Issue 3

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July, 2014

The

Prelude

Press founder, editor-in-chief

Dom Vigil

Co-Founder, Managing Editor

Shannon Shumaker

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Svetlana Joukova Shannon Shumaker Jordan Altergott Jesus Martinez Nick Reece Alejandra Elisabet

CONTRIBUTING Writers

Dillon Crader Nick Reece Jordan Altergott Shannon Shumaker Dom Vigil Blake Britton

Kalyca Lawrence Alejandra Elisabet Max Stern Scott Kelly Sam Lang Amaya Del Rio

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“The past couple of months have been insanely busy and crazy, but above all, it’s been a really fun ride! We want to give a special thank you to Kalmia and From Thin Air for taking the time to sit down with us, as well as Allison Weiss and K.Flay for taking the time out of their busy schedules to answer a few questions. We’d also like to thank all of the awesome people who made this issue possible: Amanda Charney, Talia Miller, Stephanie Marlow, Austin Griswold and Josh Hammond.

Without you guys, we wouldn’t have all of the awesome photos and stories that make up this issue!

As always, we’re super excited to see where the next few months take us and are eternally grateful for all of the great people we have the privlage of working with every single day! ” - Shannon Shumaker

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28. FROM THIN AIR

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06. Kalmia

8. In case you missed it...

14. Tour Photos

22. Artists to watch

38. Album Reviews

42. Staff Picks

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ESSENTIAL

SUMMER ALBUMS (IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER)

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I arrive at Noa Bryant’s house at 11:15 in the morning and I’m greeted immediately with a warm environment. The intoxicating aroma of the property’s greenery relieves any feelings of anxiousness or hostility that lies below the surface of this seemingly professional pedestal I’ve been placed on. Taylor Sumner spots me through the window of the band room where she and Bryant are working on new material. She waves me inside where I’m led past a variety of plants and animals. I go inside the band room and they’re hard at work with Sumner on drums and Bryant on acoustic guitar.

This is an unusual spot for both of them. During live shows, Bryant is always found on bass while Sumner stands a few feet away with a microphone and the occasional keyboard in front of her.

anyone taking notice. It quickly becomes very apparent that this band is a family unit, and if you come for a visit, they’re going to try their best to make you feel like part of that unit too.

After about an hour of introductions to Bryant’s many pets and one coffee run, Garett LaCouture, the band’s beyond impressive guitarist shows up with his girlfriend, Melissa. We all sit down at a table and the interview feels like it begins without

“We were working with a producer named Andrew Nast,” says Sumner. “I was working on songs with him and [Garrett and Noa] were working in a band called Meridian. We ended up playing together on the songs that Andrew and I were

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You wouldn’t think that a band who’s only been together for a few short years could have such a long history but, then again, you haven’t heard the story of Kalmia. Though they’ve only just decided on their name, the band itself has been working on material and playing shows in Denver for the past three years. Sumner, Bryant, and LaCouture had been taking on their musical talents for a long time before a chance meeting in Denver recording studio, The Decibel Garden, brought them together.

writing and after a while we just started writing songs together.”

LaCouture speaks up about the history between himself and Bryant. “We were both in high school and we went on tour in a band called Six Afraid of Seven. We used to put out piñatas over the crowd filled with raw hot dogs and Caesar salad. It was definitely something that we did more for fun. This feels a lot more professional. But Noa and I have been playing together for a long time, so it’s very natural for us because we know each other so well. We finish each other’s… sandwiches.”

Sumner is the definition of a team player now. Not long after working with Bryant and LaCouture did she acknowledge that it wasn’t just her project anymore. She will happily tell anyone that the music she makes now wouldn’t be possible without her bandmates. In fact, she doesn’t have to say it at all. That statement is heavily evidenced with “Wine Night Rain Delay,” the band’s latest and tightest sounding track to date. From the sound of it, nearly everyone’s musical background and influences played a part.

“I’m really excited to have that one out,” says Sumner. “I think it’s a really good representation of what we do as a whole. I really want to try and get ‘Wine Night’ on the radio and get as many people to listen to it as possible. We have another song we recorded recently called ‘Harbinger.’

We want a mini EP project done by the end of the year.”

Bryant laughs and strums on his acoustic guitar. “And sentences!” Bryant and his family were in the business of music for a long time before his role in Kalmia. His father was a folk singer in his early days. “He was a singer/songwriter throughout his life. He taught himself to play the acoustic guitar and traveled around South America after high school and “...Something just during college. He would always works. The three pick up a cheap [guitar] and write wherever he went all the time. My of us write really sister and I used to watch him play well together.” at open stages all the time.”

- Taylor Sumner

Though the band says they’re far from a full-length, they show no signs of stopping work despite their seemingly difficult relationship with past drummers.

“All the drummers we’ve had have been so, so talented,” Sumner remarked. “But there’s an insecuri Both he and LaCouture expressed an im- ty in not knowing how these people are going to mense amount of gratitude for the man. He was play or how they think we’re going to play We’re very supportive in letting the boys rehearse in the already all so close so it can be hard bringing in an family garage. “When I went off to college,” Bryant outsider sometimes.” The band has recently been continued, “he gave my friends keys so they could depending on an old friend from LaCouture and still get into the garage and rehearse while I was Bryant’s high school band to get the job done live away.” in recent gigs. The past relationship only helps a band who sounds as tight as they are close.

Sumner herself had always gone at music alone before the band. She garnered some suc- Strange coincidences and happy accidents cess in the YouTube community as a solo artist may have led to their formation, but it’s unmistakwhich also landed her a spot performing on one able that this band met at the right time. For the of Colorado’s local news programs when she was past year now, their relationship and strong artistic only thirteen. But now that she’s had time work- influence has only made Kalmia an increasingly ing with a group, it’s very doubtful she’ll go back unstoppable trio and a musical force to be reckto her old routine. “Writing with someone else is oned with. cool,” she says with a smile. “You get to bounce your ideas off of each other and it’s interesting to PHOTO AND STORY: Blake Britton see how they change. Something just works. The three of us write really well together.”

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In case you missed it...

them before so I’m not really sure what to expect, but I figure I should like them because they are Sunday, June 22nd @ The Marquis Theater part of the same kind of “emo-revival” music genre Denver, CO that I love. As predicted, I do really enjoy them.

