Tuesday, June 24th – Doors @ 7pm.
Max Knouse:Max Knouse’s voice feels like laughter that follows a well-loved joke. Only afterward, it dawns on you that you don’t fully understand the punchline. Or for that matter the set up. In fact, you’re not even sure what language the joke was told in.Chipmunk’d Away is Knouse’s third album, following the ramshackle glories of 2016’s Dinasaur From Jensenand 2020’s Road Toad Ribet. Known for his sessions and live shows with artists like Califone, Jolie Holland, Adan Jodorowsky, Psychic Temple, Simon Joyner, Alex Dupree, and others, Knouse has established himself as an essential factor in the West Coast indie pop underground, brandishing guitar chops that mirror the rawness of his voice; he treats his instrument like a divining rod of spiritual tension and joyful racket, pushing and pulling on it with affection and sometimes something darker.Chipmunk’d Away was recorded primarily in Phoenix producer Michael Krassner’s 7-Track Shack (named in honor of one-time Arizonan Link Wray’s ‘70s-era recording set-up in Tucson) and refined in “various home studio situations” in Los Angeles before mixing by Chris Schlarb at Big Ego in Long Beach. The album showcases Knouse as a true bandleader, grouping together a cast of collaborators from near and far, including his brother, drummer Cameron Knouse, Krassner on wah-wah guitar and synths, Bon Iver percussionist Joe Westerlund, multi-instrumentalist Caleb Veazey, vocalist Alicia Walter, and more. With Krassner’s careful ear attuned to the proceedings, the result is Knouse’s most clarified statement to date.AJ Woods:Born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, AJ Woods has been a part of the Southwest music scene for over a decade. He has released multiple full-length albums, a critically-acclaimed EP, as well as singles and live recordings, all of which have earned him comparisons to people such as Jason Molina and Neil Young. Still, “Woods'[s] lyrical style, guitar playing and singing are his own—something that can’t often be said.” (Alibi) He’s played with acts such as Jim Stallings (JJ Light, Sir Douglas Quintet), A Hawk and a Hacksaw, Big Thief and The Handsome Family among many others. With music and lyrics that are “poignant and powerful” (ABQ Free Press), Woods creates not only songs, but “unpretentious poetry.” (Alibi) “As soon as I heard these songs and watched the video, my mind was instantly made up that this was something exceptional, both calming and beautiful to listen to (and watch) and certainly deserving of Song of the Day on Folk Radio UK.” (Folk Radio UK) In times like these, Woods’s music and words are grounding forces. They take us back to the earth on which we live and depend, remind us that we have hearts, bones that break and heal, blood that leaves, blood we can share. They show we are related to, made and capable of many things.
Rachel PollardRachael Pollard sings and plays guitar. Her husband Nate Marcy plays drums. Check out their band “Riverside Drive” at riversidedrivedenver on band camp and Nate’s cool rad doom gaze band Palehorse/Palerider on band camp too! Pollard also draws a comic fanzine called “Hot Sauce the Dog!”