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BandWagon Magazine northern coloradoâ€™s arts & entertainment magazine SEPTEMBER 2013

BandWagon Magazine northern colorado’s arts & entertainment magazine SEPTEMBER 2013

ALBUM REVIEWS BLKHRTS

Death, Romance and the Color BLK Aaron Hammond BandWagon Magazine An abandoned cathedral sits on a dimly lit city street. Blacklight shines from a cracked door, leading into a dark club where Joy Division and Nine Inch Nails are at home. In the graveyard behind the church, a tattooed hand shoots out of a grave and the BLKHRTS shamble their way to the stage, ready to let loose a flow from the afterlife on the unsuspecting goth kids of Denver. Combining the disparate worlds of gothic music and hip hop, BLKHRTS exemplify the creativity that the Colorado music scene generates. Denver rappers King F.O.E., Yonnas Abraham, and Karma the Voice have produced an album of fast and unflinching lyrics layered over droning and reverberating synth lines. The lyrics present an interesting twist on the stereotypical rap style. BLKHRTS explore the dark side of the hiphop lifestyle. Violence, money, sex, death and drugs are all a path to destruction here, along with destructive relationships and a desperate struggle to get

ahead taking the forefront. Brutal and clever metaphor blends into horrifying storytelling with ease (like the verse in “Pack a Day,” where a young girl finds love in the streets and ends up gagged and bound, fighting for her life) leaving listeners disturbed in the best way. As easy as it would be to get campy and dress up like zombies, BLKHRTS keep to their hiphop roots and leave behind the pretension of much of the Gothic scene. Instead, they make smart acknowledgement of their punk and goth roots with selected samples, like a line from The Stooges “I Wanna Be Your Dog” in BRK T ME. However, in a recent interview, Yonnas has said this album marks a shift away from relying heavily on samples and instead tearing their own path through dark forests. This is definitely evident in the tracks that aren’t found on their earlier releases, with clearer production and a sound that stands out from other sample-heavy rappers. Death, Romance, and the Color BLK isn’t perfect. Occasionally the backing music will overshadow the words, and the album would have benefited from a few more

Washed Out

tempo breaks like with “At Least I Can Say.” However, complaining that this album is to unrelenting is almost no complaint at all. This is a sound you are not going to hear anywhere else, and remarkably, this album is really only a milestone while BLKHRTS are hard at work on their first fulllength album with ORG Music. It’s going to be titled JZBLJNKNS, who makes an appearance on a track from Death, Romance, and the Color BLK. There is just nothing else like this being made, but a few comparisons have been attempted: M.O.P meets Morrisey and Wu Tang Clan teamed up with Trent Reznor. None of these are wholly accurate. This mixtape is free on BLKHRTS Bandcamp page, and I highly recommend you look into it. Who knows, you might end up locked in. Or is that the rigor mortis setting in?

Paracosm

Christopher Sheridan BandWagon Magazine Ernest Greene started out as a jobless librarian recording music on his computer in the upstairs bedroom of his parent’s house. They were humble beginnings that did nothing to dampen the allure of a young man who would become known as Washed Out. His name aptly describes his style, a smooth blending of shoegaze, chillwave, and any other hipster-electronica genre Flavor of the Week into a pleasant aural tapestry. His debut album, Within and Without, felt like waking up in the middle of the night and stepping outside to watch a beautiful city. The sophomore effort, Paracosm, is a bit different—a mild departure that stands as one of the better electronica releases of the year. “Entrance” sets a warm, simmering mood, with the ambiance of nature and gentle tones building up before sliding cleanly into the previouslyreleased single, “It All Feels Right,” an aptly-named piece drenched in technicolor charm and lo-fi nostalgia. The main

hook would feel right at home in an old movie and is the first in a line of songs that considerably increase the limits of Greene’s repertoire. Like his debut album, Paracosm has many songs that flow seamlessly into each other. Washed Out’s work is not designed to be experienced piecemeal; the album is a cohesive body best absorbed as a whole. That said, there are a couple of songs that break convention and develop a somewhat more singular sound than the rest. The standout of these is “Weightless,” which tosses a wonderful hint of 90s flavor into the mix. This trend of branching out continues in the poppy, catchy “Great Escape” and the infectiously mushy “Paracosm.” The album is the musical equivalent of sinking into a sea of color, and makes it difficult to suppress a smile while listening to it. Greene’s vocals are a suitable fit for the music. Much like how M83’s Anthony Gonzales matches the epic scope and power of his music with equally bombastic flexing of the pipes, Ernest Greene relaxes and almost lets the words simply

slide out, for a balance between music and lyrical content not often achieved. Like the best electronic artists, Greene generally knows when to leave things as a pleasant mush and when to reach into his toy box and produce something more unique. As strong as the album is, it shows the profound highs Washed Out is capable of, and will likely fully achieve when the third album is released. While the release does have a couple of fairly unmemorable tracks, there aren’t a lot of albums that feel better suited to turning on, opening a window, and closing your eyes to let the music and the warm afternoon breeze roll over you. If Within and Without felt like waking up in the city at 2AM, Paracosm feels like waking up with a pleasant, relaxed hangover in paradise—and it might be the best hangover you’re likely to have.

BandWagon Magazine northern colorado’s arts & entertainment magazine SEPTEMBER 2013 Nine Inch Nails Hesitation Mark

Jerry Hunt BandWagon Magazine A scar left behind after an attempted suicide is known as a “hesitation mark.” Trent Reznor’s hesitation mark is his infamous band’s latest LP release. Nine Inch Nail’s Hesitation Marks, released September 3rd, is the first release under the NIN name since 2008’s The Slip. Reznor’s music was always so full of hatred, solipsism and self-loathing, I’m pretty sure everyone thought he was going to kill himself. Between his anger and past drug addictions, I think everyone is just surprised that he now has a supermodel wife, two kids and is a well-respected soundtrack composer (Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, The Social Network). Hesitation Marks is a strange reflection of his altered, perhaps “matured” mental state. Another striking difference from his previous albums is the lack of heavily distorted guitars, grinding bass guitars, and real drum kits (see: “March of the Pigs” from 1994’s The Downward Spiral). Even from his debut album, Pretty Hate Machine (1989), he has always pushed electronic music by creating wildly

dark digital samples. But he typically integrated it with metal instrumentation to create the searing soundscapes that blows holes in subs and breaks the minds of inmates. (The cutthroat “Somewhat Damaged,” from 1999’s The Fragile was supposedly on a list of songs used to brainwash Guantanamo Bay prisoners. “Tear a hole exquisite red / Fuck the rest and stab it dead.”) This album is mostly electronic and the guitar work that is present is pretty low key, almost poppy (the third single “Everything” almost sounds like a pop punk song: “I am free / I am home” doesn’t sound like anything the Trent that made me hate everything would ever say) and real drum kits are rarely heard, with exceptions (such as in the buildup of “Various Methods of Escape”). But the moments are fleeting and never reach the heights of even the lesser angry tracks on previous releases. I wouldn’t call any of the songs bad, but none of them reach out and kick you in the taint. The first single “Came Back Haunted,” which was officially released back in June, making diehard fans furious with anticipation, is probably the most edgy song on the album. It’s a damn good song, reminiscent of “The Warning” a brilliant track from Year Zero (2007). And the lyrics feel genuine still. Reznor claims he was channeling the style of The

Downward Spiral, but most songs on this album sound more like, strangely enough, Ghosts I-IV, which was completely instrumental and practically a nightmare-inducing soundtrack (a fantastic thing to put on in the background when you just need something sinister to drive your mood, without stealing focus with lyrics). “Disappointed,” “Satellite,” “The Eater of Dreams,” and “Black Noise” are really just that: black noise. It’s compelling and discomforting, for sure. But I am really missing the epic lifedestroying songs like “Eraser” or “The Perfect Drug” (from the soundtrack of David Lynch’s film “Lost Highway”). Speaking of David Lynch, the music video for “Came Back Haunted” is quite fun — as long as you don’t have epilepsy. I hate to admit it because of how much respect I have for Reznor and his work in and out of NIN and with only listening to the album about 10 times through so far, I feel a bit disappointed with this album. But in all fairness, I should have seen it coming… “I said goodbye but I / I had to try / I came back haunted / Came back haunted / Everywhere now reminding me / I am not who I used to be…”

BandWagon Magazine northern colorado’s arts & entertainment magazine SEPTEMBER 2013 Ty Segall

The Sleeper Jordan Wood BandWagon Magazine Brazen post-punk millennial darling. That sounds like a lot, but it actually describes San Francisco artist Ty Segall pretty accurately. He’s only 25 and has already released eight solo albums since his first, Horn the Unicorn, dropped in 2008. He manages to simultaneously participate in multiple side projects which involve drumming and lead vocals for Fuzz,(who are releasing an album Oct. 1st). Ty Segall has been called the Jack White of this generation and has been described as “prolific” — with good reason. With Sleeper, (released August 20th by Drag City Records), comes Segall’s most unique and perhaps most emotional album yet. His adoptive father passed away in December from cancer, and he claims he is no longer on speaking terms with his mother. Perhaps tragedy and change made room in his life for this release, which he has described as a “moment-in-time” record as opposed to having a real sense of intention for what he wants the album to be. Unlike Melted (2010), and Twins (2012), Sleeper is not defiant, in-yourface garage rock. Instead, each

track is a Segall-twist on an elegy. It still carries his signature Lo-Fi quality which fans adore, but it isn’t as rowdy as the albums that precede it. The album begins with the title track, and the difference is immediately detectable. Simple acoustic guitar strumming, accompanied by wind sound effects sets a somber tone. It is earnest and poignant without being mopey or cliché. The second track, “The Keepers,” is equally as affecting. To anyone u n a w a r e of Sleeper’s background it could be confusing at first, but don’t make the mistake of skipping through the 10 tracks. Each one is exposed and feels like part of a theme, and although it isn’t complex i n s t r u m e n t a l ly, it is not boring. Instead, Sleeper’s simplicity is refreshing. Without a jumbled ensemble of

drums, bass, and keys on top of Segall’s guitar, it accommodates the vulnerability that makes this album so attractive. He also proves in each track Sleeper is a strong record lyrically. He reinforces the dark and deserted feel when he sings, “Up the river / To your skull / Down your body / He made you crawl / Out your mouth / In my ear / He said the special things only I would want to hear/ He said so long.” In “She Don’t Care” Segall sounds bitter singing,

“Don’t you go away / Not today / Cause she don’t care about you.” The album ends on a strong and slightly more upbeat note with “The West,” which introduces folk-style guitar strumming and pleasant harmonies leaving listeners with the question, “Where do I go home? / Is it here? / Is it in the West to my father’s house?” With Sleeper Segall is not just a brazen post-punk millennial. He proves he is a versatile artist continually connects with his capable of making music that audience on a deep level.