They’re very laid back and have a nice touch of

As I am driving like a maniac to get downgrunge in the guitar, which is what stands out to town so I’m not late to see Tigers Jaw and Pity me the most. The audience is very calm during Sex, I can’t help but to notice that it is the perfect Wild Moth’s set but when I look around, mostly summer day for a show. The sun is out and it’s everyone is bobbing their head or moving to the not too hot or too cold. As I arrive at the venue, I music. From where I am standing unfortunately, I immediately jump in line with my friends and wait can’t hear the vocals all that much, but it doesn’t eagerly. The main reason I decided to attend the stop me or anyone else in the crowd from enjoying show was to see Pity Sex. With only two other the music. bands playing, I was completely fine with attending a show just for one band, and as my friends

After Wild Moth finishes their set, Pity Sex and I make our way to the front of the venue, the begins to set up and needless to say, I am excited. first band to play is Wild Moth.

Plus, I am about to see one of my favorite musicians, Britty Drake, perform music that I love. As

Today is the first day on tour for the San I am trying to hold in my excitement, Pity Sex fiFrancisco-based band. I had never listened to nally begins to play. The crowd instantly starts to

tigers jaw, pity sex & Wild moth

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move and I get pushed to the front of the stage (I couldn’t be any happier) and, as expected, the band sounds amazing. The crowd is pretty into it, but once they begin to play “Coca Cola” everyone loses it. Suddenly there are people crowd surfing, stage diving, and screaming the lyrics. And not only does the band sound amazing, but they also play my favorite song, “Drown Me Out”. The crowd’s vibe never dissipates and stays very active and positive during the whole set which makes for an amazing experience all together.

After Pity Sex leaves the stage, it is time for the well loved and respected Tigers Jaw. I honestly haven’t listened to Tigers Jaw much, so I decide to escape the anxious crowd and watch towards the back.

Though I don’t know their music, I do have very high expectations for the band for two reasons. The first reason: They just released their album Charmer. I figure that a headlining band who just released an album and reached #49 on Billboard Top 200 has to have a lot of energy and passion. The second reason: Tigers Jaw has a very huge following and has been receiving a lot of hype over Tumblr. I know it is an odd reason but when a certain band is something you constantly see on your Tumblr dashboard, there comes a time where you have to see what the huge fuss is about, and let me tell you, I am not let down at all.

upbeat and full of energy.

Overall, the show is awesome and I have a great time, plus I gain two new bands that I like a lot now. The last thing that I will say about the Tigers Jaw show is that, being a Colorado native,

As a first time listener, I instantly fall in love I am very proud that I am part of a music scene with Tigers Jaw’s sound and vocals, but it really that respects band members while they perform isn’t until they play “Plane Vs. Tank Vs. Subma- whether the band members are male or female rine” that they suck me in. In fact, the first thing and next time they come through Denver, I will I did when I got home was download this song. definitely be there.

Throughout the whole set, the crowd is basically a crazy pile of monkeys climbing over one another and screaming the lyrics. At one point, Ben’s microphone stand even gets knocked over and PHOTOS: Jordan Altergott slams right into his mouth. Luckily he isn’t hurt and STORY: Dillon Crader they continue through the song, keeping the set THEPRELUDEPRESS.COM - 9

solved by the second track and thankfully, because it becomes very obvious that one of the strongest aspects about this band is their phenomenal vocalist. That’s not to say that he completely carries the band by himself, though – the cool electronic elements that White Arrows have as well as their strong rhythm section really add to their sound and make it fuller. I’m blown away by White Arrows with every song that they play, and by the end of their set I’m bobbing my head along to their music with my friends.

Travi$ Scott takes the stage after White Arrows, and I’d be lying if I said that I’m not excited to see him. I’ve listened to him a few times before and I’m really interested to see how he performs live and how the crowd (most of them there to see The Neighbourhood, of course) will react to him.

Needless to say, he kills it.

While his genre of music might differ a bit from the two other acts on the bill, that doesn’t stop the crowd from getting into Travi$ Scott, and it definitely doesn’t stop him from performing like a mad man, hopping around the stage throughout his entire set. And while I thought that maybe some of the crowd might not be into him, it seems that Travi$ Scott managed to bring quite a big following to The Ogden, with fans screaming and rapping his lyrics back to him. He keeps his enerThe neighbourhood, travi$ scott & gy high throughout the entire set, interacting with his fans by challenging them to sing along and white arrows even leaping into the crowd a couple of times. His Wednesday, June 25th @ The Ogden Theatre single “Upper Echelon” is by far the highlight of his Denver, CO set, with fans (including myself) really getting into

When I first saw that The Neighbourhood the music and singing along. And though Travi$ was coming back to Denver, I knew that I had to Scott’s set seems to be cut short just a little too be there. I had missed them (to my dismay) last soon, his fans all leave the crowd with smiles on time they’d been in town, and knew that I couldn’t their faces, ready to meet the man at his merch make the same mistake again. So needless to say, table.

I’ve been anticipating this show for quite a while, and by the time I finally walk into the doors of The After Travi$ Scott leaves the stage, the Ogden Theatre, I’m excited. crowd is already buzzing with anticipation for the well-loved headliners, The Neighbourhood.

The first band to play is L.A. based group, While the break between the two acts is long, that White Arrows. I’ve never listened to them before, doesn’t seem to kill the mood, and by the time that so I’m not quite sure what to expect, but as they the house lights dim, the crowd goes wild. Strobe dive into their set, I’m definitely not disappointed. lights on the stage go off and, after a few seconds, While the vocals in the first song of their set are the silhouettes of the band appear. Before the first too low and hard to hear, the problem is quickly note of “Female Robbery” even sounds, I’m cer10 - THEPRELUDEPRESS.COM

tain that I’m in for a real treat and boy, am I right.

The Neighbourhood starts their set off strong with three crowd favorite songs, “Female Robbery,” “Everybody’s Watching Me (Uh Oh)” and “Let It Go,” and by the time the band takes a moment to greet their fans, everyone is already amped. After that, the band goes right into one of their newer tracks “Jealou$y” and by the time the saxophone comes in at the chorus, the whole crowd is dancing. Vocalist Jesse Rutherford plays right off of the crowd’s energy, too, dancing (much to the appreciation of his female fans) along with the saxophone and crooning, “Promise you that I’ll make a baby with you.”

