130 MARCH 27-APRIL 2, 2025 westword.com WESTWORD | MUSIC & VENUES | FOOD & DRINK | ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT | SPORTS & RECREATION | SHOPPING & SERVICES | CONTENTS | The fi ve-piece puts on the best country shows in town, bringing Western twang and rock to the classic genre. The band’s latest album, Blame It on the Road, contains bangers and solemn musings, with rhythms on such songs as “Tonight, A Party!” and “All the Way” encouraging a rollicking good time, while “Doin’ What We Do” pledges that the band will stick to its roots. Best Introduction to the Music Scene The Milk Blossoms instagram.com/themilkblossoms If someone came to us and said, “I’ve never listened to music from any local artist be- fore,” we’d point them toward the next Milk Blossoms show. Having played music around town since the 2010s, the indie band is a cen- tral part of the scene. It’s been through phases of growth — members have come and gone, and its sound has shifted from album to al- bum — but the heart of the Milk Blossoms re- mains: a ukulele and dreamy vocals from lead singer Harmony Rose. A Milk Blossoms show will not only have you wanting more from the band, but it’s sure to inspire you to check out what other Denver artists are doing. Best Band Merch Church Fire churchfi re.bandcamp.com Sure, we all love to support our favorite local bands by loading up on their merch at shows — but that usually consists of standard, un- imaginative fare such as T-shirts, records and maybe a koozie with the band’s logo, if someone’s feeling creative. Very few groups put as much subversive thought into their merch as Denver experimental electronic outfi t Church Fire. Case in point: One of the band’s current merch offerings features its name printed on a book of matches. Now, that’s how you strike up attention. Best Album to Hear Live Everything Happens Gestalt instagram.com/gestaltbandco Listening to Everything Happens by Gestalt almost feels wrong if you’re not hearing it live at venues like Globe Hall or the hi-dive, drink in hand or banging your head in a mosh pit. Yes, the album is full of addicting melodies and hooks that you can play in the car or in your headphones at work, but that just makes you want to hear them live all the more. You can feel the camaraderie of the band radiating through the album as all of the elements come together to create what feels like a house show on vinyl; you can’t listen without wanting to sing along, dance around, jump on stage and crowd-surf. It’s like the joy and community of Denver’s music scene all wrapped up in one album. Best Indie Duo Blankslate blankslateband.com Very few bands can make two people sound like fi ve, but Blankslate does it effortlessly. While the indie-rock act had been a three- piece after forming six years ago, it has recently scaled back to founding members Rylee Dunn and Tess Condron. With Con- dron on drums and keys and Dunn play- ing dual electric bass and guitar as well as handling vocals, the sound remains all- encompassing and powerful at live shows, where Blankslate captivates crowds with its lyricism and grunge-y indie sonics. And those shows are the best way to experience the music — especially the nearly six-minute “Aptos,” from 2022’s Summer on a Salt Flat. Best Indie-Rock Album Psychic Scar Tiny Tomboy instagram.com/tinytomboyband The indie-rock trio Tiny Tomboy, a group that some may have initially discovered through the college house-show circuit, put out a brooding sophomore album, Psy- chic Scar, that’s sure to leave an impression on anyone who hears it, thanks to guitar- ist and vocalist Eliza Neiman-Golden’s open-a-vein-and-bleed approach to writ- ing. Songs such as “Dead Dog,” “Disposable Vape” and “Vegas” all hit like distressing di- ary refl ections, but not in a weepy way; it’s more like “Fuck you. I’m better off without you.” So it’s safe to say you can pull a lot of motivation from this band, which also includes drummer Sam Seymour and bass- ist Ethan Gould. Despite the name, Tiny Tomboy packs a big punch. Best Indie Collaboration Album Are u alone? Ego n friends egonfriends.com It’s a bit of a para- Music & Venues continued from page 126 continued on page 132
