A brief chat with Accordion Crimes

Yellow Scene: When did the band form, and what was the mission?

Bryon Parker: We formed in 2009, and the mission was to create music that reflected our record collections. Things that were on the Quarterstick and Touch and Go labels, we were inspired by a lot of those bands.

YS: Describe the sound…

BP: In all honesty, I just consider it rock music. I think it’s reached a point of absurdity and ridiculousness how it’s broken down into so many genres. To me, a hamburger is a hamburger. You can put a million different cheeses on it, but it’s still a hamburger. We view our rock music in the same way. We’ve got angular, abrasive guitars, drums, bass and vocals, very stripped down. The first 7” I ever bought was in college and it was an Arcwelder single. That band set me on course. Our drummer is very fond of Shellac. Dynamics as well – I like really quiet bands on that label like Bedhead. The Jesus Lizard are a constant staple. They’re timeless records, and that community is certainly something that we hold in high regard.

YS: Have you played UMS before?

BP: Yeah. I think for us, it’s nice to play somewhere kind of different every year. I believe this is our fourth appearance. I guess my favorite would be last year. We played with Glass Hits and released a 7” with them. It was kind of bittersweet. We got to play amongst friends in an art gallery and it was just fun. Any time we get to play on the same level as the audience and it’s more sort of DIY, I think we’re more comfortable.

YS: What do you think of the current state of the Denver scene?

BP: I think it’s really incredible. There’s so many bands, it’s encouraging and it’s a supportive scene. Sometimes I think it’s a bit overwhelming. There are so many bands and so many venues, it can stilt a lot of impressions or enthusiasm. If 30 local bands are playing on a given night every week, then I think the turn-outs tend to be a little bit smaller because there are more directions for people to go. That’s just my opinion. I feel like, at times, you have to really seek out the bill you really want to see. It becomes more about digging. But that’s the nature of good art. All the records I like, I have to really look hard to find.

YS: What can we expect from the set?

BP: Expect a few new songs, I’d expect control over our older material, and just an overall fun, energetic 30 minutes. I think they say we have to play for 45, but we always play 30 for the sake of the festival,. No one plays one time – everyone starts late. We need to get it back into line.