NEWS COMDEB FEATURES ACTIVE LIFESTYLE

Inaugural Mental Health Psychedelic beats make for Denver’s newest brewery Sampling the joy of fl ight Awareness Day excellent Tobacco concert reveals humble homebrew beginnings

Rosie Curts 3 Gordon Matthewson 4 Claire Crawford 5 Drew Thayer 6

Volume 41 No 22

What the THE INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF COLORADO COLLEGE hell is Desert Metal?

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Work hard, play hard: CC’s mantra examined > April 29, 2011

catalystnewspaper.com Jeff Hester waits on the other side. 8th block is something cluded) each CC student plays a crucial game of Guest Writer like a reunion, and a well-earned one at that, and chance with only 80 points and a pin number at everyone you know is present, recently released hand. The process takes time, deliberation, and Seniors float would like to start this piece by establishing from the jaws of academia. Everybody deserves the overbearing consequence of your four-year I that this is not, by any means, a traditional 8th block, and seniors, without question, deserve diploma looms grimly overhead without rest, but “opinions article.” This an article that circles it most. But again, the question is raised, in what I would be lying if I said that the fulfillment of towards graduation around an idea, an idea that has been brought ways do we work in order to feel that we are graduation requirements was the only influential into question numerous times by myself and owed something? The answers aspect in choosing classes. Choosing an 8th Jenny Natelson my colleagues, in light of the frivolity of Eighth are mildly obtuse, yet clear. block class takes finesse; choose something not Active Lifestyle Editor Block. This idea, or maxim rather, is tossed At the end of each school too hard, but also something not too obscure or raditions at Colorado College range anywhere around constantly in reference to our adventur- year (seniors ex- far-removed from your typical interests to avoid Tfrom designated party songs to formal attire ous and often intense lifestyle choices at CC. having to sit through painful, 9 a.m. lectures from the glorious 80s to the sacred Whiskey From lax bros to slackliners, we all say it: with a head full of Phantom Canyon. Monday. Our five-day vacations are no different, “Work Hard, Play Hard,” and so we do. We You have to work towards the perfect and come 7th block, students from every grade charge the incline while considering Der- schedule. Sure, it’s not a traditional voyage into get prepared to take on the end of year favorite: rida, we bring red cups to the library. In my academia, but we take it just as seriously, if not floating down a lazy river. sophomore year I even saw one girl running more so, and our reward is a senior year ideally This year, hoards of excited kids crammed through her psych notecards on the bus to filled with Drawing, Buddhism and audits. into cars and caravanned either to Moab or Psychedelic Bowling. Sure, we phone it in I think we can agree that CC’s interpretation Grand Junction in search of the bluest skies, every once in a while, but the truth of “Work Hard, Play Hard” is less about strik- sunshine and unlimited amounts of chillage on is that each of us ended up here for ing an even balance between the two and more the river. The stress of booking rafts, paying some reason or another, whether it’s about using our inherent intelligence and work deposits and finding campsites was lost as the SAT scores, the equestrian team or, ethic in more devious ways in order to cheat the final Wednesday approached, and the elation of like me, you have to depend entirely on scales in our favor. We work hard not solely for our final block break swept over us. While some your flowery writing. It’s trite, it’s agreed- purpose and pride, but also so that when we are decided to keep the numbers smaller and others upon and, perhaps most importantly, it done working hard we are provided with the decided that fifty was the limit, everyone shared provides us with a general sense of identity. We tools to play even harder. This does not give us in the pure joy of doing nothing on a river for truly believe that we earn our time off; we work the right to vomit all over Mathias or drunkenly three days. diligently in pursuit of it. The question at hand, disturb our residential neighbors – I am encour- Senior Kenny Reid organized the larger group however, is what we do exactly to earn it. aging nothing of the sort – but we are good at of mostly-seniors trip on the Colorado river, As I mentioned before, we are all intelligent, what we do, whatever it is, and we deserve the having participated on a float trip for 7th block competent individuals in some facet or another, fruits of our labors within the bubble of CC. break last year. meaning that we all strive for excellence in very Why are these definitions, this discussion, “It was awesome; we got really great weather different ways. I know that this may sound like important? I guess it’s not, ultimately, but I think and everything was pretty easy, so I decided to something you see on an inspirational poster it’s a discussion that reaffirms our sanity in some do it again,” said Reid. or in a college advertisement, but stay with me way; maybe that’s why it keeps coming up. I hate After spending ample amount of time on here. The most stereotypical, one-dimensional to put it in writing, but after CC comes real life. the phone reserving rafts and planning the manifestation of academic excellence would We only get a limited amount of time within this route, Kenny finalized his numbers at around be receiving straight As, but no one could be relative fantasy world, and we should utilize its 45 students. And with CC students, especially arrogant enough to boil down the entire college ins and outs, its faults and strengths. We need to those who use 7th block break and 8th block experience into one grade point average. In fact, squeeze out every bit of ambrosia before we get to test their physical limits of consumption and some might even claim that skirting academic kicked back down the mountain, forced to drink functionality (read: seniors), getting everything responsibility is an act of excellence all its own. well water. Not that we think twice about it, but in order is no small feat. During the middle blocks of the year at CC, next time you’re grinding up on one an- “People kept calling me to get on the trip, but small groups of seniors seem to disappear as if other, or simply waiting in line I had to cap it at 45, and even that was a stretch, mysteriously kidnapped or quietly exiled from for a drink, give yourself a but everything worked out,” said Reid. campus. This is the nature of the thesis, a pat on the back, because The floaters in Moab started the trip with a beast that will drag all of us into the depths of maybe, for some reason, refreshing downpour on their campsite before the carrels at one point or another. The thesis you have earned this… is one huge commotion of text and edits and graphic by Erick Nelson continued on page 7 somehow. text and significantly less interaction with other human beings, but for each senior, 8th block 2 April 29, 2011 News Young Republicans Club creates open forum for conservative students on campus

