Kevin Johnston

95 stories · Page 4 of 5

ReviewsAlbum Review: Grey Paris – MedeaBerlin iconically represents the concepts of borders and breaking through them.Kevin Johnston · Oct 27, 2019PremieresVideo Premiere: Casual Male – Takin’ It EasyTim Lappin set out to make something of his own after years of playing in different projects like Nick Murphy (fka Chet Faker) and more. His new band Casual Male premiere their video for “Takin’ It Easy” via BandWagon today. The so-called “skate video’s” narrative depth hints at the flux of group dynamics with perhaps a not-so-on-the-nose influence bleeding through: Lappin’s hard-earned experience in the music world. Groups form, members join, and when the golden light hits just right, it’s beautiful.Kevin Johnston · Oct 25, 2019ReviewsAlbum Review: Paris Monster – LamplightThe initial jaw-dropping shock one goes through at their first Paris Monster show is thus: how are just two people doing this? Josh Dion simultaneously sings unstoppably pure, mammoth-powered soul while drumming and playing keys, and the ominous bass murk and whine of feedback via Geoff Kraly’s electric bass wired through modular synth pulse hard. Dion’s pure, eloquent vocal soars in an open atmosphere of Kraly’s electro-arpeggios; making high art out of foggy funk. The duo support Cory Wong at The Aggie on Halloween night as well as the Fox on November 1 and The Bluebird November 2.Kevin Johnston · Oct 18, 2019FeaturesSlim Cessna’s Auto Club: Denver’s Dark, Prolific Mess Passes The Test Of Time“Our audiences are like us,” Slim Cessna says. “They don’t belong in any category. More often than not, they’re just music lovers, and those are the people we attract.” With 27 years as a Colorado band, and several side-projects under their cowboy belts, Slim Cessna’s Auto Club brings their macabre, avante-garde roots music to Greeley for the first time, Friday, September 20 at the Moxi.Kevin Johnston · Sep 13, 2019PremieresVideo Premiere: chitchat – Right HereDenver synth-pop duo chitchat premiere the video for “Right Here” via BandWagon Magazine. Josh Kern, multi-instrumentalist, engineer and producer from such institutions as Rocky Mountain Recorders and the now-defunct band Left Hand Shakes teamed up with musical theater turned pop-punk vocalist Madisen Kwon forming the light yet emotive, nuanced electro-pop duo.Kevin Johnston · Sep 12, 2019PremieresVideo Premiere: Nuancer – Scratch That ItchAs exciting as an en masse display of Denver pop-cluster connectivity promises to be at Nuancer’s August 30 at The Hi-Dive, indie musical mastermind Daniel DiMarchi shines as a leader producing in the box. His solo project Nuancer (which is really anything but) premieres the video for “Scratch That Itch” today on BandWagMag.com.Kevin Johnston · Aug 16, 2019FeaturesWyoming Parties On The Edge: K-Flay Plays Cheyenne’s Edge Fest At New AmphitheatreThe 5th annual Edge Fest on August 24 in Cheyenne Wyoming is anything but country. The free outdoor concert in a brand-new amphitheatre park features K-Flay, a Grammy-winning, out, female rapper as the headliner.Kevin Johnston · Aug 14, 2019PremieresSingle Premiere: Kind Dub featuring Sarah Slaton – Limited TimeLimited Time” is a ‘life is short’ anthem aligned with vocalist Sarah Slaton and FoCo Hip Hop duo Kind Dub’s perspectives on collaboration. Stream it exclusively at BandWagMag before it drops worldwide tomorrow, July 12 and catch them at Hip Hop On The Hillside on Friday, July 19 at The Mishawaka Amphitheatre.Kevin Johnston · Jul 11, 2019PremieresMusic Video Premiere: Swerve – “Green”Swerve premiere “Green” – their debut music video – today via BandWagon Magazine. Goofy though they are, the Greeley’s quintet are an impressive and funky force newly unleashed on the Northern Colorado music scene. Having won the 2019 BandWagon Battle Of The Bands, the outfit play The Greeley Stampede on Tuesday night, July 2.Kevin Johnston · Jun 18, 2019PremieresAlbum Premiere: Bellhoss – GeraniumsGeraniums, Bellhoss’ debut record, premieres today via BandWagon Magazine! The ennui of this 7-song bummer-rock collection engages without dragging it’s heels; a credit to Becky Hostetler’s honest, forward-leaning twang which distinctly