BandWagon Magazine northern colorado’s arts & entertainment magazine SEPTEMBER 2013

FILM REVIEWS To Do List 2013 - 109 Minutes - PG - 13 Jay Wallace BandWagon Magazine When was the last time a movie made you gag? For me, never. Until I saw The To-Do List, the crude romantic sex comedy from writer-director Maggie Carey. I won’t say what made me gag, but it was hilarious. And gross. It’s tangentially related to a Bill Murray movie. Taking place in 1993, the movie revolves around Brandy Klark, played by Parks and Recreation’s Aubrey Plaza. Unlike her past roles where she was a malcontent or snarking hipster, Plaza’s Brandy is a tightly-wound nerd who has dominated all her classes and extracurricular activities, graduating top of her high school class. Following a kegger where she meets college-age hunk Rusty Waters (Scott Porter of NBC’s Friday Night

Lights), Brandy plots to lose her virginity to him and get caught up on all the sexual exploits she deems necessary before heading off to college. Her summer is spent burning through her to-do list with the same anal-retentiveness that’s marked her high school career, usually with embarrassing results and consequences for Brandy, her conquests and her friends. Carey’s script, which is allegedly based on her own high school experiences, and the cast are what give this movie its punch. The movie is pretty much a teenage sex comedy from the perspective of a woman, which is something rarely see. Most are written for men with an emphasis on showing as much boobage as possible and not much else, including

the collateral damage of a wanton pursuit of debauchery. The To-Do List flips that formula on it’s head, showing how Brandy’s treatment of handies and blowies like a homework assignment affects people around her, such as her best friends Fiona (Ali Shawkat), Wendy (Sarah Steele) and her friend-zoned studybuddy Cameron (Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World’s Johnny Simmons). It should be noted that the film doesn’t demonize sex though, nor does it put the pursuit of boning on a pedestal. It treats sex like it’s not a big deal, which is rather notable for what is essentially a raunchy sex comedy. Complementing Carey’s script is the stellar cast, a who’s who of up-andcoming comedic actors. Simmons’s pining,

sensitive Cameron is the main male lead alongside Rusty, and he owns all the scenes he’s in. He plays well off of Plaza and Superbad’s Christopher Mintz-Plasse, who plays Cameron’s slightly dorkier friend Duffy who eventually gets to dry-hump Brandy. Then there’s Porter as Rusty Waters. He’s pretty much eye candy for Plaza, but he also holds his own as Brandy’s pursuit of his junk produces more comedy for everyone around her. He’s definitely a douchebag, but doesn’t spend the whole movie letting his douche-flag fly. Carey’s husband, Saturday Night Live’s Bill Hader, plays Brandy’s boss at the local run-down pool, who sort-of acts as a voice of reason for her. Rounding out the cast are Community’s Donald Glover and SNL alumni

Andy Samberg, both of whom aren’t given much to do but dominate the scenes they’re in. Brandy’s two best friends spend much of the movie encouraging her to go all the way with her list and add some sweeter emotion when things hit the rocks. They are also the most foul-mouthed in the cast, with their discussions peppered with “fucks” and “fingerblasts.” The three of them are like the female equivalents of the Superbad trio. Though not flailing about as much, they’re still filthy as fuck. If given the chance, try to catch The To-Do List in theaters, but if not, you probably won’t be disappointed when its out on DVD. I would not be surprised if it’s even filthier and funnier than the theatrical release. 9/10

BandWagon Magazine northern coloradoâ€™s arts & entertainment magazine SEPTEMBER 2013

BandWagon Magazine northern colorado’s arts & entertainment magazine SEPTEMBER 2013

2013 - 131 Minutes – Rated PG-13 Jay Wallace BandWagon Magazine On August 16th Jobs hit theaters to share the inspiring story of Steve Jobs’ road to success with Apple Inc. The biopic shares Jobs’ passionate ideas, downfalls, victories, motivation, and

desperation to develop Apple into something truly different and revolutionary. Although the role for Steve Jobs is played by the unexpected Ashton Kutcher, who’s most memorable from That 70’s Show as playing the notoriously unintelligent role of Kelso, he puts on a remarkable

engaging dialogue between Jobs’ character and his employees demonstrating how impatient, unfair, but also motivating he was. The film shows Jobs’ true colors as the frustrated founder of an electronics empire, seeking to create technology that was easy to use and easy to look at. Jobs was interested in picking out exceptional employees who were creative, passionate about their work, but also in many cases didn’t seem to fit in in a “normal” workplace. He recruits Rod Holt, played by Ron Eldard, a brilliant electric engineer and biker with a rebellious attitude, but who invents a new power system for the Apple Two. Right away Rod has demands of wanting to get paid $200 up front per day, and the ability to walk away whenever he wants. Although the film leaves out several major events in Jobs’ life and only portrays events in his life from 1974 to 2001, it’s a way to see the life of someone who most people in world respect and admire. He was a brilliant innovator and visionary for our world today and believed very deeply in making quality products that serve an important purpose in peoples’ daily lives. Jobs is a movie for Apple fans, entrepreneurs, and anyone who has ever had a dream.

EXPLORE MORE

Jobs

performance that’s captivating, and wistful. Kutcher’s ability to bring to life the daily frustrations and driven personality of Steve Jobs, was astoundingly well executed and moving throughout the film’s entirety. The movie shows the perfectionist and controlling nature of Jobs’ attitude, and his urging desire to create something different that everyone, even the common user could enjoy. Josh Gad playing the role of Steve Wozniak or “Woz,” also gave an incredible performance as the voice of reason to Jobs’ irrational and demanding behavior. Woz starts out as a regular guy who just wanted to make cool computer inventions with his friends but eventually walk away from apple because of Jobs’ change in personality as the company grew. Jobs provides insight into how ahead of the times Apple was in their inception, as well as how hard Jobs worked to get the company vision made, right down to every last detail. The film depicts Jobs being consumed by work, yelling and firing employees who dared questioned his direction — perhaps something not everyone knew about the late genius. To convey this message to the audience, screenwriter Matt Whitely created

ONLINE www.bandwagmag.com

BandWagon Magazine northern coloradoâ€™s arts & entertainment magazine SEPTEMBER 2013

BandWagon Magazine northern colorado’s arts & entertainment magazine SEPTEMBER 2013

Local Artist Profile:

Carl Unruh Local Artist Profile

Telling a story with a Picture

Kendra Hamman BandWagon Magazine Author of The Power of Myth Joseph Campbell said, “People say that what we’re all seeking is a meaning for life. I don’t think that’s what we’re really seeking. I think that what we’re seeking is an experience of being alive, so that our life experiences on the purely physical plane will have resonances with our own innermost being and reality, so that we actually feel the rapture of being alive.” Carl Unruh, Local Photographer and post process master, describes this existential theory of living as one of the inspirations for his art. His body of work is primarily made up of black and white portraits that successful transcend the picture plane and tell the viewer a brief yet powerful story. Carl graduated from Lesley University with his masters in Psychology and just recently moved to Greeley after working at a behavioral health institute for many years. He also has worked at North

Range Behavioral Health here in northern Colorado. Being a psychologist it is no surprise that he has the eye for catching individuals in his photography at just the right emotional moment. The viewer will be able to let their mind wonder at what the subjects of his photos are feeling, where they might have been earlier that day, or where they are going etc…. The real artistry comes from Unruh’s ability to manipulate his photos to suggest feelings to the viewer. His cityscapes and casual pictures of waiting rooms and mall lobbies are strong in composition and use of pattern, and although they are highly photoshopped, it is done with a painterly purpose in mind that reads in a clean and professional way. Waking up early in the morning and enjoying a cigarette while listening to hours of music gives Unruh inspiration. A plethora of his multimedia pieces are named after songs and mythological

references such as: “Uninvited” a song by Alanis Morissette, and Abraxas, an album by Santana and the name of a mythological God. He also dabbles in oil, and watercolor painting. These vibrant doodles are created mostly when Unruh is angry, sad, or just plains need to release excess emotion, and it shows. There is so much energy jammed into his mark making that the viewer will want to rip away the frame and let the lines run off the page. Over all, Unruh is interested in humans. He loves people and having a life time experience of unpacking the emotional baggage of others, his art is an outlet for himself as well as a way to continue to understand the different masks people have to wear in this harsh world as a means of protection. Check out his show in August at Café Panache and at Bluecanvas. com/carlunruh

BandWagon Magazine northern colorado’s arts & entertainment magazine SEPTEMBER 2013

