Something Like Sound

When I saw Dead Confederate last week at the Mile High Music Festival, I was blown away by their live set. A flurry of distorted guitars and hard-hitting beats, I was impressed. As part of my post-coverage of MHMF, I got a copy of the group’s debut full-length Wrecking Ball for a review. My first thought: can this record live up to their live show?

From the first few tracks, the listener can’t help but get pulled in to the album experience. The heavily distorted guitars and Kurt Cobain-esque vocals aren’t necessarily a direct Nirvana influence, but something unique. Perhaps the best parallel I can think of right now is Colour Revolt meets Neil Young & Crazy Horse, turned up to 11.

From the firey start, the tracks “The Rat” and “Goner” stick out for their lyrical hooks and composition. “It Was A Rose” changes the pace nicely, with a slow-burning tempo and generous use of slide guitar (a little southern flare from this Georgia-based group). Toward the end of the album, the tracks become more drawn out and much more mellow (“The News Underneath” and “Flesh Colored Canvas” add up to nearly 20 minutes of music).

What struck me about the album-experiance (as opposed to the live experience) was the amount of clarity. Rather than just rocking out, amps all blaring, these tracks take the time and fidelity to develop something that is more accessible.

For more on Dead Confederate, be sure to watch our interview with the band, and hit up their website. Wrecking Ball is available on iTunes, and wherever music is sold. Listen to “The Rat” right here:

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All the way from Athens, GA, Dead Confederate came up to Denver to play the Mile High Music Festival and we had a chance to talk with these guys. I also received their album Wrecking Ball in the mail today, expect a proper review of it soon.

The Fray’s Isaac Slade // Photo by Tim Weilert

So here it is. After 2 incredible days (both incredibly musical and long), it’s time to look back on what stood out at this year’s Mile High Music Festival.

Saturday

From the first set I saw, I knew it was going to be a good day. Gregory Alan Isakov was a nice way to start, a sort of maudlin Bob Dylan, with a classy approach to playing music. The good vibes kept going as I went to see Rob Drabkin play his funky brand of pop-music. I got to see most of Matt Nathanson‘s set, although I missed “Car Crash” (he played it as I walked away). I took a bit of a break to interview Big Head Todd and the Monsters, then it was time to catch the end of the Gomez set (the few songs I saw were quite enjoyable). After talking with Rob Drabkin, I caught some of Ani Difranco‘s politically-charged brand of folk music. After taking a break for some much needed shade and water, I set off to see Big Head Todd and the Monsters, and was thoroughly impressed with the solid rock music I heard there.

The rest of the day was a bit frantic. After interviewing Dead Confederate, I rushed to catch up with the photographers for the Incubus set. I enjoyed hearing “Megalomaniac,” and I thought their cover of Prince’s “Let’s Go Crazy” was the best way any band could end a set. I snuck away from Incubus for a quick listen at G. Love and Special Sauce, and I thought his hip-hop inspired alternative rock sound played well with the mood that afternoon. The lighting for photography was excellent as the sun set and Ben Harper and Relentless7 took the stage (anyone who can play lap steel that well has my respect).

I caught some of The Black Keys, although not enough to really get a grasp for their sound. Tool was interesting. I’m glad to say I’ve seen them (as are most of the people who were there), I was simply not a fan of their photo policy. Sure, they haven’t played a show in a few years, and this was a big event, but a little more humility would have gone a long way. Other than that, it certainly was trippy (the audio/visual experience was really indescribable).

Widespread Panic was definitely a good way to end the night. The down to earth, organic sounds those “old guys” made were simply mind-blowing. I doubt I have ever seen such amazing musicianship. Their set, however, was at the end of what was a very long day. So I stayed as long as I could, but soon had to head home to rest up for day 2.

Sunday

If I thought Saturday was packed, I didn’t even see Sunday coming. Straight out of the gates I saw alterna-rockers Strange Condition (first time I saw them play since opening for Love.45 4 or 5 years ago). It was a little too rowdy for a Sunday morning. Paper Bird was definitely what I was looking for. Self described as makers of “joyful” music, I was certainly feeling good listening to their beautiful harmonies and folk instruments. Honeyhoney was also a nice surprise, although I must say that they should consider picking up a few more band members, it would make for a better live set.

I listened to the first part of Jack’s Mannequin and they played the 3 songs of theirs I really like, so I was content with it. From contentment to utter amazement, my demeanour changed as I watched Dead Confederate unleash a wave of sound. Their grunge-tinged southern rock was what really woke me  up that day. I proceeded to see Jet play through a number of catchy tunes, and I stuck around just long enough to hear “Are You Gonna Be My Girl?” I took some time off to recharge my batteries (both electrically and phyically), and do an interview with Paper Bird. I wandered a bit, catching some of Gogol Bordello, then headed off to see Buddy Guy.

It’s not every day that you can say you saw a blues legend. Buddy Guy certainly held up his reputation as he interwove raspy vocals with blues guitar. He was incredibly animated as he sang songs that unfolded more like stories from a book. I left a little early so I could catch DeVotcKa play some of their gypsy-inspired folk music. I found their use of theremin to be absolutely charming. Up next was the sexy, smooth dance beats of Thievery Corporation (I stayed long enough to hear “Lebanese Blonde” then I was off again. I tried to get in to 3Oh!3, but it was simply too packed. I ended up at Robert Randolph & The Family Band, and once again was impressed by the steel guitar. At this point I took another break to hydrate and prepare for the barrage that was the rest of the day.