Brett Bustos Democrats first. “They were really helpful and Cobb. “They were also really excited to have organization. Staff Writer offered advice on how to start the process of both parties officially represented on campus.” The club will have to wait to become of- being recognized by the administration,” said Both organizations expressed a desire to work ficial until October, when the school gives out The CC Democrats are quite visible on together to coordinate events like registration charters to clubs and organizations on campus. campus, especially during election seasons. I think there are a drives, candidate debates and issue forums, as Once chartered, the club will face some chal- However, many right-leaning students have lot of students who feel well as to bring outside speakers to campus. lenges in getting funding from the school. trouble finding an outlet for their voices on The reaction from students has been fairly Because CC receives federal funding, it cannot that“ they cannot voice positive. “There are a lot of people who are fund a club that will align the school with a campus. Sophomore Zora Cobb is bringing the Republican voice to the CC campus through their political ideology excited that this club is finally happening. Some specific political ideology. However, organiza- the creation of a Young Republicans club. The because the school is so people have even talked about attempts they tions like CC Democrats and Young Republi- club, which hopes to be chartered in October, made in the past to start a Republicans club,” cans can receive funding for events they host. currently has seven members. openly liberal,”said Cobb. said Cobb. A number of students have ex- Cobb is not concerned with this because she “I think there are a lot of students who feel “This club gives them a pressed an interest, she said, but are not ready believes that “it forces political clubs to work that they cannot voice their political ideology to commit to the club wholeheartedly. with other political and non-political organi- because the school is so openly liberal,” said place to have their voice Cobb believes the stigma that comes with zations on campus, like the Carnivore Club, Cobb. “This club gives them a place to have and opinions heard on being conservative on campus could explain which is always a good thing.” their voice and opinions heard on campus.” the long-time absence of a Republicans Young Republicans will begin a campaign Cobb hopes the club will help broaden the campus.” Cobb hopes the club. “Republican is a dirty word on campus,” this block to raise awareness of its presence on minds of the student body and provide balance club will help broaden commented Cobb. “I think the large and campus. They welcome all students who are to political events on campus. vocal liberal core makes it intimidating to be dedicated Republicans as well as students who Ben Taber, co-chair of CC Democrats, the minds of the student the minority conservative, so many students are curious about the Republican Party and echoed a similar sentiment, hoping that the two body and provide balance simply remain quiet.” Cobb also believes that wish to engage in political discourse in a safe clubs will “co-sponsor events that promote the Republican Party’s stance on social issues place. student participation in government — particu- to political events on can alienate socially progressive youth, even if larly local government.” When Cobb began the campus. they tend toward fiscal conservatism, adding process of founding the club, she spoke to CC to the resistance of CC students from aligning ” themselves with the Republican-associated Recent violations remind students of restrictions on pellet guns