HORROR FILM SHOOTING IN GREELEY Jay Wallace BandWagon Magazine Greeley residents might have seen “Missing Person” posters around town, a black and white photo of a young woman in a bloody shirt, “last seen near North Woods.” It’s part of a viral campaign for the indie horror project North Woods, which as of publication was vying for support and donations on IndieGoGo. The IndieGoGo campaign is being spearheaded by Jason Kasper, a 28-year-old Greeley resident who’s originally from Sinclair Shores, Michigan. Kasper acts as an associate producer, editor, and cowriter, working alongside director Chris Moore, 23, of Jackson, Mississippi. Moore said he had been making films since he was about 10 years old, most of them just home movies. He said North Woods was originally supposed to be a dark fantasy film, and somewhere during the course of filming, they decided it should be more of a horror film. “So the first cut of the film was very confusing and weird,” Moore said. “We screened it for some classmates and they really wanted more horror and less fantasy, so we went back and re-shot the film almost from scratch. “I always wanted it to feel like a very surreal European horror film/ giallo — like a Dario Argento film —

and yet, it takes place in the South, which gives it it’s own unique quality as well. I just really wanted to make something that would entertain and scare my friends.” Kasper said he got involved with Moore originally through Arrow in the Head, a horror site, talking with him on the forums. “He was kind of working on a project,” Kasper said. “And he kind of wanted to know what other people thought about it, so I’m like, ‘Send me what you got and I’ll take a look at it.’ And that’s how I got involved.” At the time, Moore was in high school, and what Kasper saw was impressive for what he was doing on a technical aspect. “But I could tell he needed some help here, and when you don’t really have a lot of support from somebody, anybody who’s not really knowledgeable in filmmaking, it kind of makes it harder to get this stuff done, so I’m like, ‘you know, he’s a cool kid and I’m into

filmmaking, so I’m going to help out with this,’” Kasper said. Shooting North Woods wasn’t without its challenges. Moore said the film didn’t have a script at the beginning. The actors were also extremely busy and had very different schedules, so they were rarely all on set at the same time, even if they shared scenes together. “That made things very tricky,” Moore said. “They were also as clueless as I was at the time. We really didn’t know what we were doing at all. You’d have to react to people and things that weren’t there all the time. It made it all a little goofy.” Moore said the main chunk of the narrative is there, but there’s a few things that needed to be better explained, so Kasper has taken it upon himself to add in some additional footage to tie up a few loose ends, which is the purpose behind the IndieGoGo campaign. Moore is busy working on a new project, a web series called The

American Dream, so he wouldn’t be on hand to help shoot what’s left. “[Moore] was basically giving me carte-blanche to make sure that it gets done,” Kasper said. “We have stuff to show to people to actually get them kind of excited for it, and realistically, this is probably how much we’re going to spend in the long run, so let’s try to raise it.” Should the IndieGoGo campaign fail, Kasper’s plan to complete the film is to make use of every resource and detail he can. “That’s the best contingency plan you can do when it’s these kind of circumstances: you beg, borrow and steal,” he said. Despite these struggles, the film has gotten some good news as of late: B-movie actress Debbie Rochon, star of Troma films’ Terror Firmer and Tromeo And Juliet agreed to play a small part in the film. The film will also feature two indie bands on the soundtrack: newly founded Greeley band Pale Rider And The White Horse, and Minnesota-based band Autumn. For those interested in following the making of North Woods, visit Facebook.com/ NorthWoods2013Film. For any budding filmmakers, Kasper has also said he’s looking for people with lighting experience and equipment, and anyone who has experience working with special effects.

BandWagon Magazine northern coloradoâ€™s arts & entertainment magazine SEPTEMBER 2013

wolf concert

BandWagon Magazine northern colorado’s arts & entertainment magazine SEPTEMBER 2013

ISHAWAKA M Northern Colorado’s Musical Playground

Good Gravy

and Shakedown street

FRI. SEPTEMBER 13

WITH GUESTS FILASTINE, HUMAN AGENCY AND ANOMIE BELLE

SAT. SEPTEMBER 7

EUFORQUESTRA

and MOUNTAIN STANDARD TIME

SAT. SEPTEMBER 14

WITH KITCHEN DWELLERS AND FREE RANGE PICKENS

WITH WITH SPECIAL GUEST PAPAGOYA

MORE SHOWS TO BE ANNOUNCED

EOTO

@THEMISHAWAKA • FACEBOOK.COM/MISHAWAKACONCERTS

OPEN ALL Year!! SAT. SEPTEMBER 21

WITH GUEST ROBOTIC PIRATE MONKEY

Dave Simonett (Of Trampled By Turtles)

March Fourth

Saturday, October 12, 2013 at 8PM Friday, October 18, 2013 at 8PM In Mishawaka’s SpokesBUZZ Lounge!

In Mishawaka’s SpokesBUZZ Lounge!

Zach Deputy

friday , november 1, 2013 at 8PM In Mishawaka’s SpokesBUZZ Lounge!

Show information, tickets & shuttle info:

THEMISHAWAKA.COM 970-482-4420 HAPPY HOUR MONDAY THRU THURSDAY

6-8PM • 1/2 PRICE APPS AND DRAFTS

located at 13714 poudre canyon highway in beautiful bellvue, co

BandWagon Magazine northern colorado’s arts & entertainment magazine SEPTEMBER 2013

emples

Jordan Wood BandWagon Magazine

As a band, being compared to the Beatles is either a blessing or a curse. For Temples, it’s just not realistic. They may be a four-piece band that hails from England, and yes, their music is inspired by ‘60s psych, but Temples has a sound that is all their own. James Baghaw (vocals, guitar), Tom Warmsley (bass, backing vocals), Sam Toms (drums) and Adam Smith (keys) have already made an impression on the music scene, fitting right in with the growing neo-psych movement alongside head-melting bands like Tame Impala and Psychic Ills. Temples gained recognition after releasing a 7” in the UK that quickly put them on the map as a band to watch. They have toured all over the United Kingdom playing packed shows and festivals, and they will add North American dates to their tour this year. On July 23rd Temples debuted their 7” on Fat Possum Records in the US featuring “Colors to Life” and “Shelter Song.” It’s a short and certainly sweet taste of what Temples has to offer with their colorful sound. Temples utilizes unique percussion and a slight reverb to complement catchy melodies and lyrics that mention psychedelic topics like space and time. Temples is what acid lovers dream about, but their music somehow surpasses the cliche. James Baghaw’s

vocals are inviting and almost mysterious, perfectly coinciding with the band’s sound. Temples has teased their listeners with the impressive layers of their music and production abilities. They are modern musicians who pay homage to the past and transport listeners to an alternate reality. We had the privilege of speaking with Tom Warmsley about the upcoming full-length album, the Psychedelic genre, touring, and the music they love... You guys have released “Shelter Song” and “Colors to Life” in the US and the UK, but everyone wants to know when you plan on releasing a full-length album?

In between all the shows we’ve been playing, and any day we’ve had free we have been in the studio finishing the album, and we are almost finished. Right now we’re in the process of mixing the songs and it’s going really well...It’s exciting seeing it come together. Toward the beginning of the year {2014} it’ll come out. We have tried not to rush anything and we are trying to just enjoy ourselves ...I think it will be worth the wait. It’s not that we don’t have the songs.. we are trying to choose between everything we’ve written and it felt right to take our time and enjoy what we are doing now and not get caught up in the pressures of making the album. We have a new single coming out in the meantime called “Keep in the Dark.” It was the hottest day of summer and we were in this boiling hot warehouse filming the video for it, which was very fitting. To be

that and your experience in he does in music is important. that moment. He’d be great to work with. We played with Tame Impala last week in Scotland and none of us had seen them live Ideally, what do you before… they are just experts want your listeners to at what they do. They play what take away from your stuck inside in the dark on the you have heard and supplement music? hottest day of summer. what you hear on the record live.. the visuals they have are One thing that is most great too. important to us is that we Tell me a little bit want whoever hears it to about your creative Where are you guys not just hear one thing but to process when writing headed on tour next? visually hear a bigger picture your music. in the music. We want people to have a film running in their We’re very busy heads while they listen. We record everything until the end of the But if they just want to dance ourselves. James year with touring. We to it, or if it makes people smile.. {Baghaw} is in his house are doing a headlining that’s enough. in this small box of a tour around Europe in October, room recording everything and we’re looking forward to ...we’re all very involved in touring the US in November. recording. We record straight away when we have something If you could instead of working with a demo collaborate with any with one guitar. band or artist right We like to quickly put now who would it be? together the sound of a song, it kind of fast-tracks the process. It would probably It’s really great because it be with Syd Barrett. Or, makes things go much faster someone alive would be for us. Everything we have Todd Rundgren. We saw him live recorded in the last 10 months a couple weeks ago. The remix are essentially demos. Whether he did with Tame Impala’s song it’s lyrics or a musical idea that Elephant was great, and what comes first, it’s great having no restrictions and instantly being able to record. We’re really big fans of producers like Tony Visconti, and all these producers that have this defining sound that were alien at the time.

A Q

Why do you think the psych genre seems to be growing in popularity more recently?

I think that it has never gone away really, it’s just become more noticeable. A lot of psychedelic music really depends on live performance {because} it really excels in a live environment. That style of music really comes across well and is made for a live environment. You can’t replicate going to a show and what you get from

BandWagon Magazine northern coloradoâ€™s arts & entertainment magazine SEPTEMBER 2013

BandWagon Magazine northern colorado’s arts & entertainment magazine SEPTEMBER 2013

COMES HOME Scott Hartman BandWagon Magazine

The Gambler in Garden City is happily reunited with an old familiar name that has come back to retake its throne as Northern Colorado’s premier hang out for live country music. The Gambler has taken over the Whiskey River off of Highway 85 in a big way. They have been working with Garden City, loyal patrons, and local businesses to create the ultimate country bar and nightclub experience. “We wanted to change the image the Whiskey River had which strayed away

from the country music that we wanted to bring back to the bar,” part-owner Chris Hajduk said. Before his current stint as part-owner, booking manager, and night shift operations manager, Hajduk was an employee of the Whiskey River bar. After his five years of hard work and experience, Hajduk found himself in a good position to resurrect The Gambler and add to its ongoing history which has lasted for over twenty years before transforming into the Whiskey River. “I live across the street from the mayor of Garden

City, Brian Seifried, who helps out a ton with the Gambler,” Hajduk said. “We also have a local patron, Jason Rogers, who is always helping to bring business to the Gambler. He always brings in new friends, which we really appreciate.” Part owners, Hajduk, Kyle Hamit, and CEO, Clay Bloyer, have been working together to recreate the new Gambler’s look. They have also learned about the successes of the old Gambler. “We have an employee here who says they have been working here throughout Whiskey River’s run and even during the time of the old Gambler.” Hajduk said. “We have learned a lot about the old Gambler through stories we have heard.” The grand opening of The Gambler was held on June 14th, and the bar experienced a packed house filled with the original Gambler crowd, country music enthusiasts, and college kids. The featured band on opening night was Damsel. Upholding a meaningful and abundant amount of music for the locals is important to The Gambler. That is why they found the band, Highway 55 to

play August 9th. Last year, the band won the highly coveted Georgia Band of the Year Award, presented by Georgia’s Evergreen Park and Recreation district. Southern Hell Train, who recently won the Colorado Country Music Hall of Fame’s, “Best Band of the Year 2013,” will be playing a show at The Gambler On the 6th and 7th of September. Prolific singer of Southern Hell Train, Christopher Thomas Lips, has been surrounded by some well known music stars such as Dolly Parton and Porter Wagoner. If it’s the local flavor that The Gambler community wants, then there is no problems catching a show from Austin Wahlert or Caballero Country, both hailing from Greeley. Hajduk said there is even talk of getting the original Gambler house band, Woodie Procell and the Snowy River Band, to come back for a special performance. Woodie Procell and his band were bull-riding, bull-fighting, bulletproof 20-year-olds when they were getting home gigs at The Gambler nearly 20 years ago. A return performance is rumored to be coming soon according to Hajduk.

