Music
Press
Westword's Critic’s Choice
By Tom Murphy,
published 8/4/08
"With the recent spate of poseurs copping classic-rock poses, it's easy to dismiss anyone even remotely following those musical instincts as an artistic reactionary. However, when an act's songs are as great as anything from times past but informed by contemporary aesthetics and performed with visceral and bracing immediacy, that band should be praised, not discounted. While Hawks of Paradise (due at the Larimer Lounge on Friday, September 5) might superficially remind you a bit of late Brian Jones-era Stones with a touch of the Velvet Underground, the group quickly establishes that it's not interested in standing in anyone's shadow. Invigorating songwriting and genuinely exciting live performances are clearly aimed at placing the act alongside its heroes and not a rung down. Vocalist James Yardley appears to be channeling late-'60s Bob Dylan; fortunately, he has the charisma to match." - Westword
"Artists you may not know yet, but will"
By The Denver Post, 8/1/0
Hawks of Paradise: You know what B.R.M.C. and B.J.M. stand for? You'll like this new group, which mixes those reference points with some Velvets and Dandys for good measure. (Key: 1.
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club. 2. Brian Jonestown Massacre. 3. Velvet Underground. 4. Dandy Warhols.)
by Ricardo Baca - The Denver Post
Discography
SKELETON KEYS cd Ep
Photos
Bio
The Hawks of Paradise dwell at 5280 feet above sea level in Denver, Colorado. Long time friends James Yardley and Jordan Hubner formed the band in late 2007 with strong rock influences such as Neil Young, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Tom Petty, Brian Jonestown Massacre and Bob Dylan. "Invigorating songwriting and genuinely exciting live performances" (Westword) is what sets them apart and put them on the Denver Post's "Artist you may not know yet, but will" list for 2008. Addition of drummer Darren Albert, who's past experience as a founding member of the adored local Pop group, Dressy Bessy, has provided the group with a powerful rhythm and an understanding of what it is to be a professional act. "The band's music was (is) a mixture of straight ahead bluesy rock n' roll and super-amped psychedelia -- like the Brian Jonestown Massacre shedding any pretense of hipster cool detachment."(Westword). With just playing an opening slot for Drive By Truckers to a sold out 600+ audience, the band is honing in it's live skills, with what the Westword would call, "Bursting with an invigorating energy". Scott Bagus of Moccasin joined the group in winter 2008 on bass, and Aaron Collins of Machine Gun Blues now plays the organ and keys.
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