Three Legged Fox is coming back to Denver on their spring/summer tour

Courtesy - Three Legged Fox

By Peyton S. Owen

Click for Related article on 3LF

After a long run of fall and winter shows, Three Legged Fox had a much needed break from touring. With plenty of built up energy, Three Legged Fox starts their two-month run of concerts tonight in Findlay, OH at Nino’s then on to Cleveland, OH tomorrow night.

During the spring tour 3LF will be throwing in some new songs onto the set list, and yet again bring Denver fans to the Marquis Theater on May 17, 2013. They can’t seem to stay away and Denver doesn’t want them to. Get ready for some fresh jams and a rejuvenated Three Legged Fox.

The Marquis Theater is a smaller venue compared to where they played their previous show in Denver at the Blue Bird Theater. It enables this talented group of guys to have a more intimate setting. They will be able to connect with fans on a more personal level. 3LF is going to take on the Mile High City as well as every stop on the road, by storm.

The ‘new material’ is off their upcoming album, which “...isn’t coming out until Christmas time.” said Drummer Kory Koshersperger. This is some exciting new and most likely fans will have a chance to get a slight preview of what they’re up to on this next record.

Get ready for Three Legged Fox’s spring/summer tour and be sure to check out if they’re stopping in your city. Find tickets to a 3LF show on Ticketmaster and on their website.

Also, if you're in the Mile High City, be sure to snag your Three Legged Fox at The Marquis Theater in Denver on May 17, 2013 before it's too late.

Sunspot Jonz and BOAC reach for the moon as SKYWALKERS

By Peyton S. Owen

Courtesy - Leo Docuyanan 

A new hip-hop duo based out of Northern California, Skywalkers, consist of musicians that are considered some of independent hip-hop’s greats – MC Sunspot Jonz of the Living Legends and underground producer/beat maker BOAC. These guys have come together to create a record that is unique to hip-hop in so many ways, track by track. Sunspot Jonz takes his conscious lyricism and smooth delivery placing it with BOAC’s original beats and carefully chosen samples to make Skywalkers, something truly special coming out of the Bay area.

It’s impressive how well BOAC and Sunspot Jonz meld together to grind out a sound that could be considered a new subgenre within hip-hop. Skywalkers are a daring and an unexpected twist of feel good, clever rhymes as well as upbeat melodies. Don’t forget they also have a touch of the ever-growing electronic genre as a departure for both Sunspot Jonz and BOAC’s own styles.  Is underground hip-hop moving in a new direction?

Skywalkers and their debut album have changed with the times. The use of less boom bap beats and samples have been replaced by interesting computerized sounds mixed with complimentary, creative samples by BOAC. He lays down stability for Sunspot to tear up the mic, yet various vocal effects are used on tracks like “Dark Knight.”

On their new album, BOAC is a killer DJ and Sunspot's rhymes are fresh. Skywalkers have potential to really blast off, but there needs to be more bass to a few tracks to keep listeners’ engaged. This record is different and as a way to not completely throw off fans before the Skywalkers project, this could possibly ease them into this new sound. The track "Go" was their first single and video released from the record.

Overall the album is great and gives Skywalkers a wider audience to draw into the net as well as open up others to something new. Skywalkers makes you want to get up, dance, sing, and smile all the way from start to finish, but you have to see them perform live to get the true feel of how Sunspot and BOAC of Skywalkers, flow together. Experiencing the music makes up for everything unavailable to fans when strictly listening to the album.

If you want some fresh music to hold on to, go check out SKYWALKERS. You can find tracks as well as the full album on ITunes, YouTube, SoundCloud, AllAccessHipHop, and more. Give it a listen and make up your own mind about these talented hip-hop legends bold move.

Tour dates are coming soon as well as more news on SKYWALKERS. Their first ever live performance was at Paid Dues 2013 - Independent hip-hop's largest music festival, earlier this year.

Eligh & Amp Live head to Boulder with Macklemore & Ryan Lewis

Courtesy - Synthesis.net

By Peyton S. Owen

Tomorrow night Eligh & Amp Live will be joining Macklemore & Ryan Lewis as well as Colorado’s own, Air Dubi, in Boulder at the Balch Fieldhouse. This is a part of the University of Colorado – Boulder, but it isn't restricted to students only.

Although the show has already sold out, try looking on StubHub, SongKick, or Craigslist for tickets that people may be selling. They will possibly be overpriced, but if you want to see this stacked lineup blasting out of the speakers and in your face, the extra money is worth it.

In 2011, Eligh decided to do a collaboration with well known producer, Amp Live of Zion I, and created Therapy at 3. As the album title alludes to, this was a kind of therapy session for Eligh, who put everything on the table without holding back. Along with Amp Live's amazing production, Eligh, who produces the majority of his music, was able to focus more on pulling out deep rooted and personal material to let flow and release as a form of therapy. This is a very interesting concept.

According to EventBrite.com, “Amp Live delivers powerful sonic backdrops infusing the boom-bap ethos of independent hip hop with tinges of electronic music, mixed with live instrumentation, all rounded out with an edgy aesthetic.”

