It’s spring, which means that, beyond the birds singing and green grass growing, it’s music season in Colorado. With April here, tours are in full-swing, so we’ve compiled a list of the best indie concerts in and around Denver during the next couple months.
April 4 — , Gothic Theatre
Deer Tick is from Rhode Island, but the group’s indie-rockabilly sound is a natural fit for the Colorado music scene. Their live performances have earned the band a reputation as a raucous group. Add in the fact that local favorites the Knew are opening, and this show is solidified as a beer-chugging, whiskey-swigging Thursday night party.
April 6 — , 1stBank Center
It’s been more than four years since Sigur Rós came to Denver. Since then the group released 2012’s “Valtari,” announced “Kveikur,” which is due out in June and frontman Jónsi released a critically acclaimed solo album. It’s safe to say they’ve got some new material to bring to the Mile High City. Though this show may not be as ethereal as their last trip through Denver — the 2008 show was at Red Rocks — it’s still one of the most talked-about shows this spring.
April 11 — Now, Now, Larimer Lounge
Now, Now has a slightly tangled story. Originally known as Now, Now Every Children, the group has released three records on three different labels under two different names. With a history like that, it’s a wonder the group hasn’t been completely forgotten. That’s probably because they’ve been making some of the best confessional indie tunes of the past five years. Now they’re on the Chris Walla-run (of Death Cab For Cutie) Trans Records, an imprint of Atlantic Records. They’re co-headlining Larimer Lounge with label-mates the Lonely Forest.
April 26 — The Men, the Hi-Dive
When 2012’s “Open Your Heart” was released, the Men were labeled as the latest grungy Brooklyn punk band. Earlier this year they released “New Moon,” and their quickly-earned label quickly evaporated. “New Moon” meanders through genres with subtlety and ease. At times they sound like Deer Tick. At other points, they sound as if they’re still on the punk chariot. Diversity like that makes for a dynamic live show, and with the Men, the audience is at least guaranteed a night of screaming guitars.
April 28 — , Ogden Theatre
In contrast to the Men’s fast paced rock roots, James Blake’s Denver show will be an auditory narcotic. The British electronic musician’s compelling, mid-tempo anthems have earned him legions of fans, and his upcoming Denver show will likely be close to — if not — sold out. His upcoming album “Overgrown,” comes out on April 9, so it’s a safe bet that he’ll be performing a whole lot of new material.
5/07 — Metz, The Hi-Dive
Yes, only five months ago. The Canadian punk group’s 30-minute set at Larimer Lounge left the crowd wanting more, though, so it’s a good thing they’re coming back to town. Spring 2013 is laid out to be a great few months for fans of loud, sweaty concerts, and Metz is the closing curtain on this run of shows. The audience can expect to have a good time, if not a bloody nose by the end of the performance.
May 17 — , Bluebird Theatre
Black Moth Super Rainbow isn’t the weird hero Denver deserves, it’s the weird hero Denver needs. The group will bring some welcome eccentricity to the city for the first time since their headlining set at the 2012 UMS. It’s also the first show since their latest record, “Cobra Juicy.” Just take a look at the video below, and then ask yourself, “Why wouldn’t I see this band live?”
5/30 — , Red Rocks
It’s easy to hate them, yet easier to like them. The announcement that the Postal Service was going to be hitting the festival and tour circuit this year was kind of a big deal, and Denver’s lucky enough to get the legendary group — comprised of Death Cab For Cutie’s Ben Gibbard and Dntel’s Jimmy Tamborello — all to itself for a night. As with all Red Rocks shows, tickets to this will hurt the wallet, but it’s also the last time (probably) this band will ever play live. Does money even matter?
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Nic Turiciano is a writer and photographer in Fort Collins who is also an intern at the Denver Post. You can follow him on Twitter at or email him at nturiciano@gmail.com.