Ellie Cole Trueheart said that he was not thinking er do that,” said Newton. “If you just Google they are manufactured to look like the real Staff Writer about the Airsoft gun as a weapon and did police and Airsoft gun shootings, you will get thing,” said Newton. “Several companies not realize that having it in his room was “a example after example of this type of situation. indicate that they are made to be exact replicas In the past year at Colorado College, there have big deal;” he left it out in the open in his I really take the safety of our students seriously of the original weapon, down to the weight. been two incidents on campus where pellet room because he did not consider the it to be and would like all of our students to look at The only difference is the yellow or orange guns have been discovered during routine something for which he could get in trouble. these examples and learn from them and not tip, which is mandated by federal law. The health and safety checks. Trueheart lived in Paris most of his life, where be a statistic. This is why we work hard to keep problem arises when the owner alters the gun However, these guns are considered a viola- Airsoft guns are not popular. When he moved these types of ‘toys,’ if you can really call them by removing the tip, which is very easily done, tion of The Pathfinder and not allowed on the to the U.S. he bought the gun at a sporting that, off campus.” thus making it almost impossible to distinguish CC campus. goods store out of curiosity. According to Mason, CC students need to from the real thing.” “A student could put themselves and others in Trueheart had a minor disciplinary history listen to these warnings. Mason urges students The greatest danger of pellet guns is what danger,” said Rochelle Mason, Interim Associ- before this incident, but according to Mason, with pellet gun hobbies to utilize the firing could really happen if a police officer were to ate Dean of Students. this was not considered in the decision to sus- ranges in town where there are guns to rent see a student with one and mistake it for an In the Pathfinder, it states, “We expect that pend him. However, York said that everything and shooting targets. actual firearm. all students follow laws and policies intended gets taken into account for conduct violations, “This is the safe and responsible way to prac- “Police officers are trained to treat every to minimize risk of harm...The possession including a student’s previous disciplinary tice the hobby,” said Mason. weapon as real until we can ascertain its status history. While pellet guns may not be harmful in safely,” said Newton. “It’s scary to think a Several companies Jason Newton, CC Resource Officer and the same way that regular guns are, they have police officer could kill someone who was member of the Colorado Springs Police De- caused some panic among the community just ‘playing’ with a ‘toy gun’ or vice versa if an indicate that they are partment, is concerned that students who claim when found. If students are seen on campus officer hesitates when confronted with a real “made to be exact replicas to just be playing with their guns may bring with a pellet gun that appears to be a real gun, weapon that appears to be a toy. These are real them out at a bad time, which could lead to the student could be in extreme danger with situations that officers face more and more of the original weapon, terrible consequences. campus safety and police, which in turn could often and usually only have seconds to make a down to the weight. “I already know that many may say that this is hurt the CC community. life or death decision.” The only difference is a ‘worst-case scenario’ and that they would nev- “The issues with these guns is the fact that the yellow or orange tip, which is mandated by federal law. The problem arises when SUNFLOWER MANAGEMENT the owner alters the gun by removing the tip,

which is very easily done, thus making it almost NOW RESERVING impossible to distinguish from the real thing. OFF-CAMPUS HOUSING

or use of any weapons — including but not FOR FALL 2011 limited to firearms, ammunition, pellet guns,” air guns, paintball guns, smoke devices, bows/ arrows, swords, large knives, explosives, and fireworks — is prohibited on the Colorado College campus and property because of the We have 1 and 2-bedroom apartments and 3, 4, and potential for personal injury, theft, unauthor- 5-bedroom homes available near campus ized use of such items, and disruptive impact on the campus community.” First-year student Henry Trueheart was GO TIGERS! suspended after an Airsoft gun was found on his desk in Slocum Hall over spring break. When he returned to campus, he was called in to speak with Mason and Slocum RLC Paul York. He was suspended for the rest of the Sunflower Management, LLC 719-634-6490 www.sunflower-management.com school year. April 29, 2011 News 3

