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You know that feeling you get after seeing a really good band that wasn’t even the reason you went to a show? Everyone’s got to have their story concerning this, and this review is essentially mine.

I went to a tiny basement show in New Brunswick, New Jersey with my friend to see his co-worker’s band play. There were supposedly four bands on the bill, but two dropped, leaving the band we came to see, Scream Hello, and this other band who my friend had told me was good, Denver In Dallas. To make a long story short, Denver In Dallas kicked loads of ass and impressed everyone cramped together in that basement. Great stage presence and excellent songs were what hooked me, and I immediately purchased their CD/DVD combo re-release of their first EP, After Diego.

While not as energetic and intense as the band’s live show, After Diego is a great display of killer songwriting and melody. The band plays their own original blend of rock, with a mix of softer, prettier parts, and more aggressive intense moments. Call me crazy, but it almost reminds me of something At the Drive-In would do. What impressed me the most was guitarists Ramon Alarcon and Adam Delnegro’s chemistry; the guitar parts always complement each other, and the same thing is rarely, if ever played by both guitars at once. It makes for great melodies and it makes the music that much more exciting and interesting, as opposed to both guitars playing the exact same thing. Matthew Holdren’s vocals are all over the place and occasionally off-key, but it is that kind of chaotic-yet-controlled singing that makes this band all the more original. Nine times out of ten, it sounds great. My only (minor) complaint is that the drums don’t nearly stand out as much as they could. They are rather low in the mix, and there are places in songs where a simple drum fill would be a nice addition. This is very minor, however, and doesn’t take away from the music at all.

As far as the music goes, the leadoff track, “Arizona,” is one of the best songs I’ve heard all year. I could sit and rave about this song all day. It’s one of those songs that you saw the band play earlier (when you didn’t know it) which makes you extremely happy when you recognize it on the album you just purchased. From the catchy chorus, to the beautiful slower parts, to the absolutely killer finish, this song has got it all. “The Negative Exposed” is another superb track; a 6 minute rollercoaster which showcases everything that “Arizona” did; great melody and extreme catchiness. The beginning of the song screams catchy, with it’s bouncy rhythm and happy tone, and the combination of Matt’s and Ramon’s vocals in the chorus work wonders. “Grab Your Martini And Meet Me On The Balcony” reminds me of something that would be in the background of a police chase scene in a movie, with its urgent feel and “It’ll getchagetchagetcha” lines. There’s also a video for this song on the included DVD showcasing members of the band getting in knife fights, a very appropriate theme for the song; they fit rather well together. The closer, “Fix Me Sarcasm,” has some great dual-guitar noodling in it, which reminds me of something Hot Cross would do, and it basically makes the song. It closes the album on a high note with its triumphant ending, and leaves me begging for more.

The music is not flawless, however; there are times when the music just sort of drags and wanders aimlessly. Cutting about half a minute off a song or two would tighten the songs up for the still-young band, who have an extremely bright future ahead of them with the release of After Diego. Denver In Dallas are extremely high on my list of “best bands you’ve never heard of,” and should be seen when they pass through your area. Just watch the impressively well-done live videos (there are four of them on the DVD) for proof. I highly recommend this.

Listen to three tracks off of After Diego



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    Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, October 28, 2004 at 12:36 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    I have been listen and watching Denver In Dallas play for years now. When they first got started as just a trio (with an old drummer) we were best of friends. However, as time passed we didn't see each other as often but I am so happy to see that they are making finally and others are finally notice what I have seen from the begining.
    Thans DID,
    Charlie M.

    Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, October 27, 2004 at 11:08 AM (EDT)
    My Score:

    Denver in Dallas rocks you have to see them live to get what I mean. This bunch of guys are always in a good mood and always gets the croud involved during their live performances. I can honestly say that I put them on my college radio station here at Stockton NJ (where the drummer Jay went) right when their original ep came out a few years ago. The new ep/dvd is a must have. This band is going places and I am glad I got to see them rock out at a few NJ shows and rock out with them before they become rock stars. -$eth Money

    Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, October 27, 2004 at 11:08 AM (EDT)
    My Score:

    Denver in Dallas rocks you have to see them live to get what I mean. This bunch of guys are always in a good mood and always gets the croud involved during their live performances. I can honestly say that I put them on my college radio station here at Stockton NJ (where the drummer Jay went) right when their original ep came out a few years ago. The new ep/dvd is a must have. This band is going places and I am glad I got to see them rock out at a few NJ shows and rock out with them before they become rock stars. -$eth Money

    Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, October 24, 2004 at 1:58 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    Damn right I give these guys a 10...a truly amazing band and an amazing group of guys. The chemistry this band has is nothing short of remarkable...and a damn good looking bunch of guys..(especially the drummer..lol) Each member is a great musician in their own right and I think this band has more potential than I have seen in a band in a long time...I have no doubt they will go places...Negative Exposed is forever my favorite song however all of their songs are truly well done which leaves me beggin for a full length!! For someone like me, bein a hardcore punk-rocker for years, to like this band..there must be somethin special about these guys..and if you pick up there album and go to one of there live shows you will see what I mean. so shut the fuck up...stop reading these meaningless reviews/comments and go see for yourself!! -Charlie-

    Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, October 23, 2004 at 1:27 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    in my opinion, i think denver in dallas has alot going for them. as for there vocalist.. hes a nice guy and everything, but he just cant keep on key when they play a live performance. yeah he knows how to move.. but when your trying to reach out to your fans , they want to hear you hitting those notes like you mean it. as for the rest of the band, ive never seen so much potential. you guys really know how to work the crowd. keep it up fellas , good things are headed your way

    Posted by Anonymous on Friday, October 22, 2004 at 9:15 AM (EDT)
    My Score:

    denver in dallas is a rare artistic occurence. i am suprised to see some negative comments, however i am also surprised anyone would vote for Bush- what I mean is, most people don't get the perverbial It, kids want to the new thursday and coheed. This album definatley isn't that, you'll agree if you have any idea of musical thoery and true to heart songwriting.

    Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, October 21, 2004 at 12:15 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    Looking at reviews is basically a worthless way of judging a band. Denver in Dallas has been labeled everything from amazing to unoriginal. The cd/dvd, is outstanding, it might not due justice to the the poetic chaos and beauty that composes their their live show...but then again nothing could. Pick up the cd / go to a show and chances are you will fall in love with this band.

    Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, October 19, 2004 at 7:00 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    the album cover tells you exactly what this band sounds like.

    "hey, let's take a shitty photograph of a girl and smack it on the cover so people will think we're arty, nobody in our genre has done that before!"

    Posted by darkstarm on 2004-10-19 00:50:48
    My Score:

    i like this song, the arizona one. but anyone else get a huge moneen vibe from this band, especially at the end of the song? if this band was mixed better (bigger drum sound, specifically cymbals) they would sound a shit load like moneen.

    Posted by Anonymous on Monday, October 18, 2004 at 4:04 AM (EDT)
    My Score:

    I heard Arizona on mp3.com probably about 1 1/2 years ago and was absolutely obsessed with the song. Good to know the band is still around.

    Posted by slippy on 2004-10-16 14:36:54
    My Score:

    Way overrated. From the comments here I assumed "Arizona" would be some sort of masterpiece, but it's pretty lame. Nothing that a hundred other bands you already know couldn't come up with.

    Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, October 16, 2004 at 1:42 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    This is really bad. Nothing new or original here at all.

    Posted by Anonymous on Friday, October 15, 2004 at 9:19 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    Denver in Dallas is such a great band. hopefully they'll get the attention that they rightfully deserve.

    Posted by TheMarc on 2004-10-15 19:27:18
    My Score:

    Last one was me.

    Posted by Anonymous on Friday, October 15, 2004 at 7:26 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    "Arizona" is absolutely amazing, but the rest of this really drags.

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