brightens up the mid-tempo telecaster sway throughout, bringing to mind Pinegrove, ALVVAYS, and even Kurt Vile in feel and frankness.Kevin Johnston · Jun 3, 2019MusicAlbum Review: Tyto Alba – SuckerA newfound polish and poise comes to Denver dream pop / shoegaze indie rockers Tyto Alba with their forthcoming record Sucker, out May 4. Melanie Steinway’s yelp of “we gotta bring this sucker down” peeks out amidst rich, swirling builds like something off The Cure’s “Disintegration.”Kevin Johnston · Apr 29, 2019ReviewsAlbum Review: Trash Cat – Welcome To Trash CityTry not to say “quirky” when describing Trash Cat. Red-headed singer/bandleader Mary Claxton wields a sassy ukulele, backed by her husband Brian, a beardy University jazz instructor, and funky, mohawked baritone saxophonist Hayden Farr. (Say what?) Throw in references to Scooby Doo and titles like “Robot Girlfriend” and it pretty much seals the quirky deal. Plus, their release show takes place inside a laser tag arena. Say what?Kevin Johnston · Mar 25, 2019ReviewsAlbum Review: DEBR4H – Taipei Rock CityMoving forward takes change. Luckily for indie synth pop fans, Jed Murphy did just that.Kevin Johnston · Feb 18, 2019ReviewsAlbum Review: Kaitlyn Williams – SunsetThere’s a youthful power to Kaitlyn WIlliams’ lark-like breathiness. Her debut EP ‘Sunset’ reveals fun, Beyoncé-in-the-bathtub tones and vocal runs contrasting her stronger suit of vulnerable introversion a-la The Staves. Williams glides over electro-climaxes with cool touches of distant synth yowls. Slip into something more comfortable and prepare for a close, rewarding listen.Kevin Johnston · Jan 19, 2019FeaturesGogol Bordello – An American Band Of GypsiesEach member of Gogol Bordello’s multicultural melange grandstands throughout, exuding practically nuclear energy. From Russian-born Pelekh’s dizzying solos to Pedro Erazo’s spitfire Ecuadorian rapping en Español, native Ethiopian Thomas Gobena’s rich, reggae bass and more, the whole band take the spotlight with a prowess that commands respect, invigorating Gogol’s crazy crowds. Catch their New Year’s shows at The Aggie December 30, The Ogden December 28 and 29, and The Boulder Theater December 31.Kevin Johnston · Dec 21, 2018FeaturesMisty Boyce – Lady Boss Among LordsMisty Boyce is no stranger to big stages in Colorado.Kevin Johnston · Oct 2, 2018FeaturesBreaking News: Comedian Gallagher Suffers Heart Attack, Postpones September DatesLegendary smash-comedian Gallagher has suffered a heart attack early this morning, September 11th, 2018. Postponing a slew of shows including his only scheduled appearance for September at The Moxi Theater in Greeley, Colorado September 16th, the 72-year-old performer is currently in recovery at a Los Angeles hospital. At the of time of this article, his recovery status is unknown.Kevin Johnston · Sep 11, 2018FeaturesGreg Holden Is Ready For The Power ShiftGreg Holden’s music has always been incredibly timely and inspired. Rallying the emotions of a global fan base, the British born singer-songwriter’s tunes might be more familiar to you than you think. “Half of it boils down to the fact that I’m writing about current events. The way I’ve written has always changed and it really is just whatever has been swirling around in my head. I don’t sit down and say ‘I’m gonna write a song about a Sudanese refugee now’ – I just wait for it to hit me.” Catch him with Butch Walker at The Bluebird Theater this Sunday, September 9th.Kevin Johnston · Sep 6, 2018FeaturesThe Great Salmon Famine – Pinnacle FunA fun-focused consideration of audience perspective permeates the party ethos of The Great Salmon Famine. Releasing the single “The Funky Circus” September 4 via bandwagmag.com and winning our 2018 Battle Of The Bands with a dancey, fan-favorited final round, their energetic live show is an expected highlight at this year’s Block Party in downtown Greeley on Friday, September 21.Kevin Johnston · Sep 1, 2018PremieresSingle Premiere: The Great Salmon Famine – The Funky CircusThis month’s cover story and 2018 Bandwagon Battle Of The Bands winner The Great Salmon Famine premiere their lead single The Funky Circus via Bandwagmag.com today.Kevin Johnston · Sep 1, 2018