Then add in some Macklemore and Ryan Lewis who have just exploded, not simply nationwide, but around the world; along with Colorado staple, Air Dubi, and you are in for an insane night. Quickly go and find tickets before scalping becomes a last restort, you don’t want to miss this show.

ANNOUNCEMENT: G&E are hitting the road with Atmosphere and Slightly Stoopid

This summer, the Kickin' Up Dust tour will be hitting the U.S. hard with a stacked lineup of Eligh and The Grouch, The Budos Band, Slightly Stoopid, and Atmosphere. Be prepared for more music than you may know what to do with.

While Atmosphere and G&E bring the hip-hop, The Budos Band and Slightly Stoopid will take the tour to a new level of diverse music. This is going to be an exciting string of shows. 

Be prepared to buy your tickets fast. Venues will be selling out quicker than you may think. 

More on the Kickin' Up Dust tour coming soon.

Denver was swept off their feet by the Current Swell

By Peyton Owen

Current Swell’s first time performing in Denver was not only a shock to the people that came out to the Marquis Theater that night, but it seemed as if the band was equally amazed at how the crowd embraced their music. Everyone was on the same level, singing along with the reggae, surf rock, blues, jazz, roots, etc. songs of Current Swell without holding back. This unique group of guys showed up in Denver just after a major snowstorm, and still all expectations for the show were met and even exceeded.

Current Swell came on stage around 10:15 pm. You could feel the excitement and anticipation in the air as the crowed gathered to get as close to the stage as possible, when BOOM! The Current Swell jumped into their first song, “Room of the Faded Moon.” The energy in the room exploded like fireworks in your backyard.

It took Current Swell a couple songs to warm up to the vibe of the venue, sound, audience, and simply playing in Denver, just as any other band. However, once they fell into their comfort zone, it was as if Stanton, bassist Ghosty, drummer Chris ‘Chrispy’ Peterson, and guitarist Davers Lang, let the music flow as naturally as when it was created. Completely consumed by music, this talented group of guys played as if it were their last night of their lives.

Lead singer Scott Stanton said into the microphone, “Denver, this is our first time here and we love it!” the crowd roared with excitement in response.

The band’s sound took on a new form when hearing their studio-produced albums in comparison to experiencing Current Swell live (this video doesn't do them justice).  It wasn’t simply the music that made seeing Current Swell live refreshing, but the genuine connection they made with fans. Current Swell took their vibrant sound without soft, sleepy overtones, which many of their tracks possess, and amped them up. Each unexpected point throughout the show, playing so hard you wondered if their instruments would crumble to pieces, were experiences that can only be felt live with Current Swell.

If you go to concerts to hear exactly what is on band’s studio album, then Current Swell would crush all your hopes and dreams. They played their music as if it were clay then added some cherry bombs to create an exhilarating feeling and surprising sound. You just want to do it again! 

They rocked out without thinking twice about what cord, beat, or note to generate. This made it clear that the strong bond between each band member was unbreakable. Current Swell was a unit. It’s rare to  go see a live band where all are equal on stage like the guys unconsciously did. The 150 or so in the audience could feel it too.

Off Current Swell’s latest album, Long Time Ago, there was a track called “Brad’s Song,” which was stripped down raw from the acoustic melody to eerie lyrics. It gave the song a mysterious sound and feel to it. There was something rooted deeper behind the music, but you aren’t quite able to grasp on to. Current Swell let everyone in the audience know.

Lang decided to open up about how personal “Brad’s Song” was to his heart. Many were caught off guard by the left turn in Current Swell’s insane performance. Especially after high energy tracks like “Stomach” and “Chesterman's Valley.” It didn’t matter though. The audience was intently listening to Lang explain who Brad was on the most personal of levels. The extent of his emotional and vulnerable state was uncommon to come from musicians while on stage in front of a large group of strangers. However, Lang and all of Current Swell demonstrated how one song was able to make an entire venue, including the band, feel vulnerable as a whole. No a single person was a stranger after that.

“This next song is about one of our best friends who passed away a bit ago. Brad had a huge influence on my life…our lives. Brad changed my life forever,” as he looked at his friends with instruments behind him with full support. “This is for him.”

Lang started “Brad’s Song” soft and slow. Emotions were flying and a calm quiet put the room into a trance. You could hear the person next to you breathing. The crowd was completely engaged, anticipating every word. They will never meet Brad. But through the song, they made a connection with him.  Some even shed tears.  It was the most powerful moment of the entire show.

Each musician knew exactly when to play, one by one as Current Swell slowly built up the song. Silent with emotion, audience members moved along with the band. “Brad’s Song” gradually went from a sense of mourning and transformed into a celebration, much like the grieving process.

Current Swell made sure not to end this dedication to their late friend on a sad note. Instead, they shared how important Brad was to them through their inspiring performance. The Marquis’ intimacy added to Current Swell’s ability to create a connection with fans, since there was no way to miss a single drop of sweat come off their faces.

As the tension level was about to burst through the doors, every single member of Current Swell jumped up in the air and came down in sync strangling their instruments. It was an incredible moment. The rush of adrenaline seeing the Current Swell in person gave many the chills, but you couldn’t help sweating and banging your head like it was the 90s.