Colorado College holds inaugural Mental Health Awareness Day

people. consecutively in Gates Common Room on Bennett noted that Colorado has the sixth Rosie Curts The last part of the evening was devoted Wednesday evening. The first was a talk given highest suicide rate of all states in the U.S. Staff Writer to a more personal time when the attendees by Guy Bennett, who represented the Pikes Most mountain states rank high on the list. gathered together and were each given one of Peak Suicide Prevention Partnership. Bennett From 2000 to 2008, the number of suicides the stories that was on the board in Worner spoke of the importance of asking for help in El Paso County was more than the number “Before I began sinking into depression, I earlier that day. Students were encouraged to when struggling with depression and noticing of car-crash-related deaths and homicides put always was, in an odd way, jealous of those read aloud any story that meant something to signals in friends and family who might be hav- together. who had it… it always felt to me like those them. One student confessed his own story Bennett also related a personal story about with clinical depression had a different outlook and received applause. Maybe we can look his 17-year-old son’s suicide. Suicide is particu- on the world, wiser somehow. After I became What was the CC student body supposed larly difficult, Bennett said, because “we grieve depressed, I knew that nothing was different. I at someone and think to get out of Mental Health Awareness Day? the death and we grieve the decision, the cause still looked at the world the same, except now I “A conversation,” said event organizer and maybe“ they’re thinking of death.” was miserable and despised myself.” This is just one example of the personal of suicide. But then we Bennett went on to describe warning signs Bennett noted that stories of depression that were displayed in think they’re better that most people give off before they attempt Colorado has the sixth Worner Center on April 27 as part of CC’s suicide, including uncharacteristic risk-taking, first annual Mental Health Awareness Day. The looking than me, they withdrawal from activities, terminal statements highest“ suicide rate purpose of the event was to bring awareness to have more friends than and giving away possessions. He noted the of all states in the U.S. all mental health issues that afflict so many of importance of looking for these signs because today’s youth. There was a particular emphasis me, they have a better car it is often difficult to determine whether some- From 2000 to 2008, the on depression and suicide. than me, so no, they can’t one is struggling with suicidal thoughts. number of suicides in El The primary exhibit of the day was the “It’s not about what someone has,” Bennett board of anecdotes and thoughts on de- be thinking of suicide. emphasized. “Maybe we can look at someone Paso County was more pression, submitted anonymously, that was and think maybe they’re thinking of suicide. than the number of car- displayed all afternoon. The anecdotes included ing thoughts of suicide. But then we think they’re better looking than stories of particular depression-related inci- “Sometimes when we look at our friends me, they have more friends than me, they have crash-related deaths and dents, poetry, and assertions that one should around us, we overlook our families,” Ben-” a better car than me, so no, they can’t be think- homicides put together. never be ashamed of mental illness. nett noted. “I’ve talked to professors who ing of suicide.” watch out for their students and overlook their Bennett also told the audience that when The other piece of Mental Health Awareness sophomore Kathleen Carroll. “I think it’s well spouse.” confronting someone who is possibly suicidal, Day consisted of three events that took place known that it’s a very closed campus about that. one must ask the question Everyone thought it was shocking when my” directly: “Are you thinking friend died and it wasn’t a shock.” about suicide?” Otherwise, Carroll’s friend, David Blackett, took his own the person may find a way life this February. Blackett’s death, however, to evade the subject at was not necessarily the inspiration behind Men- hand without directly lying. tal Health Awareness Day. “I decided to do it The Pikes Peak Suicide after his death,” Carroll said. “But it’s not re- Prevention Partnership has flective; it’s not trying to be a memorial to him. a suicide hotline that is al- I think the administration should have done ways available. The number this a long time ago, but they weren’t going to, is 719-596-LIFE (5433). so I decided to find people who would do it.” The next event was a During the last event of the day, a proposal panel of the Boettcher for a Community Mental Health Coordinator Center counselors, includ- to be added to the CC staff, something that ing Heather Horton, Hani Carroll and student Dirk Rasmussen had been Ahmad, Bill Dove and Pam working on and gaining support for from the Shipp. Each counselor Alumni Association, was introduced. The idea introduced him or herself would be to provide members of the CC com- and described the type of munity with a staff member who can focus on psychology they practiced, mental health issues and fill a role similar to mostly cognitive behav- Heather Horton’s as Sexual Assault Response ioral therapy. Coordinator. The counselors stressed The proposal suggests $1,000,000 be allotted multiple times that it is to “addressing issues of mental health and important to find the right mental health awareness at Colorado College.” counselor. “If you don’t The hope is that with the help of the Commu- feel comfortable with a nity Mental Health Coordinator, mental health therapist, please try again could be an issue on campus that is frequently with another one. We don’t discussed. It could be incorporated into New take it personally,” Dove Student Orientation trips, just as sexual assault said. Shipp also added or alcohol is, and could even become the that some students just concentration of a group of students similar need someone to talk to; to SOSS. one doesn’t have to be in Overall, what seemed to be one of the critical condition or even most important themes of the day was open at mentally ill to enjoy discussion. Carroll also has been promoting the someone who only wants new CC group, Active Minds, where people to listen to what they have with any kind of mental illness or behavioral to say. problem such as alcoholism or an eating disor- The counselors then der, can meet to talk with others. Active Minds answered questions that meets every Monday at 8 p.m. in Shove Chapel. had been submitted to a Every event of the day mentioned that men- bowl over the course of tal health is something that is not only rarely the day, including how to talked about, but also has a stigma attached convince someone to go to it, as if mental illness is something to be to counseling (you have ashamed of or something that is the victim’s to emphasize that there is fault. nothing weak about get- However, Guy Bennett summed up the un- ting help) and how to quit fairness in this way of thinking near the end of medication (frequently talk this presentation. “Asking for help is not a sign to your doctor, and never of weakness,” Bennett said. “It’s a true sign of get off without your doc- intelligence.” tor’s permission). One aspect of their jobs that the counselors wanted to make clear is that they are not here to “fix” people. “Sometimes a mother comes in and says, ‘You need to fix him!’ and I’ll take her money and say thank you, but I’m not go- ing to fix him,” Shipp said. The counselors are there to listen, not to change 4 April 29, 2011 Comment & Debate Tobacco: psychedelic beats and techno-elves from the future make for a great show