Throughout The Neighbourhood’s set, Rutherford proves that he really knows how to work a crowd. On top of his singing, dancing and usual antics, he reaches down at one point, taking a cell phone from a fan’s hand and snaps a few photos of himself and the crowd with it, all while still singing along, keeping everyone energized and captivated. With everything going on (Jesse taking selfies, jumping in the crowd, catching the bras that are occasionally tossed on stage) the music and Jesse’s vocals still manage to sound on point, too, a feat that some bands can’t seem

to manage, but The Neighbourhood makes it look easy.

Before long, The Neighbourhood’s set slows down and nears the end, and just when I’m starting to dread the second that the music stops and I have to go home, the first few opening notes of “Sweater Weather” begin, and the crowd absolutely goes wild. It seems like everyone has been waiting for this moment and wastes no time in singing along, belting out the lyrics (that they all know by heart, of course) along with the band. And when Jesse announces that the band is taking bra donations, fans waste no time in tossing their lingerie onto the stage.

After “Sweater Weather” the band leaves the stage for a few minutes, and when the finally return, it’s to play their two song encore, consisting of fan favorites, “How” and “Afraid.” By the end of their set, I am right there with the rest of the crowd, having a good time and singing along with one of my favorite songs, laughing as Jesse jokes about all of the bras on stage, and smiling as I leave the venue, still humming the melody of “Afraid” to myself.

PHOTOS: Shannon Shumaker STORY: Dom Vigil

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THE STORY SO- 13 FAR THEPRELUDEPRESS.COM Photo: Jesus Martinez

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MYKA, RELOCATE THEPRELUDEPRESS.COM - 17 Photo: Svetlana Joukova

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ASKING ALEXANDRIA 20 - THEPRELUDEPRESS.COM Photo: Svetlana Joukova

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THEPRELUDEPRESS.COM - 23 AVENGED SEVENFOLD Photo: Shannon Shumaker

artists to watch

For me (and probably for most living humans), the last few years have been marked by highs, lows, sadness, joy, all those extremes. As I started writing the record, I realized that even though a lot of Hell yeah. Thanks for having me. the lyrical content was dark, there was still a hopeWhen you first started writing and releas- ful energy to the songs. “Turn It Around” and “Get ing music, were there any major goals you It Right” are two of the more straightforward exhad in mind? Anything that you wanted to amples, but I think the record as a whole conveys that tension between doing the worst but hoping accomplish? for the best.

When I first started, I was really just making music as a sort of experiment. Once I started touring Do you have a favorite song off of the aland doing music full-time, my major goal was to bum? release a full length album. It’s taken me a minute and it’s been a weird ass journey, but I’m finally I think my favorite song is the first track - it’s called “Everyone I Know.” I had this melody idea in my there. head, which ended up being the melody of the first When working on Life As A Dog, was there line. Everything else just flowed from there. a specific message you wanted to convey?

First off, thanks for taking the time to talk to us!

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You’ve gone from self-releasing music, to I’m sure the experience is a bit different, but it’s working with a major label, back to doing it been really cool for me, because I have the opporDIY style. What made you want to go “back tunity to surprise people with the sound. to your roots” so to speak?

Are there any artists that you’ve been into My experience at the label was a really informative on Warped Tour that you’d recommend we one in a lot of ways. It taught me so much about the check out? industry as a whole, how bands get signed, how big fucking records get made, but another thing I am majorly fucking with Plague Vendor. They’ve it taught me was that I don’t make music that fits got this throwback punk vibe and an amazing live into a “standard” radio format and that I don’t want show. And i’ve been digging everyone on the Beatto change what I do to accommodate commercial port stage - Watsky, Antiserum, Crizzly - it’s such a interests. I’m a bit of a control freak as well, so crazy mix of artists and energies. self-releasing really suits my style of creativity.

What can we expect from your live perforCreatively, do you feel that you have more mance? Is there anything you want fans to freedom releasing music on your own, be able to take away from your shows? rather than working with a label?

The live performance is an ever-changing entity, Undoubtedly. I’ve got a great team of people who but I hope that people are able to sense the emosupport me and inspire me and advise me, but tionality behind what I’m doing. I care so deeply from a creative standpoint, I had total autonomy in about music and about making it and performing it. I want people to feel that. putting out this record.

Was there anything that you got to do with As an artist, is there anything that you’d on this record that you didn’t get the chance like to be remembered or known for? to try any of your previous releases?

I’d like to be remembered for making a record that I got to work with the exact set of people I wanted mattered to some people. I’d also like to be reto work with. At a label, things have to go through membered for being polite. an approval chain and decision making can be a weird and political thing. There was none of that here. The producers I collaborated with, the mixing and mastering engineers, the video directors, the photographers, the graphic artists - these are all people I legitimately love and people I respect immensely as artists.

How has Warped Tour been so far?

It’s been totally different from anything I’ve experienced before, and I mean that in the best way.

The camaraderie and sense of community is so inspiring to be around.

Do you think it’s a different experience on the tour being a hip-hop artist versus a rock/metal/pop-punk band like the majority of the acts on Warped Tour?

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First and foremost, how would you de- general anxiety and feelings I’ve been dealing with scribe your sound for any readers who hav- over the last few years. en’t had the chance to listen to you yet?

Was there anything you really wanted to convey with these songs?

I write catchy, upbeat, feelings-driven indie pop.

Did you have any big influences or inspiration when working on Remember When?

I was thinking a lot about the past. I spent a lot of time reading my old diaries and revisiting old wounds. I didn’t write the songs in any particular order, I wrote them in bits and pieces all at the same time, so they started to melt together. It’s actually the first time I’ve written songs that aren’t about specific moments in my life, but more about 26 - THEPRELUDEPRESS.COM

Over the course of making my last record, I became obsessed with relationships, how they work, how they don’t. I think this EP is a continuation of that. I don’t think I’ll ever get over it, really.

Is there anything you really strive to achieve when releasing new music? Anything you try to stay away from?

Usually I just want to make something that feels

new and exciting to play, maybe say something I haven’t said yet. I like to feel that I’m making progress sonically and lyrically.

quick to compare them to the big names in their genre (such as Paramore, Tegan & Sara, ect) before allowing them to pave their own way as musicians. Is that something that you have to deal with, or is it something you don’t really worry about?

I remember watching your videos and covers on youtube back in 2006-2008 and it’s really cool to see how much you’ve grown and changed since then.

What do you think is the most important thing you’ve learned since you first started writing music?

Personally I’m stoked when I get compared to the likes of Paramore or Tegan & Sara. I think being compared to other artists is something that musicians of all genders deal with. Music criticism has always involved comparisons. It’s an easy way to introduce fans to a new band.

