Maybe visiting the mad professor every September in Denver, CO can become an annual event. Last year, I was fortunate enough to rendezvous for a one-two punch that will most likely never be topped–LCD Soundsystem, who hold the ability to inoculate us from the doldrums, opened up for the mini-symphony rock group Arcade Fire. The fun didn’t stop there, because the boombastic sound of Muse was the following night. And, oh, this was all situated between two red things - monoliths to be more exact at none other than Red Rocks.
You still with me? If so, my journey out west isn’t for a few bands I like some; September brings the Monolith Festival to one of the only outdoor venues worth traveling for. Have you seen the lineup? Saturday is nothing to fuck with: Silversun PIckups, Presets, Cut Copy, Vampire Weekend, Foals, Pop Levi, Superdrag, etc. With so many potentially exceptional sets, it will be hard to take it all in. Sunday holds potential as well, but not till the sun descends behind the Rockies. The French par excellence act Justice closes it all up with a bang, I hope.
The Presets are an act who bring unprecedented energy no matter where they go, and I can only assume Colorado will be no different. Their latest LP, Apocalypso has been on repeat round these parts for months. I don’t care if the record has been labeled “Mortal Kombat music.” It just….doesn’t….stop. Check my favorite track from the record below….
Yippyo starts off with some potential MK II music from 1993.
Are you guys hitting that Video Games Live show at the Chicago Theater in November?
The Presets are a band I’d really like to see this year. And it looks like my wish will be granted at your favorite venue in September. Set it off.
Speaking on the Monolith tip, I wonder if Pop Levi will be as moody as he was at Schubas last year. His antics that night continue to vex me…