One thing that has stuck with The Gambler is Whiskey Wednesday, which was so popular with the Whiskey River, Hajduk said they kept the name Whiskey Wednesday because of the tradition with the locals. The Gambler makes themselves available for many business opportunities. For Example, during the daytime hours from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., the Gambler rents out their bar to Big D’s Off Track Betting, which provides several TV’s to showcase a horse betting ring for patrons to try their luck on the best naming and odds-taking horse in the game. “Ideally we would like to move into a sports bar feel and provide our own food and sports games,” Hajduk said. Lately the bar has been getting support from A.F. Rays who provides pizza to The Gambler for their hungry guests. Whether it is line dancing lessons on Tuesdays, Polka Day from 3-7 p.m. on Sundays, or the live music on Fridays and Saturdays, the Gambler will be ready to have everyone dancing and ready to live it up like they did years ago.

BandWagon Magazine northern coloradoâ€™s arts & entertainment magazine SEPTEMBER 2013

in the wha n The Whale is a band that needs

KILLING IT for us and that is helping us a

honor the tradition and will return to

ale some time now. â€œSome of the shittiest and best shows

By Mikey Unruh

BandWagon Magazine northern colorado’s arts & entertainment magazine SEPTEMBER 2013

25 wanT in the whale things YOU DIDN’T

to know about

11.

2. 3. 4&5.

12.

Favorite energy drink and why? Eric: RedBull cause it tastes the best Nate: Monster, ‘cause, fuck you Worst thing you’ve ever had thrown at you on stage? A full glass of beer.... excitedly Favorite romantic place to take a date on a budget? Olive Garden, cause we’re classy like that Boxers or briefs. Where do you buy them? Eric: Briefs from Target Nate: Boxer-briefs from Wal-Mart

6. 7.

What is your biggest fear and why? Eric: DEATH, cause I won’t exist anymore... and I love myself. Nate: Zipping my dick up in my zipper. At what point did you decide you wanted to play your respective instruments and why? Nate: When my dad said, “don’t play guitar,” that’s when I knew... Eric: I chose drums cause my lips were too big for the trumpet and percussion was my second choice.

13.

Have you ever thought of each other as maybe more than friends and bandmates? We’re totally best friends, no homo.

What cartoon character would you compare each other to most? Eric: Yosemite Sam Nate: Cleveland Brown

Most inconvenient time/place you’ve ever needed to drop a deuce? Nate: During our set at Red Rocks Eric: No comment

15.

You’re each asked to form rock super groups, what famous musicians do you choose for your bands? Nate: All of the members of Chickenfoot Eric: All of the members of Damn Yankees

16.

Chocolate or vanilla? Nate: Vanilla Eric: Chocolate

10.

Prince or Michael Jackson? Michael all the fucking way, Prince breaks guitars that don’t belong to him.

21.

What albums are you currently listening to? “My Shit Shit Is Perfect” by Bob Log III “...Like Clockwork” by Queens Of The Stone Age “The Blackest Beautiful” by Letlive. “American Love” by Bad Rabbits

14.

20.

Biggest challenges finding your place in the Denver scene? *Figuring out when to say no.

If you could go back in time to any point in history where would you go? Eric: I’m fine where I am. You get too far into the past as a black man and your ass will get lynched. Nate: Prehistoric ages.... DINOSAURS!!!

Kimbra

Most underrated pop star?

19.

Least favorite interview question? Eric: How did you guys get your band name? Nate: So, do you just hate bass players?

What, if anything, did you ask for for Christmas that Santa never brought you? Eric: Self-esteem Nate: A Jurassic Park compound Thoughts or opinions on the controversy surrounding Robin Thicke’s “Blurred Lines” or Miley Cyrus at the VMAs? The Blurred Lines video is hilarious. We didn’t watch the VMA’s. MTV has balls to host a music video awards show when they don’t even play music videos. Also, Miley Cyrus will never ever ever ever be sexy, no matter how hard she tries.

17.

Female celebrity you are least attracted to? Nate: Rosie O’Donnell Eric: Sarah Jessica Parker

18.

Male celebrity you are most attracted to? Nate: Rosie O’Donnell Eric: Ryan Gosling and his Mona Lisa smile.

22.

23.

Craziest thing that’s happened at one of your shows? These rednecks booed us at Whiskey River and our female friend Alyse confronted them and got in their face. Shit almost got real.

24.

Favorite thing to do when you’re not playing music? Eric: Cook Nate: trying to ruin Eric’s cooking

25.

Kate Upton is hot

What are your thoughts on the royal family?

BandWagon Magazine northern coloradoâ€™s arts & entertainment magazine SEPTEMBER 2013

BandWagon Magazine northern colorado’s arts & entertainment magazine SEPTEMBER 2013

SPOTLIGHTS - BANDS OF THE -

LEGHOUNDS It’s standard for newer bands to spend years discovering their style and settling into a sound that defines them. After only one year together Greeley’s Leghounds have made a fast impression on their audiences and in the Colorado music scene. Jon Ruffin (lead vocals), Karl Markgraf (Guitar/Vocals/ Harmonica), Daryl Cozzi (Drums/ Vocals), and Patrick Atwater (bass) have an impressive musical background which puts them ahead of the game for a budding band. Leghounds had a hit debut at the 2012 Block Party and in just one year, they can boast a midwestern tour, multiple headlining shows, and a win at this year’s BandWagon Battle of the Bands, scoring for themselves the cover of the January issue.

By Jordan Wood Leghounds’ music is influenced by old-school funk, soul, and R&B adorned with a certain class and charm that makes it appealing to music fans young and old. They are able to command any crowd, and endless moving is inevitable during their live performances. Fans of Al Green, D’Angelo, and The Temptations will appreciate their bright melodies and cool rhythm paired with soulful R&B vocals. Leghounds are sure to provide us an unforgettable set at the Block Party, so check them out or be left in the dust, because who knows where another year will take them.

RACING ON THE SUN Racing on the Sun, the band formerly known as Castaway, is back to grace Greeley’s stages with new songs. Band frontman and guitarist Alfonso Cervantes, made the decision to change the name during his year-long adventure in London, England after finding it too hard for online search engines to locate his band’s sites. The new name is just the first of many exciting new changes in store for the group, with Alfonso bringing back with him a year of new songs enriched by his European experiences. Fans of Castaway have nothing to worry about, however, as the new sound delivers all the energy and passion the rock group has become known for and delivers it in one incredibly clean and polished package. Their new

By Mariah Foster bassist, Donnie Cook, is a lifelong friend of the bandmates who easily fit into the band, giving the guitarists’ room to fill out the sound and show off their talents. Alfonso states that after playing this year’s Block Party, Racing on the Sun will be recording a new single at the Blasting Room, releasing a music video, and playing many more live shows! You can find the band on nearly every social media and music site as racingonthesun, and they can be contacted at racingonthesun@gmail.com.

BandWagon Magazine northern colorado’s arts & entertainment magazine SEPTEMBER 2013

THE BURROUGHS

Johnny Burroughs, self-proclaimed preacher’s kid, grew up playing church music and listening primarily to soul music, doo wop, and the Raisins. Immersing himself in these genres, Johnny honed his musical talents by forming different bands over the years, building a strong local following. It wasn’t coincidence, then, when Greeley’s trumpet extraordinaire Craig Basarich came to Johnny wanting to play soul music. John immediately echoed the sentiment for collaboration, having intended to jam with horns and other instrumentalists for quite some time. The Burroughs was formed, named after the talented brothers Josh and Johnny Burroughs, the band’s bassist and guitar-wielding frontman, respectively. A supergroup of UNC students and

By Mariah Foster

graduates came together to create the group’s soulful sound, fueled by a brass section of two trumpets, a trombone, and a saxophone as well as two guitars, bass, and a rockin’ chick drummer. “We’re just really excited to jam, to play and have fun and dance; to just enjoy music. That’s what this is about.” Anyone who has seen The Burroughs play can testify to the powerful experience of their live performance, and they are definitely a band you’ll want to check out at this year’s Block Party and beyond. To hear more about this new band’s upcoming plans, like The Burroughs at facebook.com/ TheBurroughsSoul.

DUCHOVNY Duchovny is yet another Greeley band making a name for themselves in the local music scene. After months of hard work the new and very talented band have played numerous Colorado shows including a headlining spot at the Moxi Theater, and additional shows on their tour in Omaha and Montana. Duchovny is also scheduled to headline at the Larimer Lounge in Denver on September 1st to promote their first album. Dylan Sonke (vocals, guitar, keys, lap steel guitar), Noel Afan Billups (vocals, keys, ukulele, guitar), Donovan A. Armijo (electric bass, guitar, vocals), Tanner Rogerson (drums, percussion, vocals), Dylan Halpin (saxes, vocals), and Andy

By Jordan Wood

Ezell (trumpet, flugelhorn, mandolin, vocals), utilize multiple instruments and different musical styles and techniques to create something beautifully refreshing. Their sound is all the good things about indie, jazz, and rock melded together. Duchovny not only has a special skill for songwriting, but they do an excellent job of complementing their smooth vocals with the instruments instead of being overwhelming. On their Facebook page regarding their spot playing the 2013 Block Party they said, “Our dreams since freshman year are coming true.” Don’t miss what is sure to be a fantastic set from Duchovny!