I think in the beginning I used to just get super emo about everything. It’s been almost 10 years since I started writing. I like to think I approach things in a more mature way now.

Not that emo is a bad thing, I just think I’ve grown up. I can’t really name one specific important thing. I’m a totally different person than when I started out.

Since this is going to be your second year in a row on the Vans Warped Tour, is there anything you learned last year that will help you get through this one?

I think this year I’ll just be better at it! For instance, I’m not gonna sit out at my merch table all day long, that’s for sure! Last year I went hard and wore myself out. I’m a one-man operation so I have to conserve my energy.

Are there any bands that you’re really excited to see at Warped? Anybody you think we should look out for?

Super excited to see my boyfriends in State Champs every day!! Also excited for We Are The In Crowd, Front Porch Step, and my buddy Brian Marquis. I wish I were on the same dates as Aaron West & The Roaring Twenties (Dan Campbell of The Wonder Years’ side project) but sadly, I ain’t.

It’s also really cool to see that you’re still Thanks for answering a few questions for doing covers! Was there any specific rea- us! Is there anything else you’d like to add? son you decided to include “Call Your Girlfriend” on Remember When?

That’s all, I think! Remember When is out July 22 and you can preorder it at allisonw.com!

I’ve been covering this one at shows over the past few years and I thought it’d be cool to actually put it out, and this EP seemed like a good opportunity.

I love Robyn and “CYG” is one of my favorites of hers. It’s so upbeat when she does it but it’s really so sad.

I find that with many female fronted bands, or female artists in general, people are

PHOTO: Provided INTERVIEW: Shannon Shumaker

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The best thing about Denver pop-punk quartet, From Thin Air

is that they love what they do. When I showed up at their practice space to take some photos and chat with them about their new album Masquerade, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. Between joking about vocalist, Ethan Gilbert’s injured knee (he recently tore his MCL while playing lacrosse) and quoting movies back and forth so fast that it would make your head spin, I was anxious to see how these guys would handle a serious conversation about the band. That being said, it was like flipping a switch the moment that we started talking music, and within seconds they were all business, ready and more than excited to chat.

While From Thin Air is just getting ready to release their debut full-length, Masquerade, all four members have been part of the Denver music scene for years. They’re no strangers to writing music, playing shows or touring, and it’s apparent within the first few minutes of speaking with them that they definitely know what they’re talking about.

explained, “When we were on tour with Cartel, we got tired of people coming up to us and being like ‘are you guys like the merch company?’”

“T-Shirts 4 Tomorrow was really hard to market to people just because they really didn’t understand what we were about unless they were really involved in listening to our music,” He continued, “We also wanted to make the change be The band originally went under the moniker cause we would get emails back from people who T-Shirts 4 Tomorrow in its earlier years, but after a wouldn’t really take us seriously. It kind of just befew member changes, they ultimately decided that came a joke” a name-change was in order. “As of September we made the change over to From Thin Air and The switch from T-Shirts 4 Tomorrow over Mauricio [Jara] came in as our drummer,” Gilbert to From Thin Air was seemingly effortless, though, THEPRELUDEPRESS.COM - 29

as Gilbert explained with a smile on his face. “After the shows here in Denver with Cartel and The Dangerous Summer, both AJ [Perdomo, The Dangerous Summer] and Will [Pugh, Cartel] came up to us and asked ‘How do you sing up here?’ and we were like ‘Well, we’re from thin air, so we’re used to it.’ It was kind birthed by accident.”

“Writing the record spanned from September until December 30th, when we left. We finished ‘Dia De Los Muertos’ that day and then left for Chicago,” Bassist, Joe Fox explained. It all happened fast after Jara joined the band, and the four of them quickly had to learn how to work and write well with one another.

“There were moments in time where it almost seemed like we hit a wall “We never had to before taking a turn with the

With the new name and write a song for the writing process,” Silva said, “I mean, this was the first time I new lineup, From Thin Air was sake of writing a song. really truly started writing with an unstoppable force to be reckoned with, and within a month Everything we wrote Ethan and Joe as well as working with a new drummer. We they were already hard at work came natural...” were figuring out how we were on new songs for their upcom- Ethan Gilbert going to make it work, but also ing album with plans to travel to realizing that it really does work.”

Chicago to work with producer Sean O’Keefe. And while the time constraints were challenging, it also Gilbert agreed and chimed in, saying, added fuel to the band’s fire, keeping them moti- “But the cool thing about it was as the music provated and excited about things to come. gressed, and as we started to get some songs to “It was like that 80’s a-ha moment,” Guitarist, Jeremey Silva joked.

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gether, nothing sounded forced. We never had to write a song for the sake of writing a song. Everything we wrote came natural, and we would have these epiphany moments where, once we would hit the apex of a song we were working on, we would all look at eachother and just be like ‘yeah, that’s what we want to hear.’”

Though the four of them were still learning how to work with one another while writing and recording Masquerade, one thing was certain; they liked what they were hearing. It’s a common occurrence for any band to have a power struggle between members, but that wasn’t the case with From Thin Air. Writing, even under a time constraint, came easy to them, and it was apparent right away that the group was a match made in pop-punk heaven.

“With the four of us, there’s no ego,” Fox explained, and to the agreement of his bandmates, “If there’s a part that Mauricio wrote that Ethan plays, there are no boarders. Mauricio is head and shoulders a better bass player than me, but rather than being threatened by that, its all about what’s best for the song and what’s best for the album.

And it’s really cool because we’ve never had that before. There are no hurt feelings.”

With every band member giving their input and helping out in the writing process of Masquerade, it gave everyone a chance to strengthen their own songwriting abilities. For Gilbert, that meant getting the chance to work on something that meant a lot to him: the lyrics. “In the end, what really hammers home an album are the lyrics - the content and the message behind what they’re saying in the songs,” He explained. And the message behind Masquerade is not only very important to From Thin Air, but it was something that they were very excited to talk about.

In Gilbert’s words, Masquerade is very loosely a concept album. “A Masquerade is a ball where you wear a mask and no one knows who you are, and then once it hits midnight, you take off that mask and reveal who you really are,” He explained, “That holds true through life: you meet people and everyone has this mask on. And then once you start to get to know somebody, they take

off that mask and they might reveal that they are that person that you thought they were or they might reveal that they are somebody completely different.”

On a bigger scale, From Thin Air wanted to pass on a message of hope with their album.

