Tennis, Gauntlet Hair, Flashlights [monday Threesome]

This edition of Monday Threesome revolves around a specific scene, rather than a sound. While not typically thought of as a hotbed of musical creativity, Denver, Colorado has produced several quality bands of late, each one opting for a different sonic template to manifest their Rocky Mountain roots.

By now, the story behind indie-pop darlings Tennis (@tennisinc) has become that of legend. A husband/wife duo embarked on a seven month expedition on the Atlantic Ocean, using their travels at sea as inspiration for their debut release. Cape Dory, a concept album never intended to be shared with the outside world, was strong enough to get the band signed to Fat Possum, and was released in January of 2011. Highlights off that first record included “Marathon” and “Baltimore”, songs that feature Alaina Moore’s clean, clear voice soaring over breezy, wistful melodies, complimented by Patrick Riley’s simple yet precise guitar licks.

Faced with the daunting task of following up such a deeply personal (not to mention critically acclaimed) debut, the band decided to go against the grain. They opted to work with a producer who would challenge the comfort level of their sound — someone who might offer a different perspective on the airy pop they had damn near perfected. Enter Patrick Carney, the bespectacled backbone of blues rock superstars The Black Keys. As producer, he suited them well, supplying a layer of fuzz and girth to the still catchy grooves. The result was their latest LP, Young and Old, released only weeks ago.  Lead single “Origins” is great, sounding just like the lovechild between Tennis and The Black Keys that it is.

Top Bunk – Gauntlet Hair // Buy

Keep Time – Gauntlet Hair // Buy

Gauntlet Hair joined the burgeoning Denver scene after relocating from Chicago. The duo had been playing together since high school, and were quickly welcomed into the local DIY circuit that was growing in popularity. A key component of this subsection of Denver is the all ages venue Rhinoceropolis, frequented by fellow musicians Pictureplane, Woodsmen, and more. It’s a non-profit performance arts space that never charges a cover, features all genres of music, and is always bustling with creativity. This venue has contributed heavily to the Denver community maintaining its edge.

Gauntlet Hair’s sound is quite unique. Guitarist Andy Rauworth relies heavily on his delay pedal, which he deftly uses to create looping, circular guitar lines that stab, pulsate, and swirl. Steady percussion supplied by drummer Craig Nice is accented by metallic thunderclaps, while the heavy bass tones can be felt in your gut.  This is the type of music that transports the listener to a sweaty basement, packed with peers shouting and shifting in unison. The band signed with well-known indie label Dead Oceans in 2011, who released their self-titled debut LP in October.  The band is also touring down to Austin to participate in SXSW in March.  Dates below:

Wednesday, March 14 — Urban Outfitters w/ Craft Spells, Dive, Blouse
Wednesday, March 14 – Spaceland Showcase w/ Light Asylum, Blouse, Nick Waterhouse, Unknown Mortal Orchestra @ Shangri La
Wednesday, March 14 – Lefse/Banter SXSW Party @ Skinny’s Ballroom
Thursday, March 15 —  Dead Oceans SXSW Showcase w/ Taken By Trees, Peter Wolf Crier, Supreme Dicks, Nite Jewel, Exitmusic @ The Mohawk
Saturday, March 17 — Rhapsody Rocks Austin Party w/ Washed Out, Zola Jesus, Caveman, Youth Lagoon @ Club Deville
Saturday, March 17 —  PureVolume House w/ Bleeding Knees Club, Cymbals Eat Guitars, The Big Sleep

Denver’s dance/electronic scene is thriving as well, and the duo of Ethan Converse and Sam Martin, known on stage as Flashlights (@flashlightsband), are key contributors. NME described their sound as “existing between the previously undiscovered nexus of witch house and dream wave”. There’s also a distinct pop sensibility to their music. The songs are often structured in a more traditional manner than many of their dance cohorts, and the strength of the vocals stand out as well, carrying an element of soul rarely present in the house/club scene. Make no mistake, though, this is electronic music to the core, with the beats doing the heavy lifting. Bouncing synths that crescendo and fade coupled with a thumping bass provide a very colorful backdrop. Speaking of color, Flashlights are also known for putting on a fantastic light show during their live performances, contributing a powerful visual dimension to the listener’s experience.

On March 1st, the group released the So Close To Midnight EP, which is the follow-up to their 2011 debut Hidden Behind Trees.  For those of you venturing down to Austin, you can catch them at SXSW as well.

Wednesday, March 14 @ Guero’s Taco Bar
Saturday, March 17 @ Shangri La