SILVER AND GOLD Silver and Gold, a new Greeley band comprised of current and prior UNC music students, will be bringing their refreshing performance experience to this year’s Block Party, opening the Moxi afterparty for the Epilogues and The Photo Atlas. The long-time friends came together to finally play the music they love, naming themselves after a song by City and Colour, one of their greatest musical influences. Frontman Devon Hildebrant and guitarist Pie Lombardi incorporate their very modern indie style with drummer Davis William’s energetic beats and Brandon Vela’s funky bass lines. Female vocalist Claire Jensen adds

ByMariah Foster a splash of melodic keyboard, creating an overall sound that blends poetic lyrics, fun dance jams, and progressive musical expression in perfect harmony. The band is currently deciding where they would like to record their first EP, much to the excitement of their fans, and they are planning a major tour for the summer of 2013. Silver and Gold is a band you won’t want to miss at September’s Block Party, and audiences can stay up-to-date with all their show details at facebook. com/silverandgoldmusic.

BandWagon Magazine northern colorado’s arts & entertainment magazine SEPTEMBER 2013

Benjamin Moore Paint Project Selects Greeley

Jerry Hunt BandWagon Magazine

Downtown Greeley will be getting a free facelift in October, if all goes as planned. The Paint What Matters promotional campaign by the paint company, Benjamin Moore, gave development grants to repaint buildings within 20 different communities across the country, with Greeley being selected as one of them. “The Benjamin Moore people were here and decided they really liked the block on 16th Street, between 8th Avenue and 10th Street,” said Pam Bricker, executive director of the Downtown Development Authority. “And they may do 16th Street to 15th Street on 8th avenue if there’s enough money in the budget.” Bricker said the DDA and the city are unaware of who submitted Greeley into the contest, but after it went to the

voting stage, the community came together to promote their city. “Greeley is the kind of community, through the DDA, the chamber, the city, we had lots of different folks who shared ... ‘Hey, go vote for Greeley.’ That’s very much the reason we were chosen because of the amount of people in the community who helped support it,” she said. Plans for the design, colorscheme, and other details, including the project’s budget have not been shared with the Greeley city employees at the time of publication. A meeting was held in late July, which laid out only the most preliminary plans, getting the names and contact information for each of the building owners in the area they want to paint. “I think it’s great. It’s complicated to get each individual business owner. I worry about the logistics, but we’re thrilled that they’re doing

it. It’s going to be great,” Bricker said. Each of the buildings will be painted according to a colorscheme determined between the Benjamin Moore people and the individual businesses and building-owners they will be repainting. But not much else has been established between the DDA and their project team. “It’s great for building owners. We’re very excited about it. We still just don’t have a lot of the full details,” Bricker said. Initial plans slated the project would be carried out in October, but without much word from the Paint What Matters team, Bricker is unsure of when the job will begin or be completed. “I think they’re scrambling too to get their whole plan together. They came out and they literally had to go visit 20 different communities to figure out what they were going

to paint and how it’s all going to work out,” she said. But one thing was made clear: they will provide the pain and the labor. And as a large-scale campaign, the DDA hopes the media attention will promote the Greeley community. “It adds a lot of attention. This is a national marketing campaign, that is what they’re doing it for. I’m hoping there will be stories and pictures and attention about Greeley in general and also make a street look really nice that everyone is going to be proud of,” she said. To keep up on the progress of the project, visit PaintWhatMatters.com.

BandWagon Magazine northern coloradoâ€™s arts & entertainment magazine SEPTEMBER 2013

BandWagon Magazine northern colorado’s arts & entertainment magazine SEPTEMBER 2013

COLORaDO CONCERT CALENDAR

Sunday September 1st Pimps of Joytime @ Cervante’s, Denver – 9pm w/ Funkma$ter Chief Keef @ Summit Music Hall, Denver - 6pm w/ 8th ElemEnt, Sp Double

Goodie Mob: CeeLo Green, Big Gipp, Khujo, & T-mo @ Gothic Theatre, Denver -9pm Boyfrndz @ Hi-Dive, Denver – 9:30pm w/ The Knew, Common Anomaly

Monday September 2nd

Live Jazz @ The Moxi Theater Greeley – 8pm The Love Lanuage @ Hi-Dive Denver – 9:30pm w/ Clouds and Mountains

Red Room Rendevous @ Cervante’s, Denver – 7:45pm w/ Noise Monkey

Mac Lethal @ The Marquis Theatre, Denver – 7pm w/ Reason The Citizen Tuesday September 3rd Jessica Hernandez and the Deltas Freestyle Tuesday @ The Moxi @ Hi-Dive, Denver – 9:30pm Theater, Greeley – 8pm w/ DJ Dabble, Dockman, Willy D w/ Miles to Mountains First Tuesday Flyah @ Hodi’s Half Note, Fort Collins – 8pm (Free Show) Reggae

Sick Puppies @ Gothic Theatre, Denver -8pm w/ Candlelight Red First Tuesday Flyah @ Hodi’s Half Note, Fort Collins – 8pm (Free Show) Reggae Geographer @ Larimer Lounge Denver – 9pm w/ Grmln

Sound Remedy @ Cervantes, Denver – 9pm w/Artistry

Wednesday September 4th

Mac Lethal @ The Marquis 9/3 - 7 pm Theater, Denver – 8pm w/ T. Hardy Morris

Sound Remedy @ Hodi’s Half Note, Fort Collins – 8pm

The Steppas @ Cervantes, Denver – 9pm w/ Papagoya, Wake up and Live (Bob Marley Tribute)

Thursday September 5th Koda @ The Moxi Theater Greeley – 8pm Open Mic Night @ The Moxi w/ Dockman, DJ Dominic, Theater, Greeley – 8pm Deadbeat, J VS. Zay, Rolphy, DJG, DJ Dabble, Salvador All Performers Welcome! Hostle, Thin Air Crew Bill Smith & Technicolor Tone Factory Robotic Pirate Monkey @ Hodi’s Half Note @ Aggie Theatre Fort Collins – 8pm Fort Collins – 8pm Jason Isbell @ The Bluebird

Lisa Marie Presley @ The Bluebird Theater Denver – 8pm

Nit Grit Pre-party & DJ Competition @ Aggie Theatre Fort Collins – 8pm (Free Show) Alt-J @ Fillmore Auditorium Denver – 7pm

Opiuo @ Cervantes’ Denver – 8:30pm w/ Andreilien, Project Aspect, Caustik, Templo The Howling Hex @ Hi-Dive, Denver – 10pm w/ The Salton Sea, The Crux

BandWagon Magazine northern colorado’s arts & entertainment magazine SEPTEMBER 2013

Friday September 6th

The Block Party @ 9th St. & 8th Ave, Greeley

Roger Clyne @ Road 34, Fort Collins – 9pm

Brent The Great @ Down Under Comedy Club Greeley – 8:30pm Feat. Timmi Lasley

Sketchey Cabaret @ Down Under Comedy Club Greeley – 10:30pm

Wasteland hop @ Aggie Theatre, Fort Collins – 8pm (Free Show)

MGMT @ Fillmore Auditorium Denver – 8pm

BayWood @ The Marquis Theatre, Denver – 7pm w/ Rossonian, Sarah Slaton

The English Beat @ Gothic Theatre, Denver -8pm w/ The Dendrites

Tori Pater’s Big Band @ Cervante’s, Denver – 9pm w/ Drunken Hearts

STS9 @ Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Morrison – 7pm w/ NAS, araabMUZIK, Welder

Getter @ Cervantes’, Denver – 9pm w/ AFK, Must Die, Au5 and Mizer

Fluorescent Phobia @ Larimer Lounge, Denver – 8pm w/ Hatch the Bird, Rhyme Progression

Brian Jordan Band @ Cervantes’ Other Side, Denver – 9pm w/ ISSOVEE, and Shrink

Space in Time Record Release @ Hi-Dive, Denver – 10pm w/ Native Daughters, Git Some

Saturday September 7th

Nit Grit @ Aggie Theatre Fort Collins – 8pm w/ The 40oz Profits

Left Foot Green @ A.F. Ray’s Greeley Colorado – 8pm

The Acacia Strain @ Ogden Theatre, Denver – 6pm w/ Within The Ruins, Xibalba, Fit For An Autopsy

Deerhunter @ The Bluebird Theater Denver – 9pm w/ Wymond Miles

Icona Pop @ Gothic Theatre, Denver -9pm w/ K.Flay, Sirah

The Technicolors @ The Marquis Theatre Denver – 8pm

I Sank Molly Brown @ Larimer Lounge Denver – 9pm w/ Hooper, The Good Gracious, Common Anomaly The Royal: Album Release @ Hi-Dive, Denver – 9:30pm w/ Warhawk, Drain Babies

STS9 @ Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Morrison – 7pm w/ TYCHO, xxyyxx, Gold Panda

Sunday September 8th

Lisa Marie Presley @ Aggie Theatre, Fort Collins– 8pm w/ Paul Chet Arise In Chaos @ Gothic Theatre, Denver -7:30pm w/ Gomorrah

Malow Mac @ Hodi’s Half Note, Denver – 8pm w/ RMR, Toxic, Goon$quad

Oriion @ Larimer Lounge Denver – 4pm w/ Knights in Colors, The silver Cord, Blind Strike Allegaeon @ The Marquis Theatre, Denver – 7pm w/ Artemesis, Iconocaust

Monday September 9th Ra Ra Riot @ Summit Music Hall, Denver - 8pm w/ Caveman

Disappears Weekend @ Hi-Dive, Denver – 9:30pm w/ Prism Waves

Valient Thorr @ The Marquis Theatre, Denver – 8pm w/ Lord Dying, Ramming Speed, MF Ruckus

Tuesday September 10th

Freestyle Tuesday @ The Moxi Theater, Greeley – 8pm w/ DJ Dabble, Dockman, Willy D

Shinedown @ Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Morrison – 5pm w/ Papa Roach, Skillet

Wednesday September 11th Rebirth Brass Band @ Aggie Theatre, Fort Collins – 8pm (Free Show)

Save The Day @ The Marquis Theatre, Denver –6:30pm w/ Into It Over It, Hostage Calm Steal.Fight.Kill @ Larimer Lounge, Denver – 8pm w/ Vertical Arrays, Frozen Tide

Sean Price, Skyzoo, Shae Money @ Cervantes’, Denver – 9pm w/ Deca, Robb Peezy, and more

Thursday September 12th

Open Stage @ The Moxi Theater Greeley – 8pm Royal Southern Brotherhood @ The Bluebird Theater Denver – 8pm w/ West Water Outlaws

Sea Price, Def Rhymes Divine, THC, Aklock, Jpipe @ Hodi’s Half Note Fort Collins – 8pm Cody Chesnutt @ Hi-Dive Denver – 9:30pm w/ Brtha.Sista, The Ever

Darwin Deez @ Larimer Lounge, Denver – 9pm w/ Caged Animals, Rubedo

A o i d u t S e Liv WANTED Performers of any kind (music groups, comedians, magicians, dancers, whatever!)