“There’s never a reason to feel that you don’t belong on this earth or you don’t belong where you are,” Gilbert expressed, “That’s something we didn’t necessarily want to preach about, but we wanted to have messages here and there where people could hear it and get inspired, but at the same time understand that not everything that glitters is gold. And that’s the truth about people that you’re going to have in your life.”

With such a positive and honest message, Masquerade promises to be an album that will launch From Thin Air even further into not only the Denver music scene, but the pop-punk scene in general. However, the band made it clear that popularity and success aren’t the be-all and endall - as long as they’re doing what they love and connecting with other people while doing it, they’re happy. At the end of the day, it’s about playing the music that they want to play. And while it’s a little THEPRELUDEPRESS.COM - 31

bit difficult for a pop-punk band to thrive in Denver, which has a predominantly metal and indie music scene, that doesn’t stop From Thin Air from playing the music they love. In fact, they like to think that the difference in their sound helps them stand out.

“It should be about the love of the music and the love of the fans and the relationship that you have with them,” Fox explained while talking about breaking into the music scene.

tions and playing the music you believe in.” He and Fox also added that pop-punk is the only music that they’ve ever played, and they’re definitely not complaining. While the pop-punk scene in Colorado isn’t a very big one, the few bands in the scene know and work well with each other, keeping the genre alive.

“There’s a lot of great pop-punk bands coming up in Denver right now, which is awesome. A lot these bands like Almost Maine are like our little brothers,” Gilbert expressed, when talking about

“Breaking in doesn’t mean fitting in,” Gilbert the comradery between other like-minded bands agreed, bouncing off of his band mate’s words, “If in the scene, “We played a lot of shows with Reyou want to break in, it’s as simple as believing in gret Night, Be Brave and One Too Many in the what your band does so much that other people beginning because we were still starting out and believe it too. If we believe in what we do, regard- trying to get known. They helped us out and we less of if we’re pop-punk or folk or metal, and it feel like we need to continue that family vibe.” touches people, then we’re going to break in.”

And with such a positive outlook on not

Silva chimed in,“You just have to convince only their band, but the music scene in general, people with your music when you play it. You can’t it seems that From Thin Air is truly on top of their be afraid to play shows with bands of a different game. When speaking about the band, it was apgenre, but you can’t back down from your convic- parent how passionate all four of them are about 32 - THEPRELUDEPRESS.COM

what they do and what they stand for. And when discussing the positives and negatives about band life, From Thin Air clearly had more good things to say rather than bad. While they’re not immune to bad days, tough critics or family members not quite understanding what it is that they do, they were quick to speak about the positives rather than the negatives.

- they’re a family. “Today we were at Jeremey’s house with his family celebrating his birthday,” He explained “You make best friends and brothers out of these experiences.”

Another one of the most rewarding aspects, and something that the entire band is very passionate about, is being able “It should be about the to touch other people with

For Fox, one of the music. Gilbert said it love of the music and their most rewarding things about best, “You lose someone to playing music was being able the love of the fans and suicide or self harm and you to travel to Chicago and re- the relationship that you hear about all of these kids that are bullied, and music cord with one of his favorite have with them.” is what they turn to. And the producers, “Working with - Joe Fox Sean O’Keefe was insane. fact that our music has an impact like that is the most Take This To Your Grave was the first record I bought in stores, and he did it, and rewarding thing to me.”

I got to meet him and work with him and it’s crazy!

Silva agreed, “There was a spoken part Totally selfishly, that was the coolest.” during ‘Layovers and Hangovers’ that Ethan kept

The comradery that From Thin Air has built secret to himself until he recorded it and I actually was another positive thing for all four members, broke down in the studio. That was the craziest because, in Gilbert’s words, they’re not a band thing for me.”

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Being so passionate about reaching fans with their music, it came as no surprise that From Thin Air has been working on starting their own organization to further help people in the music scene by reaching out to musicians and connecting them with their fans. “I’m really hoping to start Belong,” Gilbert expressed “We would connect kids who deal with bullying or self harm to the musicians that they look up to and turn to.”

“For me, there were times where Go Radio really got me out of a hole in my life and I actually got to meet them and talk to them,” He continued, “We’re in a position where we can actually do that 34 - THEPRELUDEPRESS.COM

for other people. We have the connections to help kids get out to these musicians and show them that they’re human too - they’re not just some spectacle on a stage. They’re real and they’ll talk to you.”

While they want to be able to start the Belong organization soon, Gilbert stressed that they want to be able to do it right by getting a good roster of musicians, photographers and writers that fans truly look up to together before officially kicking anything off. Above all, they want to be able to help people and do it right, and with that state of mind, From Thin Air just prove that they more

than deserve all of the great things that are coming their way.

From Thin Air has managed to break into the music scene all while keeping a level head, their great senses of humor and their love for their

Within the thirty minutes that I spent chat- community in tact. With their band on the rise, their ting with From Thin Air, one thing was for certain: emotional and explosive full-length Masquerade they’re a group of guys who are passionate about officially dropping on July 29th, and the positive what they do, but also don’t take themselves too beginnings of a great organization on the horizon, seriously. And what else could you want from a From Thin Air are on the cusp of something amazgroup that is quickly rising and making a name ing. for themselves in the scene? They’re self-aware, and in the best way possible, even joking about how they “talk too much” when excitedly explaining their new album or their meaningful plans for PHOTOS & STORY: Shannon Shumaker Belong.

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ALBUM REVIEWS Artist:

SPEAK

Album:

Pedals

Rating: 5/5 Listen to: “Pedals”

REVIEW: Shannon Shumaker

I’m not going to lie, usually when someone tells me that a band “sounds like Passion Pit” when pitching them to me, I’m quick to write them off. It’s not that I don’t like Passion Pit, but I feel that a band can only sound so similar to them without sounding exactly like them – it’s a hard genre of music to stand out in. That being said, this is not a review on Passion Pit, this is a review on SPEAK’s new album Pedals, and I must say, I’m incredibly glad that I decided to give this album a listen, regardless of how anybody described them to me.

Honestly, Pedals feels like just the album I’ve been searching for. From the first song that I decided to listen to (which was “Mystery Lights” and I highly recommend that one to get you started on these guys) I knew that this was going to be a phenomenal album. I feel like, at least once every month, I find myself looking for a new artist to fall in love with, and this month’s artist was definitely SPEAK. While they’re slightly reminiscent of artists like Passion Pit at times, with some Ratatat-esque guitar parts thrown in the mix, the band has their own unique sound, and that’s what really sold them to me.

