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Ahhh, gotta love it when a local band plays a show at home! When it comes to showing Colorado pride, hip-hop alternative group Air Dubai knows how to give their hometown fans a true performance. With two shows sponsored by alternative radio station 93.3 and small venue Hi-Dive, Air Dubai took Denver by storm alongside opening acts Dinosaurus Rex and Total Ghost.

Poster for A.D.H.D (photo: abcdefgorry instagram)

There were two separate nights for A.D.H.D, cleverly shortened for Air Dubai Hi Dive: Dinosaurus Rex supporting the first on the 27th of December and Total Ghost taking the final night of December 28th. To my dismay, I only attended the second night and it was my last show of 2013, so I expected it  to go out with not just a bang, but to shake the venue apart. Not only did I get that energy I and the rest of the audience craved, but Total Ghost and the members of Air Dubai proved to be one of the most high intensity, musically driven, and infectious acts I've witnessed all year.

Total Ghost takes the audience by surprise

"Night time...in space!"

Before Total Ghost took the stage, about an hour after doors opened for the event, Air Dubai's merchandise guy was M.I.A, but that didn't stop the boys from getting behind their booth and selling products straight to their fans. They greeted and signed and took pictures right up until the show started, showing their fans a true and humble welcome. I was pleasantly surprised at how gracious every member of the bands were: the night had sold out and not once did they hesitate to mingle. This warmed up the fans, who braved plummeting temperatures and snow, and gave the show a very intimate setting before it even began.

As fans congregated near the stage, drinks and phones in hand, the dynamic duo of Total Ghost took their places and captured the attention of unsuspecting Flight Crew fans by pleasant surprise. Lead singer Chon--decked out in thrift-like costume composed of a glittering tank top, cut-off shorts, metallic matching jacket and leggings bedazzled the audience with his hypnotic, sultry dance moves and at one point "took a nap" on the floor. His keyboard playing partner, Biktor, charmed us with his monotone sarcasm and sudden karate practice mid song. The group engulfed show with their vivacious and nerdy humor that kept the crowd pumped, jumping to their hits "Too Fast for the Autobahn" and "Space Station". Mid-set they "slowed it down" with their serious, but over the top, track "Tour Life". For the attendees, like myself, who hadn't experienced the awesome that is Total Ghost--their performance wasn't short of a full on spectacle of entertainment vitality. 

Total Ghost's Chon gets up-close and personal

After the vigorous show stopper, it was absolutely unambiguous that every member of the audience enjoyed the Total Ghost set. We were already exhausted from dancing and losing it all for the moment just as Biktor and Chon had, but our break was short lived when the six members of Air Dubai hit the stage. From the very first chorus of "Hit the Dark", Air Dubai was ready to give it 200%. Rapper Julian coolly, spit his lyrics while tidal waves of absolute passion spilled from singer Jon. Together the pair mesmerized the audience, who sang with equal enthusiasm right back to them. While Lawrence and Taylor rocked with their guitar and bass while Nick provided the perfect beat with his drums and Michael sythned away popular songs "Soul and Body" and "Dance With the Devil". In such a compact venue, audience involvement can make or break shows, and without a doubt Air Dubai proved that they are more than capable of stage appeal. We wish the show could've lasted "All Day", but the band promised with their curtain call that they would stay and party with their fans after. 

Rapper Julian (left) and singer Jon (right) of Air Dubai

During the hang out session after the show, I talked with Jon about the band's signing with Hopeless Records, their 2014 tour, and a probable full LP being released in the spring. It was a long and prosperous year for Air Dubai and with a new record deal, the skies look clear and bright.

Lawrence (left) rocks the guitar

Both bands laid all of their talent and hearts out on the stage and the audience fed off their enthusiasm. The passion Total Ghost and Air Dubai have for their fans and for their art is a tangible and a beautiful thing for any music lover to appreciate. Air Dubai has posted tour dates for Thank You For Flying in 2014, which they will headline. If they are swinging to your city, please, go out and show your love. These boys work hard and their heads and hearts are in it for the long run. This is one group that is beyond the words "up-and-coming" they are here and ready to show the world what they're all about.

In Review:

Childish Gambino

because the internet

Producer, actor, writer, comedian: call Donald Glover, otherwise known by his musician alias Childish Gambino, what you'd like but he would prefer one of those titles isn't "rapper". Former actor and fan-favorite on NBC sitcom Community has endured a jilting year with the pressures of leaving the show to the creation of his sophomore studio album and a Twitter/Instagram post that left all witnessing worrying for Glover's sanity.