Charli XCX @ The Bluebird Theater Denver – 8pm w/ LIZ

FOR WHAT A professional live switched, multi-camera shoot to be recorded on a DVD and/or audio CD for you to keep. We'll post your performance on our Aims YouTube channel too!

Night Riots @ The Marquis Theatre, Denver – 7pm w/ Driver Friendly Summa @ Larimer Lounge Denver – 8pm w/ Hellburner Cult, Quantum Creep

WHEN Oct. 14 - 17 , 2013 10 AM to 5 PM

Animal Collective @ Ogden Theatre, Denver – 9pm w/ White Magic

Parachute @ Summit Music Hall, Denver - 7pm w/Paradise Fears, Matt Hires

Red Room Rendezvous @ Hodi’s Half Note Denver – 8pm w/ The Hot Coal (Free Show)

INFO, SCHEDU

JUST PLAY YOUR HEART OUT

edu

ge.miller@aims.

Contact geor LING AND DETAILS

BandWagon Magazine northern coloradoâ€™s arts & entertainment magazine SEPTEMBER 2013

BandWagon Magazine northern colorado’s arts & entertainment magazine SEPTEMBER 2013 VADER @ The Marquis Theatre Denver – 7pm w/ Vital Remains Rebirth Brass Band @ Cervantes, Denver – 9pm w/ Paa Kow’s By All Means Band

Friday September 13th Superstition @ The Moxi Theater, Greeley – 8pm Feat. DJ Venom

The Infamous Stringdusters @ Cervantes, Denver – 9pm w/ Shockenaw Mountain Boy’s The Octopus Project @ Larimer Lounge, Denver – 9pm w/ Paper Lions, Mombi

Kristin Rand @ Down Under Comedy Club, Greeley – 8:30pm Feat. Rick Desimone Tech N9ne @ Aggie Theatre Fort Collins – 8pm

Murder By Death @ The Bluebird Theater Denver – 9pm w/ In The Whale, Post Paradise From Thin Air @ The Marquis Theatre, Denver – 6pm w/ Defy You Stars

Snowboard On The Block – VIP Pre-Party @ Summit Music Hall, Denver – 8pm The Matt Skinner Band @ Road 34, Fort Collins – 9pm w/ the Waylon Willies Afrojack @ Ogden Theatre Denver – 9:30pm

Anders Osborne @ Gothic Theatre, Denver -9pm w/ The Mothers Hips Little Thunder CD Release @ Hi-Dive, Denver – 9pm w/ Native Daughters, Then Knew, Indigenous Robot

Krash Karma @ Hodi’s Half Note, Fort Collins – 8pm w/ Autumn Burn, Sub Theory Lotus @ Red Rocks Amphitheatre Morrison – 7:30pm w/ BOOMBOX and Minnesota

Saturday September 14th Hoody Bombs Hip-Hop Show @ A.F. Ray’s Greeley Colorado – 8pm

In The Whale @ Road 34, Fort Collins – 9pm w/ Right The Helm Kamelot @ The Bluebird Theater, Denver – 9pm w/ Delain, Eklipse

Xtra Ticket @ Hodi’s Half Note Fort Collins – 8pm Grateful Dead Tribute Kristin Rand @ Down Under Comedy Club Greeley – 8:30pm Feat. Rick Desimone Tech N9ne @ Fillmore Auditorium, Denver – 7pm ZZ Ward @ Ogden Theatre Denver – 8pm w/ Alpha Rev, James Bay

Typhoon @ Hi-Dive, Denver – 9:30pm w/ Radiation City, Confluence The Orb @ Gothic Theatre Denver -9pm

Wild Nothing @ Larimer Lounge / 9/17 @ 9

BandWagon Magazine northern colorado’s arts & entertainment magazine SEPTEMBER 2013

Snarky Puppy @ Cervantes’ Other side, Denver – 9pm w/ Technicolor Tone Factory Yamn & Archemesis @ Cervantes’ Ballroom Denver - 9pm w/ Dynohunter

King Dude @ The Marquis Theatre, Denver – 7pm w/ Lucida Tela, Munly & the Lupercalians

The Lumineers @ Red Rocks Amphitheatre Morrison – 6:30pm

Sunday September 15th The Lumineers @ Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Morrison – 7pm

Cabin @ Hi-Dive, Denver – 9om w/ The Belle Jar, Poet’s Row A Tom Collins BBQ Show @ Larimer Lounge Denver – 7pm w/ TJUTJUNA, Kitty Crimes, Ned Garthe, Dragondeer

Andrew WK @ The Marquis Theatre, Denver – 8pm w/ Dirty Few

Monday September 16th Wild Belle @ The Bluebird Theater, Denver – 8pm w/ Saint Rich

Kid Cudi @ Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Morrison – 6pm w/ Tyler the Creator Vista Chino @ The Marquis Theatre, Denver – 7:30pm w/ Black Pussy, Luna Sol Procelain Raft @ Larimer Lounge, Denver – 9pm w/ Lovelier other

Moody Mondays @ Hi-Dive Denver – 9pm

Tuesday September 17th Freestyle Tuesday @ The Moxi Theater, Greeley – 8pm Dj Dabble, Dockman, Willy D The Slackers @ The Bluebird Theater, Denver – 8pm w/ The A-Oks Action Bronson and Danny Brown @ Ogden Theatre Denver – 8pm w/ trash talk

DJ / Producer Battle Round 1 @ Hodi’s Half Note Fort Collins – 8pm Wild Nothing U.S. Royalty @ Larimer Lounge Denver – 9pm w/ Shady Elders

Moving Units @ The Marquis Theatre, Denver – 7pm w/ Some Ember

Producer battle @ Cervantes’ Other Side Denver – 9pm Ft. Wrkd Vs. Decadon

Dirty Few @ Hi-Dive, Denver – 9pm w/ The Rich Hands, Lochness, Mobsters

The National @ Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Morrison – 7pm

Wednesday September 18th John Brown’s Body @ Aggie Theatre, Fort Collins – 8pm w/ Stick Figure Hanson @ The Bluebird Theater, Denver – 8pm w/ Paul McDonald

Titus Andronicus @ Larimer Lounge, Denver – 9pm w/ Lost Boy, The Knew

Cher Lloyd @ Ogden Theatre, Denver – 7pm

Brother Ali & Immortal Technique @ Gothic Theatre, Denver - 9pm w/ Diabolic, I Self Devine Travis Garland @ The Marquis Theatre, Denver – 7pm w/ Andrew Garcia, Ben Rogers Rakim @ Cervantes’ Other Side, Denver – 9pm w/ Sophitaphunk

Yip deceiver @ Hi-Dive, Denver – 9:30pm w/ Andy D, Jackie Wake Earth Wind & Fire @ Red Rocks Amphitheatre Morrison – 7:30pm

Thursday September 19th

Friday September 20th Ambassador Wolf @ Road 34 Fort Collins – 9pm

Juno What?! @ Aggie Theatre Fort Collins – 8pm

Open Stage @ The Moxi Theater, Greeley – 8pm

Savages @ The Bluebird Theater, Denver – 9pm w/ Duke Garwood

On An On @ Larimer Lounge Denver – 9pm w/ Hands, Inner Oceans

ELETE Album Release Show @ Summit Music Hall Denver - 6pm w/ Subsonic Fallout, Sublingual

P.O.D. @ Summit Music Hall Denver - 7pm w/ Otherwise, Stars in Stereo

Sophistafunk @ Hodi’s Half Note – 8pm

Hindershot @ Hi-Dive, Denver – 9:30pm w/ Wire Faces

Official Riot Fest Pre-Party @ The Marquis Theatre Denver – 7pm w/ Authority Zero, Boldtype Grass For That Ass @ Cervantes’ Other Side Denver - 9pm w/ WhiteWater Ramble, Furthur @ Red Rocks Amphitheatre Morrison – 7:30pm

Jackson Scott @ Larimer Lounge, Denver – 9pm w/ Fingers of the Sun

Wax Tailor & The Dusty Rainbow Experience @ Gothic Theatre, Denver -9pm w/ Buck 65 Official Riot fest Pre Party @ The Marquis Theatre Denver – 7pm w/ The Queers, Teenage Bottlerocket, The Copyrights John Brown’s Body @ Cervantes’ Ballroom Denver – 9pm w/ Stick Figures

The Epilogues @ Hi-Dive Denver – 9:30pm w/ The Echo Chamber, Viretta

BandWagon Magazine northern coloradoâ€™s arts & entertainment magazine SEPTEMBER 2013

BandWagon Magazine northern colorado’s arts & entertainment magazine SEPTEMBER 2013 GYP! want to be h t i w n Fall I 39 and become a d n a 1 een 2 ommunity, ionals w t e b rc ss re If you’ ctive in you oung Profe Y a more of Greeley t r pa

