#UMS2018 Kickoff! Friday is Day One – And Here’s DenverThread’s Best Bets By-The-Hour
July 27, 2018
#UMS2018
Sure – we know you can make up your own mind about which bands to check out at the Underground Music Showcase (UMS) this year. But why would you want to?
With about three million (well, three hundred, about) bands to choose from, you’re going to miss some that you’ll wish you’d seen – that’s just a fact. So save yourself the prospect of self-flagellation over being responsible for those choices, and just take our word for it. Following our recommended daily lineups will guarantee that you’ll have a guilt-free – and EXCELLENT – experience at the UMS, and you’ll be able to sleep soundly, with the carefree assurance that you will have seen and heard the best that this year’s edition of the coolest festival of Mountain & Plain of the summer has to offer.
Whatever – just read on and make up your own mind. But don’t say we didn’t warn you.
Yeah – we haven’t recommended any of the main stage gigs for Friday night – because we trust the expertise of the UMS partners. AND – we honestly believe that the more time you spend up in front of the big names, the less time you’ll have to discover something new, exciting, and brilliant on the streets and in the bars of South Broadway (and don’t forget the comedy stage) – the real, heartfelt reason for the UMS. Take a chance on a band or ten you’ve never heard of!
Here’s the DenverThread list for #UMS2018 Day 1: Friday, July 27
| 6:00 p.m. | Friday |
|---|---|
The Beeves – Illegal Pete’sRough-n-tumble punky surf rock that’ll start your UMS off with the right mood. Think Pixies and No Age, with a soupçon of good ol’ Camper Van Beethoven. |
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| 7:00 p.m. | |
Oxeye Daisy – 3 Kings TavernDreamy jangling guitars and sweet poppy beats, fronted by Lela Roy’s voice, beautifully visiting equal parts Best Coast and Neko Case. |
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| 8:00 p.m. | |
Don Chicharrón – 3 Kings TavernLatino-Peruvian psychedelia and a bit of the legendary Os Mutantes vibe, on a Friday evening in Denver? Who could ask for more? |
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| 9:00 p.m. | |
Chess at Breakfast – Irish RoverThis trio kicks out a solid postpunk sound adrift with surfy ’70s mistiness. Despite the name, they’re definitely not just for breakfast anymore (roll droll drums)…. Honorable Mention: Silver & Gold – Illegal Pete’sStraight up, strong rock n’ roll out of Greeley, CO, fit for a nightcap before re-awakening. |
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| 10:00 p.m. | |
The House of Aura – Gary Lee’sAmbient, dreamy electropop tunes that lend themselves to the perfect cocktail and late night snacks, gazing into a fireplace, or a hot pair of eyes. Honorable Mention: There’s an Ape for That – Denver DistilleryListen to the last vestiges of an old technology, and take some home, from a simian dj the likes of which you’ve never seen…. |
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| 11:00 p.m. | |
The Other Black – 3 Kings TavernTrue r&b, funk, soul, & hip hop mix up in this huge (in every sense of the word) band to bring the climax of #UMS2018 to a head just at the right time. Not one you want to miss… Honorable Mention: Mr. Atomic – Irish RoverCheck out these true guitar heroes from Boulder, if your face is melt-proof. |
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| 12:00 a.m. | Saturday |
Altas – Gary Lee’sWith huge, crushing instrumental genius on a universal scale, Altas continues to take over the world, one sonic fortress at a time. Honorable Mention: Rossonian – Illegal Pete’sLove and midnight come out indie style with these smooth operators. |
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| 1:00 a.m. | |
The Still Tide – Illegal Pete’sIf you’re still awake at this time, this trio will be the best thing to do to welcome the end of your first #UMS2018 day. A mix of indie folk and shoegaze, and sweet, dreamy dreams. |
