Web Beat: Land Lines, Cotown Records, Tom Ross, Coral Thief, NAVASA, and Rainbowdragoneyes

Land Lines presents Plans, one of two singles off January 30th’s scheduled full-length release The Natural World. There’s something to be said about the simplicity of construction represented in Land Line’s 3-piece format which goes a long way to give listeners a hint of what’s to come when the full album hits earphones later this month. The Natural World will be only the second album from the Denver-based indie rockers, but if Land Line’s efforts are any indication than 2015 is already gearing up to be a great year for the local music scene in Colorado.

Brothers Justin & Ian Gregory finished out 2014 with the release of Escherscapes, a concept album published under the name Cotown Records which is self-described as “1 concept album, 12 songs, in 12 different keys, arranged in ascending order” which is an extremely interesting experience when listening front-to-finish. The natural metamorphesis of the album as a whole evokes an emotional journey which works as a great end to 2014 and it’s safe to say that the production value is top-knotch (absolutely amazing, if we’re going to be honest about it). Area-4 is the second to last song on the album, but to truely appreciate their work it’s suggested to start from the beginning and finish the album to completion.

Tom Ross checks in from Colorado Springs with December 2014’s release of Tequila, an ode to the wonderful blue agave plant responsible for many classic latin spirits. It’s with that respect that the layers of latin-influenced can be truely appreciated in this track based off Daniel Flores’ Tequila. Tom does a fantastic job sampling from the original while producing a completely unique, jazz-infused version of his own. One thing’s for sure, it’s a reminder that the weekend is just a stone’s-throw away and with it the anticipation of the two days of lazy bliss which rewards us for a week of hard work. For full appreciation, be sure to schedule an extra trip on the way home from work – please enjoy Tom Ross’ Tequila responsibly!

Colorado Roots, the most recent album from Denver-based Coral Thief features Hypnotizer; a rock-reggae blend featuring 5 members complete with classic ska hooks and punchy percussion. Coral Thief’s newest album is their first since the release of their 2012 endeavor Falling Down Like Rain and their sound has continued to tighten over the years. Much of the track’s energy can be found in the driving bass line accompanying smooth lyrical production which goes far to tell the story of an affliction which has imbued many a young man. The Colorado-proud band compliments their sonic vision with wonderful hand-illustrated album artwork which showcases some of the most recognizable aspects of life at a mile high.

Guided By Stars is the first track on Denver-based instrumentalists NAVASA’s January release of Dustification. With a style reminiscent of artists like Boards of Canada and Brian Eno, NAVASA attempts to create what they call “timeless music that could let a listener ‘travel without moving’, something that could be absorbed endlessly if stranded on a deserted island.” Named in honor of Navassa Island in the Caribbean Sea NAVASA lives up to it’s namesake by offering unique and relaxing tones to help sooth the woes of winter away and transport you halfway across the globe where warmer weather is found. The two-piece group has released only one previous album which came last year, and here’s to hoping another release can be expected in the not-too-distant future.

Self-proclaimed pirate-enthusiast Rainbowdragoneyes put together an amazing collection of “versions of 4 songs I don’t own the rights to from each of The Big Four [of Pirate Metal]”. Hook The Plank is the first track on the new Pieces Ov Eight Bit: The Chiptune Pirate Metal EP which keeps true to the tradition of releasing amazing chiptune versions of popular (and usually very heavy) rock tunes which many “jokingly” proclaim to be better than the originals. To go along with the glorious musical vision is original 8-bit influenced cover work done by McKenzie Baldock. Definetely different, but definetely the way to start the new year.