I briefly saw Matisyahu and Gov’t Mule before ending up at Pepper. The storm clouds by this point were looking rather ominous, everyone was praying for the storm to pass. Pepper began to play, the wind picked up and the crowd rocked out. Fortunately the storm quickly turned south and there was no serious rainfall. Finally it was time for The Fray. Going in to the festival weekend I had my doubts about this group. My presumptions quickly faded away as they took the stage. Not only were they right-on music-wise, but also visually. Their set (which I believe they bought from U2) was absolutely stunning, with lights matching the mood of the music incredibly well. As The Fray finished up I decided to head home (I opted to skip Widespread Panic’s Sunday set, since I was simply exhausted and had seen them the night before).

So what’s the takeaway? Denver is a music city, with some rather eclectic tastes. It makes sense that the Mile High Music Festival would have the lineup it had, because it reflects well on the city’s roots. Throughout the entire weekend, the experience was colorful and uniquely Coloradoan.

Tomorrow I’ll do a formal write-up and begin posting interviews (I talked with Paper Bird today)

Paper Bird

HoneyHoney

Jack’s Mannequin

Dead Confederate

Jet

Buddy Guy

Devotchka

Thievery Corporation

Gov’t Mule

Pepper

The Fray

All photos by Tim Weilert

I don’t have time or space to talk about everyone coming to Mile High Music Festvial this year, so here are some of the highlights, and acts I will personally try to see:

Saturday (7/18)

Gregory Alan Isakov (11:15 am, Westword Tent): This guy has some incredible singing and songwriting talent. A recent addition to the festival, Denver-based Gregory Alan Isakov is sure to be a good show for fans of Rocky Votolato, so show up early to support this local.

Rob Drabkin (12 noon, FirstBank Stage): I’ve already talked about Rob, but if you didn’t want to spend your time reading my last posts just know he’s a great listen for fans of Dave Matthews, and he really fits well with the vibe of the festival.

Matt Nathanson (1:15 pm, Main Stage West): I picked up some Matt Nathanson records a few years back, and I must say his heartfelt approach to music and positive messages leave you feeling good.

Big Head Todd and the Monsters (4pm, Main Stage East): Also did a post about these guys already, see them for some of the best examples of a genuine Colorado band.

Incubus (5:30 pm, Main Stage West): I’ve heard quite a bit of Incubus on the radio, but never seen them live. Also, my roommate keeps telling me I must see them.

(I’m a little torn about who to see at 7pm, so I’ll cover both, who knows where I’ll end up)

Ben Harper & Relentless7 (7 pm, Main Stage East): Good ol’ fashioned rock music, enough said.

The Black Keys (7pm, Westword Tent): Heartland indie rock music, these guys mix banjos, guitars, and a healthy amount of reverb together to create something enjoyable.

Tool (8:45pm, Main Stage West): Their first show since 2006 (or maybe it was ’07, either way it’s been a long time). Westword, and my roommate, highly suggested this one, and since no one else is playing at this time, you MUST see them.

Widespread Panic (10:45pm, Main Stage East): On the flyers it says their set will go until 2 am, get ready for some intense folk rock.

Sunday

Paper Bird (12 noon, Rhapsody Tent): The recent winners of the Westword Music Showcase Awards Americana category, I love this local group’s folk sound and flurry of bluegrass instruments.

Dead Confederate (1:30 pm, Westword Tent): Also did a post about these guys already, remember, indie rock from Athens, GA.

Jet (2pm, Main Stage East): Are you gonna be my girl?

Gogol Bordello (3pm, Main Stage West): Gyspy punks, these guys always put on a fun show

(another toss up at 4pm, but I’m going with Buddy Guy, he’s a legend, and Devotchka is local, we can see them any time)

Buddy Guy (4pm, Main Stage East): Mentioned above, he’s literally a LEGEND, don’t miss him. I’d put him up there with B.B. King and Eric Clapton.

(Gah! another one at 5:30, well, I’m going with Thievery Corporation, since I’ve seen 3Oh!3 twice already in the last year)

Thievery Corporation (5:30pm, Main Stage West): I’ve always loved the track these guys contributed to the Garden State Soundtrack. They create musical gold.

Matisyahu (6:45pm, Westword Tent): What is there not to love about a rappin’ rabbi?

The Fray (8:30pm, Main Stage East): These hometown legends have returned to their roots to headline Denver’s newest, and biggest music festival, don’t miss them.

Photo Courtesy Razor & Tie Media / Pamela Littky

I remember not seeing Manchester Orchestra when they decided to tour with Kevin Devine and Dead Confederate last year, and how I missed out on seeing another up-and-coming indie-rock group from Georgia (Athens, specifically). Well, I’m finally going to get my chance to see Dead Confederate this year at Mile High Music Festival, and on top of that we’ve got an interview scheduled with them!

Check them out Sunday at the Westword tent at 1:30. For those who want to see D.C., but don’t have the means to make it to MHMF can see these guys play a headlining show this Friday (July 17) at the Bluebird Theater.

For much more information on Dead Confederate, check out their blog and MySpace

Listen to “The Rat” here

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