Gordon Matthewson Staff Writer are perfectly within your rights to look like a before he offered my friends drugs that we had Unless cut with some ordinary household douchebag. neither heard of, nor could pronounce the full cleaner, exotic drugs probably would have Looking around at the crowd, however, names of… augmented the music, but Tobacco killed it There’s a lot to be said for Tobacco. As a crop changed my mind about the current trends regardless, and the crowd seemed relatively it helped boost our economy to the cool #1 in fashion. Maybe wearing all this silliness As far as off- sober, all things considered. Tom Fec didn’t re- that it is today (with a lot of help from slaves, identifi es you as an interesting character worth centered, eccentric ally seem to notice that there was a crowd at all: racism and oppression) AND it’s smokeable. talking to, serving as a kind of wordless com- “electronic music goes, he stood behind his MacBook, his analog setup Tobacco enjoyed a rich history of use by both munication that your iTunes music library is of and medusa maze of cords without address- English colonists and Native Americans, but the highest quality and breadth. The peculiar Tobacco is right up ing the crowd once. The songs transitioned we figured out half a century ago that it causes look that the hip scene is rocking right now will there with any of the into each other without more than a handful lung cancer. Oops. Tom Fec of the band To- become obsolete in a few years, but who’s to of breaks in the entire set, and the stage was a bacco probably has his own reasons for naming say a little conformity is wrong if it helps you experimental sounds constant fl urry of knob-turning and dial-ad- his side project Tobacco, which may or may meet interesting people? coming from musicians justing as a live drummer followed a drum track not be relevant or interesting. Let’s assume There were plenty of interesting characters at being played. The keyboardist from Black they’re not. this Tobacco show, anyway. I was approached these days, but without Moth Super Rainbow (Tom Fec’s main band) The band Tobacco recently played at on the patio by a guy who, after doing a double any womp or Pretty- stood alongside him and fi lled out the sound, Denver’s Larimer Lounge, a small bar with a take, dropped the best conversation starter sometimes to an eardrum shattering degree. I stage and a live music setup. For a Tuesday I had ever heard: “Hey, man…You’re not Lights-esque beats that went and congratulated her after the show; she night, there were a decent amount of people Asian…” you can be sedimentary seemed very nice. Tom Fec seemed like a bit there, especially when considering the $15 “You’re absolutely right, I’m not,” I replied of a recluse. cover charge and the fact that it was still less after a moment, a little confused, but intrigued and nod your head up One of the craziest aspects of the show was expensive than the price of two drinks. as to what the hell this guy was talking about. and down to. the stream of videos that were being projected As far as off-centered, eccentric electronic We kept chatting and he continued to not make onto the wall behind the band. While watching music goes, Tobacco is right up there with any sense, so I eventually wandered off, right the performance I was constantly wondering any of the experimental sounds coming from ” how many hours had gone into fi nding and musicians these days, but without any womp or copying all of these clips…80s exercise movies, Pretty-Lights-esque beats that you can be sedi- obscure pornos (Pterodactyl suits? Aliens?), mentary and nod your head up and down to. self-help videos from the 50s…Where did all Listening to Tobacco’s debut album “Fucked of these come from? Obscurevideoclipstube? Up Friends” is probably a lot like taking a tour Does Tobacco employ a fl eet of weirdos to of a colossal toy factory in which Santa and take strange drugs and wander around yard Willy Wonka are managerial partners in the sales and fl ea markets in search of old VHS year 3030 when everything has gone digital. tapes? Elves are made from silicon but still get into I hope so. If you haven’t heard Tobacco, bizarre elvish tomfoolery. Tobacco’s newer check them out – you might like them. I say album, “Maniac Meat,” is most aggressive and might because I have no idea who you are; heavy. The same basic metaphor applies, but you could be my grandmother. If you listen change the factory into one that is the leading exclusively to 17th century baroque, you prob- producer of large-scale psychedelic drug ably wouldn’t fi nd Tobacco that interesting. weaponry. The same is true for country music and polka. As you can imagine, a Tobacco show has If glitchy, tense beats ignite your soul into a the capability to bring electronic music con- church-burning craze, or you noisseur hipsters out from their hiding spots in enjoy strange psychedelic elec- abandoned buildings and unused rail cars and tronic music, look this band gather into a faceless conglomeration of thick up. Or don’t. It’s not like I’m rimmed glasses and scarves. That’s the in this band, and it’s hard to say last time I’ll make any hipster jokes whether Tom Fec would care if you or even say the word hipster, do or not, either. He seemed per- because as a phenomenon, those fectly content at the cult status that assholes have gotten way more his bands carry. At least that’s what press and attention than he said. Or, that’s what he they ever warranted. would have said if he had And besides, it’s a said anything. Maybe free country. he was thinking it. You can I’ll get back to wear what you on that you want. one. If you want to look like a clone of some C-list indie band member, you

