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! 

2011 Beginning

Wow, so where does time go? "Another year over and a new one just begun". A decade of the millennium finished. How did I ring in the new year? So on the 31st of December my family and I went to a wonderful French restaurant. I had French Onion soup (just had to), bread, butter, tea, wild mushroom risotto with butternut squash, pear, and brie, as well as, a chocolate dessert with gold leaf. Enjoyed the company of my family and watched fireworks in the city of Denver. Call it cliche, but I was playing Katy Perry's "Firework" in my mind. This year promises too much hope and bliss, I can only wish nothing but these two things to everyone in this world. As for resolutions this year:

"I, Cassandra, intend to not let anything get in my way. I also intend to put my whole heart into everything rather than dividing pieces and putting them in meaningless things. I intend to start on my new project, Bastard Postman, as a time-filler after studying. I intend to minimize facebook time and/or deactivate twitter. I intend to swim everyday in the summer regardless. Intend to actually spend more time on campus and actually be in theatre productions, spend more time at the zoo, and also travel. I would also like to spend as much time with the people who have inspired me as possible. Two last wishes for this year: To meet Ian Thorpe and to invest more in my spiritually and not continuously feel perpetually lost."

** So far I have successfully deactivated Twitter and spent a lot more time on campus and auditioned for a play in the theatre department in my university.

Just started my senior year in the university and it's an amazing start. Taking two physically intensive classes which have made me wonder why I stopped working out. Advil and Icyhot patches have become my 2 best friends. Still a Leo, despite the "changes" in the zodiac signs(depends on whether you follow eastern or western thought, regardless, I never changed). As far as music goes, I have maintained my favourite bands (read previous posts). Attending a few concerts this year that will be reviewed as they occur:

30 Seconds to Mars - January 21st

Rooney - February 25th

U2 - May 21st

(Haven't found information on the other bands I enjoy but hopefully they finalize dates soon =) )

Positivity is key this year! So to everyone, Thank you for reading and have a wonderful 2011!

Love, Peace, and Smiles,

Cassandra