You can really open up some new horizons this week — the best Denver shows are going to be straight up weird. Icelandic atmospheric rock? Check. Experimental indie-rock? You got it. Thankfully, a couple shows on Monday are holding down the, well, sanity.
4) Akron/Family — Wednesday, Larimer Lounge
Later this month, will release “Sub Verses,” the seventh chapter in the confusing story of one of folk’s weirdest bands. From what started with folk songs layered with strange, ambient noises has developed into some sort of Americana psych rock. It’s certainly fascinating to follow this evolution and the music that Akron/Family produces along the way. Wether they’re playing kazoos or leading the audience in meditation or hosting some sort of craft circle, an Akron/Family show could have any number of unexpected outcomes.
3) Purity Ring — Monday, Gothic Theatre
Last time came to Denver — following its carefully crafted electronic-pop debut — the band had to add a second show at the Larimer Lounge. This type of electronic music, with a sweet female singer over big, complex beats, has become a popular little sub-genre. The blog sensation Grimes, and the upcoming Chvrches are two that immediately come to mind. But Purity Ring is unique in that the duo puts as much obsession into the vocal harmonies coupled with compelling lyrics as it does into the computerized instrumentals. Here strong writing hits just as sharply as a high-hat buzz or as deep as a bass drop.
2) Band of Horses — Monday, Ogden Theatre
As individuals and as a musical group, has overcome some obstacles. First of all, there’s the unreasonably high expectations of being a Seattle band on Sub Pop Records. There’s also frontman Ben Bridwell’s history of bad luck and down moments. Luckily, thanks to some superb songwriting skills, Band of Horses has made it through the last seven years with four successful albums. While the band might not be as fashionable as it was in the mid-2000s, it has made up for its lack of style in growth as live musicians. The band plays the Ogden Theatre on Monday.
1) Sigur Rós — Saturday, 1stBank Center
’ music seems like what it would have sounded like if all the made-up creatures in J.R.R. Tolkien’s brain had started an indie band. Complete with a fantastic, self-created language that very well could be elvish, the ambient, glowing soundscapes of the Icelandic band are otherworldly. The sound engulfs one’s imagination and emotion. If the songs have any meaning at all, it doesn’t matter because Sigur Rós’ music is about an experience. On the heels of the announcement of a new album, the band visits the 1stBank Center on Saturday to transport us locals to whatever far-off land Sigur Rós lives in (maybe Iceland).
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