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While a lot of the songs on the album are upbeat and dancy (“Gates”, “Nightlight” and “Peaks” just to name a few) there are also some slow songs thrown into the mix, and it makes for a nice contrast, as well as a chance to really appreciate the musicianship and songwriting on this great album. The slower songs, especially “This Much I Know” have a very light, airy and almost mystical quality about them, while the higher-energy, more upbeat songs are definitely feel-good tracks that I will be jamming to in my car and listening to all summer long.

There are some artists and albums that I can only really listen to when I’m in the mood for them, but thankfully, Pedals is not one of them.

It’s a great record to jam to regardless of if you’re sitting at home relaxing, driving down the highway or walking home from work with your headphones in, shutting out the world. SPEAK just seems like one of those artists that could play anything from huge festival stages to smaller, intimate shows and they’d kill it either way, and Pedals is definitely going to be the album to put them there.

FROM THIN AIR

Rating: 4.5/5 Listen to “The Fall Out (This Is The Call Out)”

Masquerade

With their newest album, Masquerade, Denver-based act, From Thin Air is sure to make a name for themselves in the new wave of poppunk bands (such as The Story So Far and Real Friends) that have been gaining popularity throughout the past few years. Though From Thin Air is a pop-punk band, I would emphasize the “pop” more so than “punk”, but this isn’t a bad thing at all. That being said, this is an album that is very catchy and fun to listen to.

“The Fallout (This Is the Call Out)” stood out to me the most on Masquerade. This song reminds me a lot of Four Year Strong, specifically, “Heroes Get Remembered, but Legends Live Forever”. The guitar is very REVIEW: Dillon Crader up beat and happy, making anyone want to get off his or her feet and start a circle pit with their friends. The vocals to this track are the perfect mix with the upbeat guitar making for an overall great blend. About half way through the song vocalist Ethan Gilbert throws out, “I really do not give a fuck!” followed by a break down, and they shouldn’t give a fuck what anyone thinks because it sounds awesome. Anytime I listen to this song I can’t help but have a grin on my face, imagining myself and good friends moshing and having a blast to this track.

Overall, From Thin Air is a band that is very up in coming in the new wave of pop-punk bands, and an act that any fans of pop-punk should keep an eye out for. Not a lot of local bands really catch my attention but Masquerade pulled me in instantly and I know that nothing but good will come from this album and for From Thin Air.

FOUR YEAR STRONG Go Down In History

Rating: 5/5 Listen to “What’s In The Box?”

Four Year Strong have absolutely proven that they’ve still got it with their new EP, Go Down In History. While I wasn’t necessarily the biggest fan of the band’s 2011 release, In Some Way Shape Or Form, the moment that the opening riff in the first track, “What’s In The Box?” kicked in, Four Year Strong had easily won my heart all over again. And with an opening song as strong, catchy and fast paced as “What’s In The Box?” Four Year Strong set the bar high for this one.

And the best part? They don’t falter. Go Down In History just doesn’t have one weak point. Four Year Strong stick with the high energy, heavy REVIEW: Shannon Shumaker pop-punk sound that they coined with their 2010 release Enemy Of The World, and just build on top of that. After “What’s In The Box?” comes “Living Proof Of A Stubborn Youth,” which is lyrically one of the best songs on the EP. If anything, this second track just proves that Four Year Strong aren’t going anywhere – as the song says, they’re “taking back our generation.” Every single track on Go Down History is sing-along worthy; from the EP’s single “Tread Lightly” and the ridiculously catchy “Go Down In History” that makes you want to scream the words along with the band, to the final track on the album, “So You’re Saying There’s a Chance…”

Go Down In History has easily been one of the most anticipated albums of 2014, and with good reason. After a three year gap in releasing new music, Four Year Strong have struck gold, proving that they’re back and ready to take the pop-punk scene by storm yet again.

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HOTEL BOOKS

I’m Almost Happy Here, But I Never Feel At Home

Rating: 4.5/5 Listen to “Dreaming Or Sinking”

Spoken word poetry as music isn’t as popular as it really should be. Probably because of the simplicity instrumentally and vocally, but in all honesty there is no way you that can’t get lost in it. So the fact that Hotel Books’ double EP, I’m Almost Happy Here, but I Never Feel At Home might not be exposed to a larger audience because it doesn’t fit into a popular genre is a shame.

Cam Smith’s vocals are filled with such authentic passion that he could make even the most calloused heart feel the deep emotion in the lyrics. Lyrically, this album is one of the most well written albums I have come across this year. Smith converts his deep thoughts of confusion and REVIEW: Jordan Altergott anxiety into the most eloquent lyrics in the song “281”. For example, “I never meant to be the problem, but I never thought I would be your purpose” and, “These night terrors can’t find me when I refuse to sleep,” turn late night thoughts into art.

While a few songs are more specific in directing the listener to Smith’s inspiration, metaphorically they can all be relatable to each listener because of the aspect of perception. The lyrics, vocals, guitar, bass, and drums do the heavy meaning of the tracks justice. From the flaws and pain that love causes in “Lose Yourself”, to how using love to feel voids within yourself is destructive in the song “Dreaming or Sinking”, Smith writes each song with a deep purpose. All eleven tracks are each so powerful, but the strategic placement of the tracks within the double EP help tells a larger story. I’m Almost Happy Here, but I Never Feel At Home is a piece of art, fantastically composed, and at the least worth a listen.

STRUCTURES

Rating: 4.5/5 Listen to “My Conscience”

Life Through A Window

Structures’ sophomore release, Life Through A Window, is a bombardment of aggression and malice set in motion at breakneck tempos that redefine your traditional “sense of urgency.” From the whirlwind opener (“Buried”) that pays direct homage to AMC’s modern classic Breaking Bad, to the anthemic firecracker “Follower,” and the incendiary lead single “The Worst Of Both Worlds,” Life Through A Window comes in like a freight train with 40+ minutes of unrelenting fury.

Life Through A Window is also the first release since the departure of former lead vocalist Nick Xourafas in 2013. Most audiences will be apprehensive to the change, but fear not, as lead guitarist (and now lead REVIEW: Sam Lang vocalist), Brendon Padjasek, reinvents the band’s musical ferocity with his own audacious spark, brimming with a rancorous bite à la Sam Carter (Architects) and Drew York (Stray From The Path). Padjasek’s merciless onslaught is fully realized on the blisteringly rampant “My Conscience,” where any lingering ties to Structures’ debut record Divided By are all but cut— setting the stage for a daunting follow-up in the not too distant future.

