BandWagon Magazine - September 2023 - The Burroughs

Kaitlin Butts

What Else can She Do

adversity.

Songs like "blood," cowritten with veteran songwriter Angeleena Presley, stands out on the record as a potent symbol of Butts' narrative power. In it, she tackles familial ties, the toxicity of guilt, and the challenge of severing harmful connections. In the stirring "Bored If I Don’t," Butts channels the disenchantment of the suburban housewife, a testament to the universal feelings of restlessness and the yearning for something more.

Country music has always been a conduit for storiestales of love, loss, and like many great songs of note, the human experience. Within this tradition, Kaitlin Butts weaves her narrative as she draws raw emotion and realities that define the human condition. Her latest offering, "What Else Can She Do," is a stirring testament to her prowess as a songwriter and storyteller, portraying the resilience and determination of women navigating life's harsh trials.

Each song on the album feels like a chapter in a rich novel, with complex characters grappling with questions of identity, survival, and resilience. Butts' uncanny ability to encapsulate the multitudes within the female experience sets her apart in a genre often known for its simplicity. Her songs do not trivialize the struggles of her characters, instead, they highlight their strength and determination in the face of

Through tracks like the captivating "It Won’t Always Be This Way" and the poignant "What Else Can She Do," Butts demonstrates that she is an artist who recognizes the struggles of ordinary individuals. Her characters are not damsels in distress but resilient women on the cusp of rebirth, reminding us that strength can be found in the face of adversity. The album stands as a testament to Butts' evolution as an artist, a songwriter, and a woman. It encapsulates her determination to tell stories that resonate, stories that reflect the world around her, stories that remind us that we're not alone in our struggles.

Kaitlin Butts is not just singing songs; she's sharing narratives of strength, resilience, and the will to overcome. She's offering the world a glimpse of the complexities of the human spirit and reminding us that we are capable of so much more than we can imagine.

BandWagon Staff

BandWagon Magazine

NATHANIEL RATELIFF | 8-23 RED ROCKS

THE BURROUGHS

GREELEY'S HOMETOWN HEROES CRAFT A COSMIC SYMPHONY

BY BANDWAGON STAFF

IIn the dynamic realm of the indie music scene, there are albums, and then there are sagas—musical odysseys that weave tales as enthralling as the notes themselves. The Burroughs' latest offering, "Honey Imastar," falls firmly into the latter category. It's an ambitious, cosmic exploration, but for a band rooted in the

nurturing grounds of Greeley, Colorado, ambition has always been part of the narrative.

The Burroughs started their musical expedition from the unlikely bedrock of Greeley, with humble origins in “Sweaty Greeley Soul” and fostering its core membership from the University of Northern Colorado Jazz pro-

gram. Yet, a casual glance at their trajectory reveals a metamorphosis that transcends genre labels. It's not just about music; it's about storytelling, community, and a commitment to evolving without losing sight of one’s roots.

On September 8th, as the Downtown Greeley revels in the festivities of the Gree-

ley Block Party, The Burroughs will approach a poignant full-circle moment. This festival, celebrating the University of Northern Colorado's return to campus, holds sentimental value. The university's music program cradled the talents of several band members, and as Greeley's hometown heroes take the stage, one can anticipate an electric blend of nostalgia and innovation.

The aforementioned "Honey Imastar" encapsulates this very spirit. Drenched in cosmic vibes, the album narrates the escapades of its protagonist, Honey, an extraterrestrial grappling with earthly experiences. Tracks like "Run" lay the groundwork, while others like "Alone" and "Childhood Dreams" delve deep into her struggles. This isn't just a collection of songs; it's a movie for the ears.

While the album draws parallels with space-themed works like Jamiroquai's "Traveling Without Moving," The Burroughs succeed in infusing their signature sound, especially evident in tracks like "Don’t Fight The Groove." This potent blend of influences spanning Sly & The Family Stone to Barry White is a testament to their decade-long commitment to staying musically curious.

Frontman Johnny Burroughs’ sentiments regarding the album provide a deeper layer of understanding. For him, the album is an intertwining tale of personal growth and external influences: “Honey Imastar couldn't be a more personal story...The story, songs, and vision for the album were growing in parallel with my daughter experiencing the first year of her life.”

