Bad Weather California

Don't take Bad Weather California's name literally. First of all, they're from Denver, as their distinct Southwestern jam-band flair reveals. Secondly, their musical forecast is far from dismal. Song titles like "It's My Country, Too" and "New Religion" send out the storm warning for a potentially heavy-handed treatment of the political folk tradition. Fortunately, bandleader Chris Adolf channels his American angst into clouds of rollicking electric licks and rousing Rhodes, then churns out cheeky optimism for a better world. A jubilant chorus echoes his sentiments in what sounds like the singalong that starts when the potluck ends. As such, much more apt meteorology can be found in their website headline: "sunshine and guitars." BWC's first album, Young Punks, will be released by Portland's own States Records this spring, so it's fitting that they join real-life young punks White Fang on their trip through town. MARANDA BISH
- Portland Mercury

On the frigid, sloppy walk to the Hi-Dive, my friend John asked a question that had been renting some space in my mind of late. “When was the last time you saw a show that blew you away?” A good question, and not one that I thought would be answered as soon as I walked through the door on Saturday night.
Trying not to go overboard about Bad Weather California is going to be tough, but Jesus, way to steal the show as it’s just beginning. Chris Adolf and company played like a truly inspired rock band, no clicks and whistles, just straight up rock music. At this moment Bad Weather California are probably one of the best bands playing in Denver, and worth seeing any chance you get.

Picking up any of the energy that Bad Weather California left on the stage, Salt Lake City’s Future of the Ghost came out swinging. Much of the band's energy came from frontman Will Sartain who played like his body, and not his amp, was plugged into the wall. Using terms like “high energy,” and “rocking” would be easy, but also would be a disservice as there were so many elements at play. Future of the Ghost are definitely a band to keep an eye on.

At this point the night could’ve ended, and I would’ve been satisfied, but happily that was not to be. San Fransico’s Papercuts, which is a vehicle for songwriter Jason Quever, provided a nice transition from the earlier festivities to the sound that would close out the night. Combining the atmospherics of Sigur Ros, the Beach Boys, Papercuts filled the room with sound while Quever’s high falsetto floated like a ghost throughout the room.

Headliners Beach House have gotten a lot of press over the last two years. Alex Scally and Victoria LeGrand, create languid, ethereal pop music that sounds nostalgic, but somehow current. Live, the band was played a pleasant, if uneventful set. The band's slow fade to silence was a perfect end to the evening.

-- Jeremy Brashaw

Critic’s Notebook
Personal Bias: Not a fan of white jeans, even if you wear a rhinestone jacket to go with it.
Random Detail: Papercuts bassist Trevor Montgomery also records under the name Lazurus, and is worth checking out.
By the Way: Future of the Ghost singer Will Sartain is a dead ringer for indie legend Steve Albini. - Denver Westword

There’s definitely a jammy vibe to this Denver rock group. But, any hint of cliché that assignment brings is quickly shooed off the porch by Chris Adolf and company’s skill at creating appealing music that flirts with several genres like reggae, lo-fi folk and psych rock. From carefree to spooky, their music features instruments like the pedal steel and bells along with the occasional well-placed group chorus.

You can hear these voices rise up well into the tune “New Religion”, which feels like a call to peaceful pastures and an accepting lifestyle. They sing the words, “let’s start up a brand new religion/let’s start up a whole new cult” in such a sunny, welcoming way with organ, shakers and sing alongs that they’ll have all of us signing up to drink the Kook-Aid in no time.

Something Interesting: The band frequently receives glowing praise for their live shows, with people claiming Bad Weather California is one of the best bands they’ve seen. If you like their recordings and want a reason to take a summer trip to Denver, there’s no better time than the weekend of July 25th. That’s when the city opens up for its Underground Music Showcase, featuring a ton of bands you’ve never heard of but should. - The Austinist

For the ninth year, The Denver Post asked 85 local music experts to rank their top 20 bands in Colorado more deserving of mainstream recognition. Meet the Top 10, from Ian Cooke to Git Some, out of 307 bands receiving points, in their own words. Our package includes photos, videos and links for how to hear more of their music.

BWC is ranked #3 out of 307 bands. Only topped by part-time band mate and recent rounder records signer 'The wheel' and the classical genius Ian Cooke. Read more at:

http://www.denverpost.com/music/ci_12856719 - The Denver Post

Denver locals Bad Weather California -- with some help from friends Roger Green and Erin Roberts -- had a dream come true when, three days before the show, they were asked to be the backing band for Daniel Johnston. Of course they said yes. Here's an interview with the band and Johnston.
Video Below:

http://blogs.westword.com/backbeat/2008/04/video_interview_with_daniel_jo.php
- Westword

“Adolf crafts songs that you’ll still be singing as your crawl to your grave…”

See scan of print here: http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q20/ChrisAdolf/thrasherfull.gif - THRASHER