Even with their “new” vocalist at the helm, Structures’ musical approach remains the same; struggles with reality, inner-torment and regret/guilt feed this beast as thundering breakdowns and chaos-inspired guitar riffs leave you gasping for air. Life Through A Window strikes gold.

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BEEBS AND HER MONEY MAKERS Würst Album Ever

Rating: 4/5 Listen to “Running Away”

The sunshine state is known for many things - Mickey and Minnie Mouse running hand and hand down the beach, an oceanfront retirement home where Grandma Jean dips it low below the limbo pole, and sunrise dj sets that last until the the new week begins - so leave it to Florida to bring us a band like Beebs and Her Money Makers, embodying fully that sunny Orlando vibe. With a fun and refreshing take on the classic ska and reggae vibe, BAHMM’s newest release, Würst Album Ever, takes the skanky genre to new heights. Mixing elements of punk rock, classic ska, and reggae with hip-hop, jazz, and funk, the combination is an album worthy of the summer festival circuit and neighborhood block parties alike. Bouncing onto the scene in 2011 with the release of their REVIEW: Scott Kelly EP BAHMM: Welcome to Barter Town, the band was quick to establish a following as one of Florida’s staple ska bands. Two releases were soon to follow, all holding the same intensity and musicianship as Welcome to Barter Town, and on May 24th, 2014 the group released their newest album, Würst Album Ever, again holding little back.

Right off the bat we’re greeted by BAHMM’s first single, “Out The Door.” Showcasing the rich and vibrant vocal stylings of Beebs, whose sultry and edgy voice breathe life into the group, the song is an excellent example of the group’s dynamic. Guitars sit smoothly alongside a grooving bass line and complimentary horns section, while Beebs’ heart and soul cut through effortlessly. No song would be complete without a tasteful kazoo solo, either. “Beautiful Gloom,” an upbeat remake from their first release, continues the summer vibe; an undeniable track reminiscent of old Sublime. “Running Away” is where the listener really gets an idea for the band’s prowess. Beebs’ vocal work is superb, and almost animalistic. Croaks, chirps, and barks come effortlessly, truly setting her apart as one of the ska scene’s best female vocalists. And then BAM! Horn solo. Saxophone and trumpet exchange lines with a sense of melodic virtuosity that is so rarely seen in contemporary punk/ska. E. Money (saxophone) and Bunky (trumpet) may not be the focal point of the band, but their musicianship is undeniable.

“Learn” is another great example of the duo’s dynamic.

“Miss Kaptain Kangaroo,” another revamp on an old classic, takes on a dirty and gritty Black Keys/bluesy vibe, combining their signature upbeat skank motif with a darker edge. Lovelady’s guitar work is crunchy and raw, and the bass and drums support the melody perfectly. Tracks like “Jammin,” and “Dialect of Preset” continue to showcase BAHMM’s darker side while demonstrating the true range of the band’s ability. No album would be complete without a 90’s cover track, either. Enter “Waterfalls,” a fun and eclectic take on the well-known TLC song.

Admittedly, I’m not an active listener of punk rock and ska, but BAHMM’s Würst Album Ever is fun, fresh, catchy, and easy to listen to. For old school fans of Sublime, Bouncing Souls, and Reel Big Fish, the album’s familiar sound will keep listeners skanking, while also setting them apart as some of the best musicians in their scene. Booked to throw down during this year’s Warped Tour, be sure to check them out if you plan on going. Their energy is sure to be infectious.

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JACK WHITE

Rating: 4/5 Listen to “High Ball Stepper”

Lazaretto

Comedian and Podcaster Marc Maron put it best. Jack White is haunted by the spirit of American Music. Of course that statement was made two years ago after the release of White’s debut solo effort, Blunderbuss. But the same is just as true, if not more, with White’s sophomore release. Lazaretto may strike many resemblances to its predecessor on the surface level, but those who dig deeper, though not too much, will find the signature creativity and variety that Jack White has promised us so many times before with The White Stripes, The Raconteurs, and The Dead Weather.

White’s most prominent inspiration for this record came from a series of characters and events from one act plays and poems he had written when he was nineteen. Though he claimed none of the works themselves were worth keeping, he took them and turned them into melodies, characters, and situations for his new record. But Lazaretto’s sound doesn’t fall far from White’s stylistic tree. All the guitar solos and catchy blues hooks anyone could ever ask for appear sporadically on this album between gorgeous folk and Americana tracks. The diversity of each song brings the listener into new worlds that range from characters with grimy pasts (“High Ball Stepper”) to those experiencing waning love (“Want and Able”). And this technique of taking something old and worn and turning it into something beautiful seems to be the central theme of this record. Lazaretto’s lyrics may not be White’s deepest or most thought provoking (see the opener, “Three Women”) but they are the kind of simplistic songs that White’s work has been missing since his departure from the White Stripes. The childlike aura of some of the more folk inspired songs is something that hasn’t appeared since the days of writing “We’re Going to Be Friends” and “Effect and Cause.”

REVIEW: Blake Britton

Maybe that’s where Lazaretto loses its appeal for some people. The simplicity of the lyricism has been a losing point for some when this album is brought up in recent conversations. But I don’t think it’s as overly simple as some people are making it sound. Jack White has always understood what to do when it comes to his music. Whatever a song lacks, be it lyricism or what have you, he makes up for with some other aspect. This album is not perfect by any stretch of the imagination, but it is well executed. The unique instrumentation we heard on Blunderbuss is turned up an incredible amount here.

I love the use of piano, fiddle, and slide guitar; on songs like “Temporary Ground” especially.

I guess my only gripe about this record would be its lack of cohesion. Each song jumps from one genre to the next. I know there had to be some more thematic tracks record for this record since he told Rolling Stone he had over twenty songs recorded for it last year. Hopefully we’ll get some of those on B-Sides. That being said, I don’t think that takes away from the individual brilliance of these tracks.

Jack White has managed to give us another enjoyable sonic voyage and even though I wish there were a few more “Sixteen Saltines” sounding songs, I still got a handful of amazing tracks. And at the end of the day, that’s all I really want from a Jack White album. Well done again, sir.