Furthur @ Red Rocks Amphitheatre Morrison – 7:30pm

Saturday September 21st

Sunday September 22nd

Vices I Admire @ The Moxi Theater, Greeley – 8pm w/ Scarlet Canary, Stay Awake, Plans & Complications

Phosphorescent @ The Bluebird Theater, Denver – 8pm w/ Indians

Cancer Fundraiser Concert @ A.F. Ray’s Greeley Colorado – 8pm

Matt Wertz @ The Bluebird Theater, Denver – 9pm w/ Elenowen Lightning Dust @ Larimer Lounge, Denver – 9pm w/ Louise Burns

900 lb. Girl-illa Cipher @ The Marquis Theatre, Denver – 8pm

the ila at v a D 6, ene tact Ir e, 352-356 n o c , c ation mmer als inform ber of Co e r o ssion e o m m f t a r o o h r o F or g ey C oungp Greel eleyy e r g / .com ebook c a f . www

Method Man & Redman @ Ogden Theatre Denver – 9pm w/ The Foodchain

Shaley Scott @ Hodi’s Half Note Fort Collins – 8pm w/ Robin Lewis of Free Range Pickens Patrick Dethlefs 7” Release @ Hi-Dive, Denver – 9:30pm w/ Ark Life, Kristi Stice

Furthur @ Red Rocks Amphitheatre Morrison – 7:30pm

Monday September 23rd SevenDust @ Aggie Theatre Fort Collins – 8pm w/ Seriosa and American Fangs Wavves @ The Bluebird Theater, Denver – 8pm

Shigeto Beacon @ Larimer Lounge, Denver – 9pm w/ Nitemoves

Jake Bugg @ Ogden Theatre Denver – 8pm w/ honeyhoney Cascade Kinzie @ Cervantes’ Other Side Denver – 7:45pm

Shining @ The Marquis Theatre Denver – 7pm Moody Mondays @ Hi-Dive Denver – 9pm

Tuesday September 24th Free Style Tuesday @ The Moxi Theater, Greeley – 8pm w/ DJ Dabble, Dockman Foxygen @ The Bluebird Theater, Denver – 8pm Zedd @ Ogden Theatre Denver – 9pm w/ Oliver, Alex Metric

Anathema @ Summit Music Hall, Denver - 7pm w/ Alcest, Mamiffer Chelsea Wolfe @ Larimer Lounge, Denver – 9pm

Dizzy Wright feat. Emilio Rojas and Futuristic @ Hodi’s Half Note Fort Collins – 8pm w/ Black Pegasus Cloud-D @ Cervantes’ Other Side, Denver – 9pm w/ Dubwol, Remerge, Tripmendous, DJ Aporia

Wednesday September 25th Jason Boland @ Aggie Theatre Fort Collins – 8pm The Growlers @ The Bluebird Theater, Denver – 8pm w/ Cosmonauts, Gap Dream, together PANGEA

Dizzy Wright @ Cervantes’ Other Side, Denver – 9pm w/ Emilio Rojas, Black Pegasus, Futuristic Hanni El Khatib @ Larimer Lounge, Denver – 9pm w/ Bass Drum of Death

Johnny Craig @ The Marquis Theatre, Denver – 7pm w/ William Beckett, Kyle Lucas

THURSDAY September 26th Open Mic @ The Moxi Theater Greeley – 8pm All performers Welcome ABK @ Aggie Theatre Fort Collins – 8pm w/ Axe Murder Boys

Dj Shadow @ Gothic Theatre, Denver -9pm w/ Salva El Ten Eleven @ Hodi’s Half Note, Fort Collins – 8pm Fidlar @ Larimer Lounge Denver – 9pm w/ The Orwells Grass For That Ass @ Cervantes’ Other Side Denver – 9pm w/ Dirty River Ramblers

Samuel Edgar EP Release Party @ Hi-Dive, Denver – 9:30pm

BandWagon Magazine northern colorado’s arts & entertainment magazine SEPTEMBER 2013

Yellowcard @ Summit Music Hall, Denver 9/28 - 9pm

Monday September 30th

Friday September 27th Ben Pu (Album Release) @ The Moxi Theater , Greeley w/ Over the Rail Halden Wofford and the Hi Beams @ Road 34, Fort Collins – 9pm w/ Rich With Friends

Super Diamond (Tribute to Neil Diamond) @ Ogden Theatre Denver – 9pm

Yellowcard @ Summit Music Hall Denver - 7pm w/ Geoff Rickley (of Thursday)

The Apache Relay Peter Hook & The Light @ Aggie Theatre, Denver – 8pm @ Gothic Theatre, Denver -9pm w/ Slaves of Venus EL Ten Eleven @ The Bluebird Theater Prism @ Hodi’s Half Note Denver – 9pm Fort Collins – 8pm w/ Eliot Lipp w/ Special Quests Dave Watts & Friends @ Hodi’s Half Note, Fort Collins – 8pm w/ Real Life Actual Wiredogs CD Release @ The Marquis Theatre Denver – 7pm w/ False Colours, Head Injuries, Poor Me

Varlet Release Party @ Hi-Dive, Denver – 9pm w/ TJutjuna, Attic Attack

Jim Yelenick @ Larimer Lounge Denver – 6pm The Dance Party Time Machine @ Cervantes’ Ballroom Denver – 9pm w/ David Murphy, Euforquestra, Rose Hill Drive

Goldfinger @ Cervantes’ Ballroom Denver – 9pm w/ Apex Vibe, Desciples

Otep @ The Marquis Theatre Denver – 7pm w/ Stolen Babies, New Years Day

Daedelus @ Cervantes’ Other Side, Denver – 9pm w/ Special Guests

Big Gigantic @ Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Morrison – 7pm

Sunday September 29th

Saturday September 28th

Kyle Crabrtree @ Hodi’s Half Note, Fort Collins – 7:30pm w/ Lyncho

Paul Basic @ The Moxi Theater Greeley – 8pm Pretty Lights Music Recording Artist

Afton Showcase @ Cervantes’ Ballroom, Denver – 6pm

One More Time @ The Bluebird Theater Denver – 8pm A Tribute to Daft Punk w/ Vibration Sequence

Roller Derby After Party @ A.F. Ray’s Greeley Colorado – 8pm w/ DJ Cole Train

Ben Rector @ Gothic Theatre Denver -8pm w/ Tyrone Wells Hymn For Her @ Cervantes’ Other Side, Denver - 9pm w/ Special Guests

A Band of Orcs @ The Marquis Theatre, Denver – 7pm w/ Vale of Pnath

Live Jazz @ The Moxi Theater, Greeley - 9pm Tom Odell @ The Bluebird Theater, Denver – 8pm w/ Vance Joy

J Roddy Walston and The Business @ Hi-Dive, Denver – 9:30pm w/ Gringo Star, Dragondeer Jared & The Mill @ Cervantes’ Other Side, Denver – 9pm

BandWagon Magazine northern colorado’s arts & entertainment magazine SEPTEMBER 2013

This is How the World Ends A Creative Story by Weston Brownlee You never really believe you’re going to wake up one morning and find that the world you knew is gone. Sometimes you half wonder, “Is this it?” when you read about the latest natural disaster worse than any before recorded, another rogue nation and its uranium enrichment, or the latest plunge of an economy. But a passing thought is all the more attention you give it, because even in the darkest circumstances, the sun always rises the next morning and you always wake, even from the worst nightmares. You always tell yourself the things are going to keep spinning, but if they don’t it will be long after you’re gone. If anything, the fleeting thoughts you humor are the ones that tell you we’ll cure diseases like Alzheimer’s, never really run out of oil, and put a man on Mars. No one was really watching when it started. The eyes of the world were elsewhere—on London and another wave of anarchy sweeping its streets. I noticed though. “Orange Goo Washing Ashore Near Remote Alaskan Village.” That’s what the headline said. It was almost laughable at first, too outlandish to be true, but sure enough it was. By three pm that day, versions and accounts of the story had spread. The buzz wasn’t enough to label it as any more than “strange news,” but no matter how bizarre there it was all the same. That was how it all began, with a newspaper headline about a town even most Alaskans had never heard of. After everything really started going to hell I tried to find everything I could—tried to piece it all back together. I still read over it all now. Mostly it kept my mind busy—keeps my mind busy, keeps me from thinking about what’s waiting outside—keeps me from thinking about the end.

From a local paper the day it began: April 12, 2012. A mysterious orange substance washed ashore along the Arctic coast of Kivalina, Alaska, and inundated the small Inupiat Eskimo village last night. Pictures taken by residents show an orange sheen across the harbor and on beaches in the village about 625 miles northwest of Anchorage. Villagers have never seen anything like this before, and elders have never heard any stories passed down from earlier generations about an orange-colored substance coming from the sea… …City personnel went to a pump house two miles away on the Wulik River, and found the material there, too. The village is also about 40 miles from the Red Dog zinc mine, but officials there assured the village the substance didn’t come from them. …In areas where the sun dried the material, winds scattered it as a thin orange dust, giving the first impression that it was a type of pollen. Found this one on Yahoo news before the Internet went down. April 13, 2012. …After the high tide yesterday evening washed away the “orange goo” last night in Kivalina, Alaska, the town learned that it might have also been toxic, as several minnows died during the event. When it rained the next day, residents found the orange matter floating on top of rain buckets they use to collect drinking water. It was also found on one roof, leading them to believe whatever it was, it was airborne, too.

The world may have been looking elsewhere as the story grew, but those of us working a gold mine called Shear

Ridge talked all day. Even down in the deep and a long ways from Kivalina the right kind of news still sunk low enough. Maybe it was just in the mine, but nobody around there cared too much what the rest of the world was doing. All of it was far too far away to make a difference. Kivalina wasn’t. One thing all us knew was that no matter what it is, if it ends up in the water, everybody’s in trouble. The whole gruesome truth was spelled out in those few paragraphs, even though nobody realized: The dead fish, the speed at which the goo was spreading, and the drinking water. If I knew then what I know now, maybe I would have tried to run. Maybe now it’s just because I’m holed up inside a gold mind on the ass-end of a mountain, but I can’t help but wonder if I’d have run if I could have been safe. By that first day’s close it didn’t take too much to at least push the so-called orange goo to the back of our minds. We were still worried—mostly about the water, whatever was going on with the environment. All it took to convince us it wasn’t anything was a couple beers. The hangovers got fainter. The news didn’t.