(photo: Childsish Instagram)

In a talk with Billboard.com on December 3rd, he spoke about the honesty of his new album and the controversy he sparked with his handwritten notes expressing his fears of the future and letting the fans of Community down. "People think I'm depressed, but I'm just being real with myself and with everybody," said Gambino. Then when because the internet finally dropped audiences experienced the sheer honesty that Gambino yearned for us to understand all year and for his entire career--like woes about tainted relationships, ruined by fame and insecurities strewn across "The Worst Guys (ft. Chance the Rapper)". Then there's the persistence of drug use as stress-suppressors peppered throughout the album and the constant looming of disappointment from peers and loved ones softly sung in "Zealots of Stockhom (free information)" before the track is vamped and pulsed by the loud bangs and clicks of screwed inaudible chants.

Gambino amps up the tracks with saxophone riffs amidst low, rumbling bass looped within battle cries of WoldStarHipHop videos in high-intensity track "Worldstar". Themes of anger and rushed, temporary fame fore-fronted by the high demand of instant gratification via the internet is the rooted foundation for because the internet. If you live under a rock and are numb to all references pop culture than this album is not for you. Clips of Little Mermaid's Ariel ("Daddy, I love him!") and the repetitive cycling of WorldStarHipHop allusions, to hashtags and internet slang are hidden throughout every track trolling it's internet-friendly listeners into a world where they can fully comprehend the struggle and cries Gambino pumps out.

Separated into "acts" each section is headed off with either a short abstract instrumental or a skit of Gambino singing what is to come of its following pieces. These pieces are the backdrop for the 75-page screenplay Gambino wrote in conjunction with the album.  Like the screenplay and the short film, which is the prelude to the album, the LP features up-and-coming hip-hop artists Chance the Rapper and Azealia Banks and R&B singers Jhene Aiko and Lloyd.

As of this week, because the internet fell to #9 on the iTunes charts. During the album's debut it peaked at #7, finally surpassing Lorde's "Pure Heroin" and Imagine Dragon's "Night Visions". Something for Gambino to be proud of because Camp obtained a place at #11 on the Billboard charts during the week of its release in 2011.

Even through some of the comedy of the lyrical genius' rhymes, we can visualize an opaque layer of sheer anxiety and frustration with career choices, relationships, and life as a whole strewn across because the internet. For those who loved Gambino's debut album Camp, you won't be sorely disappointed with the same brutal honesty and wit Childish Gambino is trademarked for. Earlier this year we feared for Donald Glover/Childish Gambino, but the struggle definitely benefited his art as he received high reviews and topped the charts. "Give a fuck or give a hell," Gambino raps in "Life: The Biggest Troll" (Andrew Auernheimer)" and he's definitely not afraid to do both. Gambino takes what he burdens with in because the internet and makes those worries physical and relatable for his audiences. This is as real as it gets and, Donald, we're all in this thing you call "life" with you, you're just more honest than most of us are willing to be with ourselves.

Check It:

Before you read my review on Childish Gambino's "because the internet", watch his short film prelude to the sophomore album.

"Clapping for the Wrong Reasons"

Then if you have the time head over to Gambino's website to read his 72 page screenplay featuring Rick Ross and Chance the Rapper. All 18 songs from "because the internet" coordinate with the scrip, so listen and read along.

Check It:

In April this year Fall Out Boy released their highly anticipated fifth album Save Rock and Roll. Tracks featured hip-hop artist Big Sean, pop singer Foxes, music legend Sir Elton John, and Courtney Love. Earlier in the year the group came out with their debut video for their hit single "My Songs Know What You Did In the Dark". This started the Youngblood Chronicles, a story told via music videos from all of the tracks on Save. So be prepared for a bit of crazy and Fall Out Boy horror. We break down the most recent eight parts to Youngblood Chronicles.

My Songs Know What You Did In the Dark: Part I

This was Fall Out Boy's first music video in nearly 7 years, so when the video aired in February fans were shocked to see that the members were barely in it at all and in their place was a scornful 2 Chainz, burning the groups' past albums. We were left to assume that the symbolism behind the purge was meant to address the exploitation and forces causing Fall Out Boy's imminent change. For years they have been the chameleons of rock and roll, always altering their sound. Would Save Rock and Roll be yet another shedding of the FOB genre skin? Villainous 2 Chainz helps usher in a new era with the group tied up and being led to their death. Let the Youngblood Chronicles begin.