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LA DISPUTE

Rooms Of The House

Rating: 4.5/5 Listen to “The Child We Lost 1963”

Spoken word is entirely taken for granted, in my opinion. The pure rawness of reciting a heartfelt poem over a gorgeous instrumental track creates a window into someone’s mind. Although spoken word isn’t exactly well-known, well-liked, or listened to by the general public, La Dispute would probably have to be one of the most popular spoken word groups in the genre. Rooms of the House was released a little less than four months ago as the band’s third studio album, after their departure from No Sleep Records.

This album has brought a new perspective to spoken word music. A lot of the songs on Rooms of the House are centered around a story, rathREVIEW: Amaya Del Rio er than other albums of the same genre, which mainly consist of a lot of depressing thoughts. “The Child We Lost 1963” is particularly haunting because it is written from a child’s perspective as the child watches her parents mourn their daughter who had been a stillbirth. It shows the innocent and naïve view of a child but also the mourning, thoughtful side of the little one’s parents.

Another amazing story off the band’s third studio album would have to be from the opening track, “Hudsonville, MI 1956,” which follows the story of a young couple with a newborn during a tornado while they are miles apart; the mother at her parent’s house with the baby boy and her husband back home in Hudsonville. Although the album is focused more on stories, there is still amazing poetry inside these songs. One particular line from the opening track is gorgeous and haunting, “I swear I saw lightning in your eyes.” Quite a few of the songs off the album are much slower and focused on guitar riffs more than anything which is a refreshing change from the more post-hardcore songs off their previous albums. In conclusion, Rooms of the House is a haunting and beautiful album from the genre.

MY IRON LUNG Relief

Rating: 4/5 Listen to “Day Dream”

From the moment I started listening to Relief, I was instantly hooked on the album. The melodic guitar on the opening track “Commonwealth” instantly pulled me in. I will admit I am a sucker for melodic hardcore, but My Iron Lung takes melodic hardcore and turns it into their own. Compared to other bands in the hardcore music scene, My Iron Lung’s sound is very recognizable with their distinct sing/scream vocals and the upbeat melodic guitar, which is awesome - they don’t sound similar to other hardcore bands.

The Second track on the album “Conflict of Interest” really captures the emotion that these guys put into their music. A little over half way REVIEW: Dillon Crader through the song, the sound is emphasized on the melodic guitar and drums and it sounds beautiful. The guitar then continues into a rhythmic picking pattern with fast paced drums in the back. The vocals come in at the same time as the guitar picking and it really makes for a powerful moment in the song. The musicianship on this track really amazed me. Relief at moments though, did blend together making it hard to distinguish what tracks you just listened to. This is a minor setback, though and I still think the album is overall fantastic. As I went into Relief, I thought that they would have the same generic hardcore sound as many other bands, but as I mentioned before, My Iron Lung have found a unique sound and this album has sucked me in.

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staff picks

10

ESSENTIAL SUMMER ALBUMS (IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER)

FIGHT FAIR

California Kicks

Fight Fair is just the perfect combination of pop-punk and The Beach Boys. They’re upbeat and catchy and while this album might not be a go-to record in the winter (or any other time of the year) it’s perfect to jam to in the summer. Seriously, you can’t listen to this album and tell me it doesn’t make you want to grab some In-N-Out and go to the beach.

DAFT PUNK

Random Access Memories

Daft Punk’s return to the public eye caught the attention of everyone whether you were a fan or not. This album is a celebration of everything that music is and the fact that two “robots” brought so much soul back to music is an astounding notion. With the disco tinge of “Doin’ It Right” and “Get Lucky” along with the electro sadness of “Instant Crush” and “Game of Love,” Random Access Memories encapsulates everything I love about music for the sake of music. A future classic in more ways than one.

YOUNG STATUES Young Statues

I’ve had Young Statues’ self titled album in my car since I first got it over a year ago. It’s just one of those records that I can listen to time and time again and never get tired of, but it definitely shines during the summer. It’s both upbeat and relaxing and perfect for long summer drives.

MAYLENE AND THE SONS OF DISASTER II

Beards. Camo. Beer. Jorts. Enough said. This album makes my inner redneck come out and makes me want to live in a cabin in the woods for the entire summer. I remember when this record first came out, it was in the summer and my friends and I would just drive around blasting our favorite songs like “Memories of the Grove” and “Dry The River.” I’ve been listening to this album for seven years and it’s never gotten old.

FOREVER CAME CALLING Contender

Long night drives, pizza, parties and friends. This album is so upbeat and fun to listen to - it’s the best pop-punk album out there, especially for summer!

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RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS Californication

I’ve always said that summer isn’t summer without the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Since I have to just pick one LP from them, I’ll go with this one. Californication is filled with killer bass lines, emotional and sometimes hilarious lyricism (“Around the World”, am I right?), and downright stellar guitar work. I can’t imagine my summers without the infectious grooves of “Get On Top” and “Scar Tissue,” which, in my opinion, are two of the best songs the Peppers ever produced.

STATE CHAMPS

The Finer Things

State Champs’ most recent album, The Finer Things is easily one of my favorite albums to listen to in the summer. Each song on this album is upbeat, fast paced and perfect to jam to in the car or to wake you up in the morning. The Finer Things starts strong with “Elevated” and always puts me in a good mood, making this one of my favorite albums to listen to in the summer.

WEEZER

Weezer (Blue Album) While it’s hard to just choose one favorite Weezer album, (especially a favorite one to listen to in the summer) Weezer (Blue Album) is definitely a good start. And since this year marks the 20 year anniversary of this record, it just seems to make sense. Front to back, Blue Album is full of some of my favorite catchy hits to sing along to, making it perfect for road trips or even just listening to in the summer.

VACATIONER Relief

If you need any convincing that Vacationer’s newest album Relief is the perfect album for summer, just go listen to the second track on the album “Paradise Waiting.” The song’s mellow and laid back groove is the perfect combination with vocalist Kenny Vasoli’s sing-song voice, crooning “let’s unwind, don’t worry your mind, there’s paradise waiting for us in summertime.” The entire album as a whole is just perfect for lounging at home or curising around the city on a hot summer day

AIR DUBAI Be Calm

Be Calm, Air Dubai’s new release via Hopeless Records is hands down an essential summer album. Jon Shockness’ crooning makes for relaxing vibes and Jullian Church’s vocals get you moving and wake you up, taking you on a lyrical journey Each song is different and has its own well deserved place on the album, so you can’t get tired of it. No matter how many hours you spend listening to it at the beach, a party, in the car, or even in the comforts of your air conditioned home, it stays fresh. Be Calm was released at the perfect time - the midst of summer, for a reason; it is perfect for the season!

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