Something Like Sound

I remember first hearing about Casiotone For The Painfully Alone shortly after the 2009 UMS. Recording enthusiast and friend of the blog Lance Stack invited me along to a CFTPA set that took place a couple days after my marathon weekend in the Baker neighborhood. While I never did make it down for that show, I did manage to catch CFTPA this past weekend as Owen Ashworth played his last Denver set.

I Am The Dot opened the night with a fully-live lineup featuring Eric Peterson (of Old Radio, Roger; Roll and Houses) on drums. Despite having only practiced two times prior to the performance, Zach Tipton’s previously-laptop-based songs translated well with the help of live keyboard and drums.

Houston-based Young Mammals injected their unique style of energetic pop-rock into a show that was primarily dominated by rather-melancholy acts. There were certain points throughout their set where I picked up on some of the subtle surf and shoegaze influences (heavy reverb on the mics and sunny guitar tone reminded me of Real Estate).

Otuoto (pronounced “oh-two-oh-toe”), an Australian act with a hard-to-pronounce name provided the penultimate set of the evening. I can best describe their sound as “Casiotone, with girls.” The soft voices of the two female singers blended and played off of their synthesizers and guitar.

It was clear that Owen Ashworth was trying to give the crowd what they wanted; after all, he is retiring CFTPA after the current tour. Even from the first few songs he was taking requests and telling jokes. As someone not particularly familiar with CFTPA, I decided to stand on the edge of the crowd to just take everything in (also, it was ridiculously hot in the middle of the audience). The atmosphere was doubly somber as the hushed audience bid their heavyhearted performer adieu.

To hear a full recording of Casiotone For The Painfully Alone at Hi-Dive, hop on over to The Flat Response. To see more photos click here.

Just because summertime is coming to a close doesn’t mean the good music has to stop. Here’s a few quick suggestions on shows to see in the coming weeks.

Denver Does Denver – 8/28, Meadowlark: Have you ever wondered what the Denver music scene would be like if Houses were responsible for “Handlebars”? Maybe you’d like to hear Night of Joy take on a few Paper Bird songs. Well, here’s your chance! Illiterate Magazine is hosting “Denver Does Denver” once again this year at the Meadowlark. To get a taste of last year’s offerings head over to The Flat Response.

The Knew – 9/10, Hi-Dive: Hot on the heels of their full length Pulperia and a set at MHMF 2010, The Knew are poised to release a 7″ titled Before It Ends. This 3-track record is quite the image of what it is to be a rock band in Denver (don’t take my word for it, download the entire thing here).

Casiotone For The Painfully Alone – 9/11, Hi-Dive: The melancholy sounds of Chicago’s CftPA will be well matched with the apocalyptic pop-styling of Denver’s I Am The Dot. The Flat Response also has a couple sets up to wet your whistle.

Note: If you haven’t already done so, visit The Flat Response. Lance Stack’s work is an invaluable archive and resource for any person who loves Denver’s music scene.