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Valerie Vampola

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FeaturesFinding Herself: Briana Harris Steps Up as Band Leader on Debut Album When We’re FoundOn a whim, Briana Harris submitted a grant proposal along with a demo of her soulful song “Ground Up” which she had performed for The Burroughs’ Virtual Telethon in 2020.Valerie Vampola · Oct 5, 2022

MusicAlbum Review: mon cher – tell me babyDenver’s femme trio, mon cher, explore synth-driven dream pop in their new EP tell me baby. It’s meditative and vibey, reminiscent of synth-pop groups like Washed Out (the group that wrote the “Portlandia” theme) and the Minecraft’s ethereal composer, C418.Valerie Vampola · Jul 19, 2022

MusicSingle Review: Eufórquestra – “Arizona to Georgia”Eufórquestra’s recent single, “Arizona to Georgia,” leans into groovy funk-rock, with jammy vibes and a big sound, reminiscent of early Steely Dan or Steve Miller’s “Fly Like an Eagle.” This song has a lot of potential to extend to a full jam, pushing audiences to have a “little less talk, a little more listen” as the lyrics demand.Valerie Vampola · Jul 6, 2022

MusicAlbum Review: Companion – Second Day of SpringFort Collins based identical twin sisters Sophia and Jo Babb, otherwise known as Companion, release their debut folk/americana album Second Day of Spring with vocal harmonies that match as perfectly as their DNA.Valerie Vampola · Jun 8, 2022

MusicAlbum Review: Neoma – HyperrealDenver synth-pop resident Neoma brings her Ecuadorian influences to the Front Range with her new album Hyperreal.Valerie Vampola · Jun 3, 2022

MusicEP Review: Elektric Animals – ChannelsDenver’s Elektric Animals ring in the summer via the upbeat rock sound of their new EP Channels.Valerie Vampola · May 2, 2022

MusicEP Review: Ronan Andrews – Quarter Life CrisisRonan Andrews’ new solo EP Quarter Life Crisis features upbeat and bright pop with some groovy jazz and soul undertones that should please fans of Mayor Hawthorne or Silk Sonic. There’s a happy, feel-good air about his songs, like the upbeat opening track “Dancing Like a Fool,” featuring a bouncing piano groove, full vocal harmonies and cool guitar licks. It gives “Sunday Morning” by Maroon 5 feelings, especially when the piano plays lush, jazz-influenced chord changes.Valerie Vampola · Apr 25, 2022

MusicAlbum Review: Holdfast. – MoviesHoldfast.’s new album Movies brings their expected electro dark-pop and rock aesthetic but leans into other styles that open their doors to new fans. Singer Charlie Maddocks demonstrates a dramatic contrast in dynamics, one that MUSE’s lead Matt Bellamy is well known for, though Maddocks’ tone is undoubtedly his own, becoming one of Colorado’s most recognizable lead vocals. Holdfast. continues to deliver strong songs while experimenting with new sounds and textures.Valerie Vampola · Apr 6, 2022

MusicAlbum Review: Kaitlyn Williams – Under These Lights“Under These Lights,” the new album from Denver’s Kaitlyn Williams, walks the line between neo soul and music for the masses, departing from the bedroom pop she showcased in her 2019 album and subsequent singles. A contributing factor to this shift in style is the live recording, which leaves less room for glittery production and more room for natural musicianship.Valerie Vampola · Apr 4, 2022

MusicAlbum Review: Dead Man’s AlibiFort Collins-based Dead Man’s Alibi keeps a post-grunge metal sound while tossing in some blues on their debut.Valerie Vampola · Mar 10, 2022

MusicAlbum Review: Big Brooklyn – Everyone EverywhereDenver based Big Brooklyn begs the question “what is jazz?” with their new album Everyone Everywhere, in which every track dips a toe into different sub-genres underneath the jazz umbrella.Valerie Vampola · Mar 9, 2022

MusicSingle Review: Isadora Eden f. Duke Justice – “Glycerine” [Bush Cover]Eden’s reimagining of the Bush classic fits the song’s mystical and mysterious feelings of being in love by surrounding the listener with ambient synths and heavy reverbs. Justice’s vocals have a grungy texture reminiscent of Bush frontman Gavin Rossdale, a nice call-back to the original.Valerie Vampola · Feb 22, 2022

MusicSingle Review: Bekka Jean – “What If I Forget About You ='(”Following the passing of her mother, Greeley’s Bekka Jean independently released her folky, shoegaze single “What If I Forget About You ='(” in the vein of Phoebe Bridgers.Valerie Vampola · Feb 7, 2022

MusicSingle Review: The Burroughs – “My House My Car”The Burroughs continue to progress their sound while retaining some of the retro vibe that first captured the hearts of Northern Colorado: 70’s and 80’s musical tropes, a…Valerie Vampola · Feb 4, 2022

MusicAlbum Review: Fast Eddy – Take A LookAs modern rock groups lean into synthesized productions, Denver’s Fast Eddy keeps the standard rock ‘n roll traditions alive in their new full-length album Take A Look.Valerie Vampola · Feb 3, 2022

MusicAlbum Review: Crescent City Connection – Yeah You Right!Fort Collins based Crescent City Connection brings New Orleans flavor to the Colorado funk-rock scene with their new album Yeah You Right!Valerie Vampola · Jan 6, 2022

MusicAlbum Review: Magpie the Band – Under The Maple TreeFolk trio Magpie the Band emerges into the Northern Colorado scene with their debut ‘Under The Maple Tree,’ featuring more Celtic and Eastern European sounds than the western…Valerie Vampola · Dec 10, 2021

MusicSingle Review: Emma Griffin – Sell My Soul“Sell My Soul” is a breakthrough for Emma Griffin, allowing her to keep the Lorde and Billie Eilish sound she’s established while introducing a blues touch.Valerie Vampola · Dec 9, 2021

MusicSingle Review: Poinciana – Focus“Focus” features tender vocals by lead singer Sawyer Davis and beautiful acoustic guitar picking, but Poinciana doesn’t abandon high-energy rock.Valerie Vampola · Dec 6, 2021

MusicSingle Review: Elektric Animals – “Cheers”Elektrik Animals dish up alternative rock and upbeat feelings without superficial optimism on the new single “Cheers.”Valerie Vampola · Nov 24, 2021