The heavy rain caused some difficulty in getting from Milwaukee to Denver. Tardy as I was (arriving around 6:30PM), I was able to see a lot of groups that have been eluding me this year. I saw Vampire Weekend for the first time which did not change my indifference to them whatsoever. Highlights of the day were John Reis’ The Night Marchers and Wisconsin’s own Cory Chisel & The Wandering Sons. The Night Marchers provided a great punk take any Rocket From The Crypt aficionado could appreciate, while Chisel made a strong case for the Springsteen of the future. SXSW favorites White Denim drew a horde of old and new fans. They put all they’ve got into their shows and each time I see them it’s easy to understand why they’re one of my favorite new bands.

The headliners of the evening didn’t disappoint either. Though the rain did its part during Atmosphere’s set, it didn’t stop the band from tearing through vintage cuts and new material from When Life Gives You Lemons, You Paint That Shit Gold. If Jodi’s review of their Chicago show wasn’t suggestive enough, you definitely don’t want to miss them on either of their upcoming two nights in Wisconsin.

DeVotchKa was a perfect selection to close out night one amongst the indescribable beauty that is Red Rocks. Long been a destination, now a reality, I took in one of my favorite bands in their hometown amidst one gorgeous view. Not a bad way to start off the weekend.

MP3: Night Marchers – “Who’s Lady R U”
MP3: Cory Chisel & The Wondering Sons – “Home In The Woods”
MP3: White Denim – “Shake Shake Shake”
MP3: DeVotchKa – “You Love Me”

Find more MP3′s at The Hype Machine or buy stuff from Strictly Discs | eMusic