nasty out.” The intense guitar riffs, yelling vocals and insane dance moves displayed on the stage during its performances create a fun atmosphere filled with a whole lot of crazy. Technicolor Tone Factory and Rowdy Shadehouse perform at 9 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 21 at the Fox Theatre with opener Big Wave Couch Surfer.
Electronic Components: Terravita
With a musical career spanning a decade, Terravita exemplifies the sound of the bass music scene. The Terravita trio is composed of Chris Barlow, Matt Simmers and Jon Spero. The members of Terravita began their career with only drum and bass recordings, later synthesizing components of hip hop, rock, jazz, trap, dubstep, drum and bass.
Chris Barlow cites “Drowning,” the remix of “Cleveland Lounge” by AK1200, as a source of inspiration, with its coalescence of beautiful female vocals with the hardcore sound of a drum and bass song. Since the release of its first full-length LP on April 1, 2014, Terravita completed a headlining tour with 40-plus dates and played at a number of music festivals, solidifying its success. Terravita performs at 9 p.m on Saturday, Jan. 23 at the Fox Theatre with openers Mantis, Jayceeoh, and 40oz Profits.
