Something Like Sound

In recent years, the music scene in Denver has grown and transformed. As the Mile High City continues to play host to world-famous musicians, the homegrown music scene continues to burst at the seams. Specifically, the hardcore scene in Denver has seen quite a bit of excitement in the last few years. In summer 2007, when longtime Denver hardcore group Vaux decided to call it quits, things were looking fairly grim. However, as I witnessed Friday night, the Denver hardcore scene is alive and kicking (and punching).

Fear Before, formerly known as Fear Before the March of Flames, was in town, playing at the Marquis Theater in LoDo. This show was significant in that it celebrated the release of the group’s new self-titled album.

The atmosphere at the Marquis that night was rather jovial and mischievous. Zombies, pirates and ghouls came out in addition to the hardcore scenesters. The emcee for the night was Maris the Great, a guy who dresses up like a zombie king and makes appearances at Denver area punk shows. The first couple of bands, In Separate Cities and Set Fire To Athens, got the crowd moving and kept things at a reasonable pace.

Up next was the band High Five. This hardcore group played their set while dressed up like cops (similar to what you’d see on Reno 911 or Super Troopers). Although I did not find their music very enthralling, I was entertained by the large group of hardcore dancers that took over the main floor of the venue. “Tear this place apart!” yelled High Five’s lead singer as they started their set. Flying fists, scissor kicks, flailing arms and various kinds of flips came from the crowd as heavy beats filled the venue.

After High Five came a slight change of genre. The pop-punk band Animo played through their set, which was a nice changeup. Their lyrics were actually discernable and their melodies were catchy. At one point they even threw in a Misfits cover, and later did a sing-a-long.

Finally, it was time for the main act. Fear Before, for as long as I have been following them, has been on a constant journey with their sound. This show celebrated their new material, while paying homage to their older songs. With guitars blaring, lights flashing, and costumes in place, Fear Before played through an hour-long set. The best way to describe the set is to say that it began as a slow burner. The crowd, tired and battered from four previous bands, almost seemed ready to go home.

However, as Fear Before continued through the night, the energy and intensity in the venue rose, and then peaked toward the end of the set. They played through some of my personal favorite Fear Before songs, such as “Mouth,” “High As A Horse” and a new number, “Fear Before Doesn’t Listen To People Who Don’t Like Them.” In all, the concert was an exciting homecoming for one of Denver’s most innovative hardcore bands.