Yet, amid the sonic innovations, The Burroughs' commitment to community remains unwavering. Their collaborations with organizations like the Weld Food Bank and the Greeley Boys and Girls Clubs, as well as their passionate drive towards ensuring music education for all, with campaigns like #BandsGiveBack, amplify their ethos of music made in community.

As the Greeley Block Party approaches, attendees can anticipate more than just another live gig. They're set to experience a band that embodies the essence of Greeley—a harmonious blend of past, present, and future. After all, this is The Burroughs: a group that's not just about the music, but about the stories, the community, and the souls it touches along the way.

CATCH THE BURROUGHS AT THE BLOCK PARTY IN DOWNTOWN GREELEY ON SEPTEMBER 8TH!

THE AUDACIOUS AUTHENTICITY OF

A DEEP DIVE INTO DENVER'S MOST DEFIANT ALBUM OF THE YEAR, PRBLMS

BY BANDWAGON STAFF

In the vast landscape of Denver's thriving music scene, it's rare to come across an act that genuinely stands as an island unto themselves. But, NOT A TOY, the fourpiece band that’s been making waves and amassing fans, not only stands alone but also thrives in its unique space.

There's something incredibly refreshing about witnessing a band that's unapologetically dedicated to their art and authenticity. Denver is no stranger to genre fusions, yet NOT A TOY's seamless blend of dance, experimental pop, and trap feels revolutionary, and maybe that's because it's born out of genuine passion rather than a desire to fit into a particular niche or mold.

Their recent album, PRBLMS, is a testament to this audacious authenticity. The record reads like an intimate journal, brought to life with the vibrant hues of different musical genres. What's truly compelling is how each track, while being distinct, aligns perfectly with the album's overarching theme. They’re not just delivering songs; they're sharing stories, emotions, and a palpable sense of self.

Now, speaking of self, lead singer and producer, Branson Hoog, is a multi-faceted artist whose genuine spirit adds yet another layer to the group’s allure. Last month, Branson showcased his tattoo artistry at Lollapalooza, where he not only inked fellow artists but also leveraged the festival as an opportunity to network. This multidimensionality makes Branson, and by extension NOT A TOY, a rarity in the world of music.

PRBLMS is undeniably versatile. From rap-influenced verses to catchy pop choruses and rhythmic dance patterns, the album feels like a rollercoaster ride, taking listeners through highs, lows, twists, and turns. "Grown Folk Problems" taps into a universal sentiment of the bittersweetness of growing up, while tracks like “Nervous” & “Say So” provide intimate glimpses into the nuanced world of young love and its accompanying challenges.

And it's not just about lyrics and themes. The album is a masterclass in meticulous arrangement. The haunting trumpet solo post-chorus in “Soul Slippin’” is reminiscent of a serene and melancholic interlude, giv-

ing listeners a breather before diving into the song's deep and heavy themes. In a stark juxtaposition, “DIE W/ U” delivers a sudden switch in production that's artfully dark, exhibiting NOT A TOY’s proficiency in creating rich sonic landscapes.

Witnessing NOT A TOY perform live brings this authenticity to the forefront. It's less of a performance and more of a conversation. The band doesn’t just play for the audience; they engage with them, making every concert feel personal, intimate, and one-of-akind.

So, why does PRBLMS matter? And why should anyone outside of Denver take notice?

In an era where music often feels over-produced, where authenticity sometimes takes a backseat to marketability, PRBLMS is a

beacon of genuine artistry. It's not just about catchy hooks or radio-ready tracks; it's about creating a body of work that reflects the soul of the artist, and NOT A TOY has achieved this remarkably.

Indeed, PRBLMS could very well be the best album to emerge from Denver this year, but its reach and impact stretch far beyond the confines of the city. It's a clarion call for artists everywhere to embrace authenticity, to be fearless in their fusion of genres, and to remember that at the heart of every great album is a genuine conversation with the listener.

In conclusion, NOT A TOY is not just a band; they're a movement, a breath of fresh air in an industry that's often suffocating with repetition. With PRBLMS, they've set the bar incredibly high, not just for themselves, but for every artist in Denver and beyond.

CATCH NOT A TOY AT THE BLOCK PARTY IN DOWNTOWN GREELEY ON SEPTEMBER 8TH!

JVKE | 8-12 OGDEN THEATER

MAISY KAY | 8-12 OGDEN THEATER

NATHANIEL RATELIFF | 8-23 RED ROCKS

PHOTOS BY JASON ALFARO OF RIGHT EYE MEDIA