Illustration by Erick Nelson

BOARD OF DIRECTORS FEATURES DISTRIBUTION Editor-in-Chief • Alex Kronman Editor • Samantha LaBue Layout Editor • Joe Jammal Managing Editor • Kieffer Katz Ali Epstein COO • Carol Earnest Presentation Director • Danny Castillo Chief Copy Editor • Hannah Wellman Chief Photo Editor • Josh Raab ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT COPY EDITORS Marketing Director • Noah Simon Editor • Christina Holmes The Catalyst is a weekly newspaper produced and managed exclusively by Margo Simon Advertising Manager • Max Hillman Photo Editor • Monica Mueller students of The Colorado College. Published for the benefit of the college Erik Mattson Controller • Karen West Layout Editor • Sarah Lebovitz community and the surrounding local area, the Catalyst aims to bring gen- Legal Consultation provided by eral interest and academic-oriented news, ideas, and opinions into greater The Student Press Law Center collective view—to act as a catalyst for informed debate. The newspaper is ACTIVE LIFESTYLE PHOTOGRAPHERS published under the auspices of Cutler Publications, a 501(c)(3) not-for- COMMENT & DEBATE profit independent of The Colorado College. Editor • Rich Perkins Sam Landsman CONTACT Editor • Ben Cronin Editor • Jenny Natelson Monica Mueller Layout Editor • Lauren Hebert Layout Editor • Claire Mann Ben Mackall Letters and inquiries: [email protected] Illustrator • Erick Nelson Advertising: [email protected] Subscriptions: [email protected] ADVERTISING REPS The Catalyst NEWS 1028 Weber St. Gioia Garden Editor • Rakhi Voria The Catalyst is a member of Colorado Springs, CO 80946 Lela Wulsin the Associated Collegiate Press Editor • Kelsey Bergeson Phone: 719.389.6675 Layout Editor • Lorenzo Pozzolini Printed on 100% recycled paper with soy-based inks Fax: 719.389.6962 Photo Editor • Ben Mackall 5 April 29, 2011 Features Denver’s newest brewery reveals humble homebrew beginnings