The show continued with no lack of intensity from Current Swell. Eventually, they ended the night with “How Can They Trust Us Now.” Everyone sang smiling right along until their voices were gone. It was as if Current Swell had played in Denver various times and Denver was simply welcoming them back with open arms. Rarely do concerts burn into your brain like this one, but it was incomparable to anything else.

As they came off stage, Current Swell kindly hung around by the merchandise booth and talked to star struck fans as well as anyone who just wanted to say “hello.” There wasn’t a fake or impersonal part to any of the various conversations people had with the guys. They gave you their fully engaged attention, which unfortunately most bands don’t do, particularly after the rush lingering from being on stage performing live.

This was one of the best shows in 2013 and a complete departure from anything on their albums. Denver will also be more than ready for Current Swell to come through next time. Denver loves their music.

Current Swell is now on tour in Australia with upcoming shows in Northbridge, Bunbury, and Byron Bay for their blues festival. 

For more photos from the show, click here.

Challenging hip-hop, The Herd has something to say to the listening

Written by Peyton S. Owen

Courtesy - The Herd

An eight-piece group called The Herd, from Sydney, Australia formed in 2001, when they signed to Elefant Traks Records. The record label then decided to latch on and put together several compilation albums, featuring their very first single “Scallops.” This was the first of many from this dynamic hip-hop group who have a tendency to stir up controversy, intentional or not.

As the group moved forward with their career, playing show after show and touring for several years, The Herd came out with one of their most popular tracks, “I Was Only 19.” The song was originally by Redgum, but The Herd made transformed it to become purely theirs. Eventually this song turned out to be one of the most requested songs on the Triple J radio in Australia. The connection was instant.

“I Was Only 19” is an anti-war track, out of the Vietnam War era, about a young man’s experience with Agent Orange, bombs exploding, friends dying all around him, all while trying to get home and get out of the terrorizing jungle. Basically, it comes down to how this man became numb to death, whether he wanted to or not. That's a part of war. 

It may seem as though this is an extremely depressing song, yet The Herd, with their full instrumental band playing right along with them, give “I Was Only 19” a sense of hope for the character in the story. They also share hope for Australian's a a whole, and who were invaded by Iraqi forces around this time. Massive brush fires consumed the country. The Herd does this through calming yet upbeat melodies that don’t have too somber of undertones. Instead they have more of a “looking on the bright side” feel to it. They make a point to also show the robotic repetition of having to go through the same experiences over and over again, while praying to make it home alive. It’s catchy and became very popular for that reason. People were able to relate to it on a more personal level as well.

Their success only continued to explode from there. Don't forget petty controversy that comes along with it. Although many critics would say that The Herd is a politically motivated hip-hop group due to how prevalent it may be interpreted in many of their songs, this isn't necessarily true. If you dig too deep into any metaphor, poem, song, etc. people can make up whatever they want based on things they create in their own minds...True or not. 

Politics aside though, The Herd has a message/opinion about a particular issue and metaphorically as well as directly challenge the opposition. In reality and slightly cliche, any kind of press/exposure is good press/exposure. True fans also don’t necessarily abandon a group that has been a part of their life for years (that is, unless you are a Metallica fan from the beginning, and once they cut their hair, and constantly complain about pirating music a departure is made…Metallica fans, you made the right decision. Old Metallica was pretty good though).

According to The Herd’s website, “In an unconventional set-up, The Herd perform with two MCs, two singers, an acoustic and an electric guitar, bass, piano, accordion, clarinet, laptops and MPC 1000s. It’s big!”

Courtesy - The Herd

That right there makes The Herd and their music something truly special. Who have you heard of with that vibrant of a sound which actually sounds good? Not too many...

Imagine watching them performing live. It would be incredible to see how all of the members flow together when there is so much happening on stage. That's talent. A few tracks that show just how unique they are as hip-hop artists are would be, “Unpredictable,” “Sum of it All" off their latest album Future Shade, "77%," and recently released "Signs of Life." 

"77%" is about how racist and politically backwards Australia truly is, according to The Herd (See chart). Although many can say there is racism all over the world, no matter where you go, their relentlessness on the track makes you wonder about what else is going on in Australian politics and social world that we aren't aware of. However, unless you have been to Australia (not on vacation), are Australian, or studied the culture then you can't say too much about this topic without eventually looking like an idiot. Either way, The Herd has something to say, so they let it out.

All of their albums are available to download by donation (screw you Lars Ulrich) on their website. 

The Herd continues to tour all across Australia as well as having their spots in line ups for various major music festivals in places such as Sydney. The Herd let their opinions be known to the masses, and it doesn't look like much is going to stop them. Whether you love them or hate them, they could care less because they are going to continue staying true to their beliefs and music. That’s something to admire, except when a hip-hop or other music type becomes so political that it starts to alienate the listener, which in turn pushes fans away from the music. 

You be the judge, but remember...You never can truly get the feel of a band until you see them live. Their next scheduled performance is April 20th with Hermitude of The Herd at the Big Pineapple Music Festival on the Sunshine Coast in Australia. If you are out there, grab some tickets before they sell out! It's already almost April!