The Phoenix: Part II

Rewind a bit from the events that took place in Part I, and we find Fall Out Boy looming over a mysterious, content-glowing suitcase. However, whatever the case contains places the whole band in danger, at the hands of some gorgeously clad, supermodel-esque kidnappers. What's Fall Out Boy without a few crazy groupies?

Young Volcanos: Part III

So the Boys have been caught and now they're being treated to a "last supper" with a seven deadly sins twist. We don't see this ending well for the group at all. 

Alone Together: Part IV

Tied up and separated, the Boys are being tortured and held against their will, still by their supermodel groupies. There is a higher voice or (voices) controlling their fate as we learn by the end. Was that Big Sean attempting an escape from the asylum-like prison those girls created?

The Mighty Fall: Part V

Yup, confirmed. Big Sean and Fall Out Boy escape from the crazy bitches in black. They don't get very far before they're encountered by yet another threat and this one is smaller...if you've never wanted kids or just aren't a fan of them--behold your worst nightmares fulfilled.

Just One Yesterday: Part VI

Foxes teaches us a few very valuable life lessons in "Just One Yesterday":

1. Always pic up bloodied and beaten rock stars, alone and in the middle of nowhere.
2. Be prepared: come stocked with a trunk full of water jugs.
3. Trust strangers to take the wheel if needed.
4. Sweet travel tunes are a necessity during long trips.

Where Did the Party Go: Part VII

What in the hell is up with Patrick Stump and why does this video remind me of a terribly made horror flick? The guys all split up, and we all know what goes down when that happens...Zombies or some form of psychotic ward attendants and patients roam the halls and I think it's safe for us to say that FOB have completely lost their minds. Are they hallucinating or is what they're seeing a strange and horrific reality? I feel like this is what it feels like to have serious sleep deprivation. Take note, night owls.

Death Valley: Part VIII

If Satan is Tommy Lee and hell is anything like this, then sign us up. Finally, the case is coming to a close, but it also looks like the shit is going to hit the fan simultaneously. Hopefully we find out who gave those kids all those weapons, why coral snakes like rock and roll, and if Sir Elton John will make an appearance. Don't worry, there are three more videos left in the Youngblood Chronicles. Fall Out Boy, don't keep us waiting too long. 

ICYMI:

According to  Rolling Stone, Ceelo Green and producer/DJ Danger Mouse are going to reprise Gnarls Barkley in 2014.

The group's album, St. Elsewhere, took the 2007 for Best Alternative Music Album. St. Elsewhere featured the worldwide hit "Crazy," which went double platinum in the U.S.  In 2008 Gnarls Barkley released The Odd Couple--less popular than its predecessor, but still acclaiming high reviews from Pitchfork and NME.

During the seven year hiatus, Ceelo and the other members of 90's hip hop group Goodie Mob attempted a reunion tour and a new album Age Against the Machine. He also got a role as a judge on The Voice then left briefly to promote the Goodie Mob album, then returned back to his slot.  He also had a run in with the law when he was accused of sexual harassment via party drug "Molly" this past October.

Overall it's been a pretty "crazy" ride for Ceelo this year. All we can hope for is another head-bopping album from Gnarls late 2014/early2015 and less of him in the news for date rape.

Check It:

Watch Broken Bells perform their new single "Holding On For Life" live.

In Review:

High Highs

Open Season

When Austrailians Jack Milas, Jack Lipkins, and Oli Chang get together a mesh of folk and dream pop converge to become the band's first album Open Season, released January 29, 2013. Laid back guitar strums and lullaby-like choruses of lost loves and brief reconciliation string from track to track, telling a story that the indie at heart would only dream of.

"In a dream I saw all the sun in the sky. If you would believe me, if you would stay a while..."-In A Dream

Minimalism is what makes this album perfection and repetition of heartbroken lines long for you to stay. Open Season isn't meant for clinically depressed and downtrodden, but the hopeful. Although the lyrics of crooning synth spread across every track, the meditative album brings its listeners to the gentle but subtly dark world the High Highs retells laced in sighs of lightly tapped piano keys. It is cool and mystifying such as Elliot Smith during his prime and pop infused like Youth Lagoon. Singles "Open Season" and "Flower's Bloom" have been used in various Amazon and Pacifico Spin.

In the fall High Highs toured with Stars, How To Dress Well, and Vampire Weekend. They even made an appearance at New York's CMJ Festival. According to the band's Instagram and Twitter accounts, they are taking time out to start recording again. High Highs proves that simplicity can go a long way, and they don't need all the romp and fluff to do so.

For the album stream in its entirety at Bandcamp or Spotify. 

