Hot off the release of their fourth full-length album, the Danish indie rock band Alcoholic Faith Mission is on a North American tour, making a stop in Denver on Tuesday, May 8th at the Hi-Dive. What began as the duo of Sune Sølund and Thorben Seierø Jensen, Alcoholic Faith Mission had humble beginnings. Their first full-length album was a collection of one-take bedroom recordings made on a laptop, and their second full-length album was recorded in an old converted Brooklyn factory in which they resided. Their first album was recorded only at night by candlelight (with abundant alcohol, of course), while their second used only items found where with their living space to record, which meant they had to improvise some instruments to achieve their desired sound. Despite those limitations, the first pair of offerings from Alcoholic Faith Mission were received with critical acclaim.
The next step for this band was to grow from a duo to a sort of collective, where they enlisted the help of four more musicians. This now six-piece band creates a lo-fi indie/alternative sound that showcases their ingenuity and creativity. Their latest album, Ask Me This, explores a wide range of musical territory - from choral like harmonies, to hints of electro-pop, to a folk-influenced sound. Their unique approach is purportedly enhanced by their live presence, which should make for a must-see show for indie rock fans. Check out "Into Pieces".
The Cambridge, Massachusetts-based band You Won't will join Alcoholic Faith Mission on this tour, meaning the duo will also be sharing their indie rock sound with Denver. You Won't is Josh Arnoudse and Raky Sastri, who've recently released the full length album Skeptics Goodbye, a collection of a dozen original folk-based indie rock songs. Although the You Won't sound has an acoustic footprint, they are unafraid to augment that sound by electronic means, making a very contemporary version of the indie-folk sound. Check out "Fat and Happy".
As seems to be customary with Hi-Dive shows, this concert will also be featuring local support as an opening act. On this night, Munly J. Munly will be joining the line-up to get the evening started. Munly J. Munly is, surprise surprise, the Munly from the Denver band Munly & The Lupercalians. Although I can't say for certain, I would imagine Munly J. Munly's solo performance would be along the lines of what the full band would offer, sans extra performers. Expect to hear the darker side of folk music - a folk-based sound with an almost industrial sort of edge. Check out "Petr".
The Hi-Dive doors open for the show on Tuesday, May 8 at 8:00PM, and the music starts at about 9:00PM The show is 18+ and tickets are $8 in advance, or $10 at the door. Tickets and more information are available online here.