Branded Bandits, King Washington, Crash Kings

April 3rd, 2014

Larimer Lounge, Denver, Colorado

Branded Bandits, King Washington, Crash Kings 

In 2009, Crash Kings opened for Robert Schwartzman's Rooney along with Tally Hall. It is the first time I had been exposed to this band and, as the saying goes, it was love at first sight! 

The beauty of an alternative rock band sans the guitar was just so intriguing and Antonio Beliveau's captivating vocals along with impeccable bass lines from his brother, Michael, left the audience satisfied and not "high and dry".

 

In 2010, my brother and I won tickets to see them at the Bluebird Theatre in Denver, Colorado (same venue as Rooney show). The captivation amplified exponentially especially hearing a guitar- less version of Black Sabbath's "War Pigs"! After the show had the pleasant opportunity to meet the amazingly down-to-earth and humble brothers along with their former drummer, Jason Morris. 

Fast forward 4 years, between graduating with 2 majors and working multiple jobs in 2 countries as well as traveling, finally had the privilege of attending the April 3rd show with my wonderful concert partner and brother! Both opening acts (Branded Bandits and King Washington) were musically appealing and engaging with the audience. Mr. Billy Lee from King Washington has the moves and the hair!

Finally, 11:15pm rolls around and the boys are back in town gracing the stage with new drummer, Tom Roslak! It is a refreshing dynamic in the band from prior years and all three focus their energies on letting the instruments and profound lyrics do the talking. 

Set list:

6 foot tall

1985

Non believer

It's only Wednesday 

Inside upside Down

Hesitate

Hot fire 

Dressed to the 9's

Shameless little monkeys

You got me

Lonely war

My love

14 arms

All along

New song

Mountain Man

Encore:

Come away

Saving grace

 

Side note: I will admit, I did not know any of the songs from the second album as I had bought it after the show. In amongst the chaos of life, was predominantly focusing on newfound addiction in Gogol Bordello and a few local bands.

This show was one of the best my brother and I had been to in a while! Afterwards, we waited for a bit to meet the three exceptionally talented musicians to express appreciation and support! Of course had to have a photo with Tony (favourite lyricist of this generation and overall fun guy!), Michael (mystifying the bass' true nature and, I have to admit, had a crush since 2009) and Tom (the coolest conversationalist and drummer ever!)

Thank you so much for a wonderful night!

To my readers, if you have the chance- go, go, go see them! You will have an awesome time! 

The best concert ever

So December 5th, 2009 marked the best concert experience i have ever had! I was privileged to be in the presence of Rooney as well as Tally Hall and the Crash Kings. Never have i felt a strong connection with any artist as i have with Rooney and their music. I first heard of them in 2001 because of the lead vocalist's appearance in the Princess Diaries (Yes, i was a tweenager and thought he was incredibly swoonworthy, but there's more than meets the eye). Anyway, i bought their self-titled cd and absolutely fell in love with it ("That Girl Has Love" really is worth a listen as well as "Blueside", the whole cd is filled with wonderful songs). I continued listening to them, bought the second cd, Calling the World (all songs are brilliant but my favourites are "Are you Afraid?", "Help Me Find My Way", "When did Your Heart go Missing?", and "Paralyzed"), and the rest is history (as well as the future, my support for these guys will never ever ever disappear, y'all have that in writing now) :) Anyway, I had the chance to see them perform live and the way that Robert (the lead vocalist) sang each song, it was as if he poured his heart into the audiences' hand, he was just that passionate! Music is something that is supposed to speak to you, it's something that a lot of modern day artists have failed to accomplish. Rooney is the exception to that statement. The songs just tug at my heartstrings and allow me to envision what the songwriter (Robert actually writes a majority of the songs himself, Talented man!) is going through. A lot of the scenarios in the music made me empathetic as i've been down that road before and never knew how to deal with the situation. I am truly appreciative to have been able to get a glimpse of the band by meeting the members. I can honestly say that they are wonderful people and that they really care about their fans. At the shows, they take time out to talk to their fans, which a majority of artists nowadays don't. Rooney has shown me a different side of the whole Hollywood realm that you can still remain who you are and not having to constantly be in the public eye (no names shall be mentioned) and, overall, shown me what it is to show compassion towards fellow mankind! All of you who have stumbled upon this should really take some time out and listen to them! You won't regret it, I certainly haven't! Viva la Rooney!