Claire Crawford Guest Writer

In 2010 I rang in my 21st birthday with a freshly brewed keg of homemade wheat beer. The keg, outfitted with “CAUTION: do not pump past 120 PSI,” was regulated by a small bicycle pump. This ghetto-rigged keg of beer holds a special place in my memory because my brother and I concocted it one month before my birthday. On a rainy day in March, Patrick and I set up his homebrew equipment in his garage. We spent the next few hours boiling wheat, barley, and other grains that were key ingredients for “Claire’s Birthday Beer,” as we named it. The process was both a science and an art: we could add any ingredient in any amount, but also had to closely monitor the temperature and color of the liquid. At the end of the process, we transferred the beer to a large glass jug where the beer would ferment for the next two weeks. This beer was the first and last homebrew that my brother and I made in his small garage. The next time we make beer together will be this summer at his new brewery. For the past two years, Patrick and his partner, Patrick Crawford and Charlie Berger stand in front of vats of their delicious beer. Photo courtesy of Denver Brewing Company Charlie Berger, have spent countless hours plan- Facebook page ning their brewery, The Denver Beer Company, which they plan to open this summer. Since with six oversized garage doors. The two open milk would be crammed in next to the keg.” place on Pearl Street in Denver, the two shook the birth of the American microbrewery in the doors reveal the brewery owners sitting at a long Since their days of amateur brewing, Charlie hands with the owner, handed him their check, 1980s, this industry of craft beer production has desk among dirt piles, orange cones, caution and Patrick have both crafted some tasty beers. and thought the deal was sealed. A few weeks grown exponentially. Colorado ranks second tape, and a surprising amount of shiny brewing Charlie explains how it is hard to choose a after this, the owner backed out of the deal and in the nation in number of breweries in a city, equipment. Patrick and Charlie, Denver Beer favorite beer because there are so many different gave the place to a plumbing company. “He and Denver ranks third in the nation in volume Company’s founders, both give me high-fives: types. The season, time of day and even mood kind of stabbed us in the back,” Patrick said. of brewpubs and craft breweries. There are not your typical journalist-interviewee introduc- of the drinker often dictate what beer will be “There is going to be revenge…classy revenge.” over 100 breweries in Colorado, the majority tion. enjoyed. However, Charlie particularly enjoyed Over Christmas break, Charlie and Patrick of which are located in Denver. Most of these Charlie and Patrick both graduated from the German Schwarz beer, brewed at The stumbled across the perfect used brewing breweries, plus an additional 300 microbreweries, Colgate University. Although Patrick was a year Wynkoop Brewery, which won the gold medal at system, exactly in their budget. “We learned that can be visited at the Great American Beer Fest “older and wiser” than Charlie, the two were ac- the Great American Beer Festival. Patrick’s Big we could buy the equipment, but now we didn’t that happens each fall in the Mile High City. quaintances at Colgate: a school with a tight-knit IPA, which won the gold medal in the Dread have the property to store it in,” Charlie said. Why is Denver such a magnet for craft-brew- community that allowed them to reconnect years Hop homebrew competition, remains Patrick’s “We were seeing our business falling apart in eries? “A lot of it has to do with the laws,” after graduation in the city of Denver. Colgate favorite homebrewed beer. front of us; we had hundreds of thousands of Patrick said. “We as a brewery can sell our beer remains the home of Patrick’s fermenting-first. Will these beers be on tap at the Denver Beer our investors’ dollars sitting in the bank waiting directly to the bars, restaurants, and liquor stores It all started with a jug of Carlo Rossi wine a Co.? Patrick’s Big IPA will certainly be an option to be spent,” Patrick recalled. “Everyone was without it getting marked up by a middleman.” beverage that is not, any college student knows, at the bar at some point. For their other beers, telling us not to buy the equipment. We took a Patrick also chalks it up to the popular de- an “easy-drinking wine of good, honest and Patrick and Charlie plan to create brews that huge risk and bought the stuff.” And then, just mand of the craft brew. “People who drink craft consistent quality,” as the bottle boasts. Into this draw inspiration from ones that they have either in time, the perfect brewery location entered beers constantly want to try something new,” he jug went apple cider, apples, and grapes. After tasted or concocted themselves. The focus on Patrick and Charlie’s lives. They re-examined said. The more breweries, the