"Open Season" from Open Season

Remember when NYC's Electric Zoo Festival was cancelled earlier this year? Yeah, all those crazy kids and their drugs may have missed out on a slice of what 2013's music festivals had to offer, but for the rest of the festival nation 2013 enjoyed a year of carnival rides, mosh pits, the best and worst of festival fashions, and of course the top music acts from around the world.


Made In America

What happens when you put Jay-Z, Budweiser, and a deal from LiveNation together? You get an explosive music festival that is so epic the main stage backdrop is the infamous "Rocky steps" of the Philadelphia Museum of Arts. Even though the festival has only a two year record, nearly 45,000 music lovers flocked to the Quaker State to see artists like HAIM, Kendrick Lamar, and Mrs. Carter herself. The lineup wasn't the only good to come out of this festival, but Jay-Z donated proceeds to the United Way Philadelphia organization. 'Merica!


ACL Music Fest

Austin is the nation's live music capitol, but sadly this summer fans and artists were disappointed alike when 11 inches of rain forced the curtains to close on the final day. Bands like The National and Franz Ferdinand weren't able to perform their sets in the Lone Star State due to hazardous weather conditions.  Despite the final day, the rest of Austin City Limits went off without a hitch getting crowds from around the world bopping to Muse, Queens of the Stone Age, and Red Hot Chili Peppers. ACL is famous for selling out every year, for nine years in a row, and we don't think the rain is going to stunt that record one bit for the 2014 season.

Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival

One word to describe this end of summer festival would have to be "diverse". Calling home to the eclectic, coastal city of San Francisco, the festival hailed not only music options from the popular alternative likes of Vampire Weekend and Phoenix, but also legends including Nine Inch Nails and Paul McCartney. There were also over 71 different food options to choose from and for the more thirsty about 50 alcohol selections. The variety and the cool location of Golden Gate Park proved that San Francisco truly knew how to throw a cultured and star-studded event.

Riot Fest

This festival is not for the faint of heart and it certainly lives up to its name. If you've ever attended Riot you can attest to the havoc wreaking mosh pits and the many crowd surfing hopefuls taking place during raging guitar solos and head-banging, screaming front men. For the first time, the party came to Denver and the Centennial State would never be the same. Musical guests like Matt and Kim, Awolnaiton, Kitten, Rancid, Iggy and the Stooges, Blink-182, Brand New, AFI, Public Enemy, and Rancid rocked crowds as the dust billowed over the Colorado fields. Despite the heavy rains, and near cancellation, on the second night crowds trudged their way to the stages for a music filled weekend that didn't disappoint giving Coloradans something to riot about for years to come.


The Governor's Ball

Wait. So you have to take a ferry to get to the island that hosts The Governer's Ball and it's off the coast of New York City? Sounds exclusive, and in a way if you can get tickets to it--you'll be entertained by music royalty. This year The Governor's Ball featured Kanye West, Kings of Leon, The xx, Guns-N-Roses, The Lumineers, Pretty Lights, and the list was so unbelievable mother nature couldn't even handle it and rained out some of the performances. Too good to be true, but still one of the most anticipated festivals of the year.

Warped Tour

Punk rock is not dead and Vans Warped Tour proves that every year and nothing screams "hardcore" like hanging out with Motion City Soundtrack, Bring Me the Horizon, and 3oh!3 in a crowded, burning blacktop parking lot during a scorching summer's day. Warped doesn't just make an appearance in one city, but at least ten all across the nation in order to appease crowds of mainly young people; however, the show is all ages. Break out your best band tees and be prepared to to complain about the lack of shade, but nevertheless come to rock out because Warped is not one to hold back.

Bonnaroo

When it comes to hyping up a crowd, Bonnaroo is no novice. The festival likes to get fans involved before the big fest by doing their annual Roo Wishlists (a way for fans to have a voice in what artists Bonnaroo books for the following year) on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. Bonnaroovians don't just get the typical musical experience, but comedy acts are also held in between sets--keeping the party going all day and night. From acts like Macklemore and Ryan Lewis to Daniel Tosh Bonnaroo held to all their expectations of a fantastic festival for audiences of all kinds.

ICYMI:

Earlier in November the famed summer festival kickoff Sasquatch! announced that due to the 90-second ticket sales sell out last year, they will be expanding the fest over two weekends. No, not back-to-back weekends, but an entirely separate line-up nearly two months after the first. Camping in the Gorge during May and July? Might be pricey and risky, but if Sasquatch!'s success is anything like last year, then sign us up.