An Anchorage paper. Same story, but the details kept growing. April 14, 2013: Stacy Edgrin’s husband saw it first, and she got on the marine radio to alert others in the remote Alaska village of Kivalina that a strange orange goo was sitting on top of the town’s harbor…the goo covered much of the harbor, and then began washing ashore Wednesday… The next day it rained, and residents found the orange matter floating on top of the rain buckets they use to collect drinking water…The concern is if it’s somehow harmful. What will it do to the fish, which villagers will soon start catching to stock up for winter, or the caribou, currently being hunted, or the berries? …When the material bunched up in the lagoon, it created 10 foot-by-100 foot swaths of glimmering orange…and Kivalnia wasn’t alone in reporting the strange substance… Wendy Garmond said she was boating on the Buckland River about 150 miles southeast… “It was orange looking,” she said.

It kept spreading. A local paper. April 15, 2013: …Several residents who took boats out again on Thursday reported that most of the creeks still had an orange tinge to them…they did not take many berries as the orange goo was coating most of the vegetation near the streams…Kivalina residents live largely off the land, and many are worried about the effect on some wildlife and plants from the goo, which turned powdery once it dried—and probably went airborne. One resident claimed that when she and her family went berry picking over the weekend, and couldn’t tell if the goo was on the fruit, called salmonberries, which are the same color… The caribou are in the region now… There were lots of theories amongst us. The whole thing had turned into a big enough joke with some of the guys they had a $300.00 pot for the one that got it right. Guesses went everywhere from chemical agents courtesy of terrorists to all kinds of crass jokes about someone’s mom or their previous evening. I was running a drill that afternoon when the answer came over the radio, and nobody won the money. It wasn’t anything to laugh at either. At least I

knew it wasn’t. “Tests have been conducted on the substance on the surface of the water in Kivalina and we have determined that these are small invertebrate eggs, although we cannot tell which species.” Another week passed. The orange goo disappeared from the water altogether. Then it disappeared from the news. The guys at the mine laughed about it some more, and made as many dirty jokes about invertebrates as they could before someone threatened to report them for sexual harassment. I didn’t think about the goo much more either. I slipped back into passing my days measuring the hours by the songs I listened to passing the daily grind. It’s not so different now, but I hit the repeat button more. I lay and listen to music, unable to sleep, not wanting to do anything else. I sit and I listen as every word brings me one step closer to a choice I think I can keep avoiding. The generator should run at least another week before it will need more diesel. The Ipod should last a day after. It won’t get cold until two days after that, which means there’ll be plenty of time to decide if biting a bullet of going to the surface is a worse way to go. “All Along the Watchtower” can probably play a few hundred more times before then. “MK Ultra” a dozen or so less.

A local paper. April 19, 2012. “We now think these are some sort of small crustacean egg or embryo”…a lead scientist at the Juneau lab, said in a press release…Scientists also don’t know why the unidentified eggs suddenly emerged on the shores of Kivalina last week. Villagers say they’ve never seen anything like it before, and know of no instance in which such a phenomenon occurred. The eggs were found on roofs and in buckets set over the village to collect rainwater. The substance has been described as gooey and slimy, exuding an unpleasant odor. It was spread in streaks along the Wulik River and the lagoon, which is a half-mile wide and six miles long. Orange goo in water was reported as far away as the village of Buckland, southeast of Kivalina by 150 miles. After that nobody wrote anymore about it. The radio didn’t say anymore about it. One of the guys saw four Chinook helicopters flying north, but everyone said it was just coincidence. A few days later was when it really started—when I knew that T.S. Elliott had been right when he wrote “...not with a bang but with a whimper.” It crept in the stillness of the night, quietly snuffing out everything—emerging.

An Anchorage Paper. April 24th, 2013. Two hunters from Idaho, in the state to hunt grizzly reported what they called a disturbing kill fueling local Inuit legends of a were-wolf like creature called the Adlet... The find came when the two men stumbled upon what they at first believed to have been a bear kill. “We knew it was a caribou, but it didn’t look like anything I’ve ever seen. I’ve been hunting since I was fifteen and I’ve never seen an animal do something like this to another.” The caribou was found literally ripped into pieces. Parts of the carcass had been picked clean to the bone. No trace of whatever killed the animal could be found. Portions of the skeleton were missing. The department of wildlife has examined the carcass and announced

that some of the wounds are consistent with a bear mauling. The carcass has been moved to Anchorage in order to determine if the bear is suffering from rabies or a similar neurodegenerative disease, in which case it will have to be hunted and euthanised.

I knew when I read that it wasn’t a bear or anything remotely like it, and I knew those hunters knew it wasn’t also. I almost thought about trying to find them-call them up. Then I realized there wouldn’t really be any point to it, what would I have asked them? I kept on with my job, mulling through the grind. Looking forward to having a beer and listening to wolves howl somewhere far off in the night while I sat next to a warm fire. I wonder that a lot now. What if I had found them? They’d have said, “We don’t know what the hell that was.” I’d have told them about the eggs and maybe they’d have thought what I did—what I know now. It’s surreal that I was right. I knew when I first saw that story. I knew because all the articles I’d read and radio updates I’d heard, everyone kept crying out that the stuff was on the berries the caribou ate and in everyone’s drinking water. I still feel sick when I think about it. That was the only story like that I ever saw, but I know what happened to the caribou happened to everyone—anything, that drank water laced with the eggs. Another week passed with everything pretty much remaining normal. That Friday was when things really went to hell. There wasn’t any horrific reveal, no blasts, or aircraft falling out of the sky like you see in the movies. It was quiet, slow, and inevitable. The power in the mining camp was the first thing to go, then the people. It wasn’t everyone at once, not even in numbers that would have stood out right away. No one really noticed until everyone got back into the bunkhouse or their own cabin if they had a family. That first night five people were missing. Search parties looked everywhere, but nobody found any sign of anyone. I was terrified that first night, the same way I get now when I’m lying on my back eyes gaping, unable to sleep. There’s lots of lights down here in the mine—down where it’s deep enough I don’t think they can get to me. It doesn’t make any difference though—I still can’t sleep. It got worse after that first night. Emergency generators put the power back online, but more people vanished. We actually heard something on the third night. Everyone knew something was going on. Nobody was going anywhere alone. The real skeptics, diehards, and guys with nothing to lose still were going to the bar. A lot of us saw two of them walking and then heard screaming just when they passed out of sight. Some of the water pipes in the camp got clogged later that night. When we looked in the pump house the orange goo was everywhere. Not just in the water—it was on the walls, the ceiling, the floor, and everything else. I ran. I didn’t wait on anybody else. I kept thinking about what those hunters had seen and I ran. I told everyone I could to stop drinking the water—knowing full well it was probably too late. Thirty more people were gone by the end of that week. All I could think about was wondering how long it would take. If someone drank water and the, I hated to think it, eggs had been inside. Some of us were already making plans

to get into the mine. We knew there weren’t any natural tunnels, and there were just two ways in and out. I still feel guilty for what we did. I still haven’t said more than a few words to the others down here. Sure there’s a few women and children. That should make me feel better, right? That has to count for something. We saved everyone we could. There are not really any heroes in times like this—those guys always go down first. And nobody would have done any differently than we did if they have seen what we saw. One of the mining engineers got the first look—the only real look. We were inside garage, siphoning gas out of the vehicles to move down to the mine. It wasn’t dark, but just dark enough that everything was muddled and blurry. The mining engineer and a few guys were over tinkering with the bigger machines, while the rest of us were draining the trucks. All of us heard the noise: A clunky chittering that buzzed for just a second and then was silent. Nobody moved. Each of us looked at each other’s wide eyes hoping someone would say it was nothing. The mining engineer shot toward the door and nobody followed him. We heard the sound again and in the dim light I just barely made out what was coming for us. It was low to the ground, but long and wide. If it wasn’t black it was almost, and had a dull sheen just enough that in that split second I knew I was looking at a shell. I didn’t see any eyes, but I knew I saw long lance-like spikes jutting out from what was a wide mouth.

When we made it out of the garage, there was no more preparing. The guys grabbed whomever they could and hollered for anyone who could hear and we booked it for the mine. I’m not sure how many of us made it. The elevator going down can hold thirty people at once. There were more supplies on it than there were people. An argument broke out once we were on the lowest level. It ended with a gunshot and the decision to seal both the entrances. The first few days were a blur. I kept busy any way I could—mostly that meant drilling like I was at work. Got the drill a good distance deeper in. Kept trying to convince myself everything was fine, that everyone up on the surface was fine. I tried to laugh and told myself they were going to owe me overtime when all this was done. Then I came to.

Everything is not fine. We are alive now, but soon we won’t be. We’re not safe. We’re trapped at the bottom of a pit while everything we knew and loved is being destroyed. If anyone is coming to help they aren’t coming here. If somewhere in the world they’re fighting for survival, their battle won’t bring them here. If it’s not the creatures it will be exposure. If it’s not exposure it will be starvation and dehydration. If it’s not that eventually those of us trapped down here will turn on each other. I still can’t decide. Maybe it would be faster that way. Maybe if I go to the surface and try to run or to get food or gas and I fail, maybe it’s just the blink of an eye. If I stay down here I know exactly how long I’ll wait. I can count the minutes, then the hours, and the days. There won’t be many left, but when you measure the days by the lyrics of a song, it’s still an eternity. I hit repeat as the intro plays again and wondering what end four minutes and thirty-two seconds will bring me closer to.

BandWagon Magazine northern coloradoâ€™s arts & entertainment magazine SEPTEMBER 2013

BandWagon Magazine northern colorado’s arts & entertainment magazine SEPTEMBER 2013

GAMES

SUDOKU © 2013 Knight Features. Reprinted with permission of Universal Uclick. All rights reserved. WORD ROUNDUP by David L. Hoyt and Jeff Knurek © 2012 Reprinted with permission of Universal Uclick. All rights reserved.

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