The UMS: Friday

I’m so proud to live in a city with such an amazing, vibrant music scene. Denver doesn’t exactly come to mind when people think of a booming music scene, but it absolutely is. Not only is the Mile High City a popular spot for national acts to hit, but there is a thriving community of local musicians that
will blow your mind. I could easily fill my schedule with Colorado bands that I love alone. If you’re not familiar with this, check out the Underground Music Showcase (UMS). Three hundred bands pack into twenty-five venues over four days to rock your world.

The UMS is a bit daunting, to me anyway. I spend more time than I probably should hopping from show to show without a festival environment. Thus is the blessing/curse of a “music journalist”. I started out this year with a complex list, with highlighted acts, times, and locations that I had to see. The list of acts I missed is just as long, if not longer. Fitting in food, friends, shade, and even some sleep now and then narrows the list even more. Cameras and will-power in hand, I managed to see and hear quite a bit. Three days later (I only made a brief appearance on Thursday), I emerge bruised, battered, and exhausted but still very much in love with Denver and its sounds.

Speakeasy Tiger [full set]

I arrived around 6:00, just in time to catch a bit of Speakeasy Tiger‘s set. This band just got finished with a run on Warped Tour and I’ve been curious to see them for awhile now. They are very energetic and seemed to be having a lot of fun.

Le Divorce [full set]

I also popped into the Hi-Dive to catch a few songs of Le Divorce. This band had a Pixies-style indie-rock feel to them.

Danielle Ate the Sandwich [full set]

I had hoped to catch a bit of A Mouthful of Thunder at this point, but the stage was running behind, so I headed back up to see Danielle Ate the Sandwich. This was my first time seeing Danielle, despite being a fan of her music and her being a local musician. I always seem cursed to have a conflict with her shows. The set was marvelous- Danielle has a wicked sense of humor and the amazing musical skill to go with it.

Paper Bird [full set]

Across the lot, Paper Bird took over with their vintage, bandstand sound. This band is always a blast to see and manages to surprise me with the mix of players and styles.

Accordion Crimes [full set]

I also made it to a bit of the Accordion Crimes set down the block during this time block. This band is a bit harder than what I usually listen to, full of electricity and distortion.

John Common and The Blinding Flashes of Light [full set]

John Common and The Blinding Flashes of Light took the Goodwill parking lot stage next. The weather had finally cooled down to tolerable and this band was great.

Papa Bear [full set]

My next stop was for Papa Bear. I’d never even heard of this act before but loved, loved, loved it. The Irish Rover was packed with people (understandably) going crazy for the music. It was this passionate, folk-punk mix backed with horns from Paper Bird. I would’ve bought a CD if I could’ve found one. I’ll be keeping watch for this band to play again.

Bad Weather California [full set]

I stayed at the Irish Rover for a few songs of Bad Weather California‘s set- another band that is always great then had to get in line at the Hi-Dive to make These United States.

These United States [full set]

It was a thousand degrees in the Hi-Dive, which was packed to capacity. I managed to get against the stage, all the while desperately hoping that I didn’t faint. These United States rocked my world and woke me up. What an amazing band. I loved everything from the vocals to the incredible energy. Our own Amita just did a wonderful review of their new album that I hope you’ve seen.

Jessica Sonner [full set]

I had a nice walk to cool me down up to Sketch to close out my night with friend and favorite, Jessica Sonner. Jessica gave a darling performance that featured vocals from her friend Amy. It was great watching people filter into the bar, mesmerized by the set.

My Favorites: Danielle Ate the Sandwich, Papa Bear, These United States, Jessica Sonner.