more beers there a few weeks of fermenting, Patrick and best seasonal beers is what will make the Denver their original favorite location on Platte Street are to taste. friend Nasser tried the concoction. “Nothing Beer Company so different. Patrick and Charlie and were informed that it was still available Dick Kreck, who writes about beer for the happened. We were worried about going blind, plan to have only two permanent beers on tap, because the owner’s own deal fell through. The Denver Post, explains that “there is a young we didn’t know,” recalled Patrick. but multiple, constantly changing seasonal beers. pair offered a price that the seller accepted. and mobile population in Colorado, willing to Much like Patrick and Nasser’s unsuccessful The seasonal beer is what the consumer lives As I sit in their old car garage, I see the try new experiences (and beers).” In addition, attempt at fermentation, Charlie Berger left a for: a new, limited-time beverage released by a dynamic between Patrick and Charlie. They are Kreck asserts that the Denver entrepreneurial bottle of apple juice in the sun for a few weeks favorite brewery. They hope to lure customers bouncing ideas off each other; what one can’t spirit is strong; this leads home brewers to try when he was a sophomore in high school. The back week after week to try new suds. articulate, the other fills in perfectly. Both of their luck at transforming their hobby into a juice molded like crazy, and Charlie “made the The two beer lovers also plan to create a them are fidgety, often getting up to do random business. Along with the entrepreneurial spirit, smart decision and didn’t drink it.” Luckily, German style beer-garden, a large outdoor patio things in the middle of talking: sweeping dirt, Kreck explains that “there is a great camaraderie these were not Patrick and Charlie’s last ferment- with long wooden tables, meant to create a sense throwing a baseball, checking an email. They among Colorado’s brewers willing to help new- ing attempts. of camaraderie between customers. Both men say that they get along great. When they don’t comers get into the business and to share their While at Colgate, Charlie realized that he have been to Germany and liked how the group agree, “It’s not a ‘Fuck you, I’m right’, ‘No, fuck knowledge and, sometimes, even their supplies could not work for a corporation and be a slave seating fostered a sense of community and you, I’m right.’ It’s more of a, well…I guess of barley and hops.” to nine-to-five hours and the company pecking allowed customers to share conversation. The we won’t make that decision, let’s wait until we Patrick and Charlie certainly display this order. This attitude led him to Great Divide brewery on Platte Street will create an atmo- absolutely have to,” Charlie said. entrepreneurial spirit. Overall, beer fits into the Brewing Company before his senior year. “I sphere like that of Vine Street Pub in Northeast The brewery name was one of these points laidback Denver lifestyle. The couple who goes consciously made the choice to find an industry Denver. Vine Street, tucked away in a quiet of contention. It took the entire two years of camping for a weekend brings along a six-pack where I liked the outcome,” he explained. The neighborhood, has an outdoor seating area and a planning the brewery to come up with the name. of Fat Tire. Fred the fly-fisher may stow away Denver-based brewery provided Charlie with a relaxed ambiance−a place where one might like Patrick and Charlie laughed over other names a few cans of Budweiser to quench his thirst job in the bottle assembly line, where he pack- to enjoy a sunny afternoon. they considered: Crafty Bear Brewery, The Tree while wading in the river. As Colorado College aged six-packs. This job spurred Charlie to brew The customer experience is so important to House, The Jumping Buffalo. “Charlie liked student Jesse Lehrich puts it, “Colorado is the his own beer. His first batch was a ginger beer Patrick and Charlie that they will be seeking cus- the silly names and I liked the more serious and family man, outdoorsy state, where people are that was “fucking awful,” he recalls. “I packaged tomers’ input as to what beer will be on tap next. practical names,” Patrick said. into off-roading and drinking beer.” Beer is it all in plastic bottles; I still probably have a Patrick and Charlie plan to allow their customers Since the pair finally decided upon The Den- certainly the drink of choice for the young and bottle or two in my mom’s fridge because it was to vote on their Facebook page. In addition, ver Beer Company, they have created a simple active Denver population. terrible, awful.” After this story, both Patrick promotional events, such as a group run, will yet aesthetically pleasing logo that is a testament The ever-growing popularity of the micro- and Charlie decided that they should probably start and end at the Denver Beer Co. Inside to Colorado: a mountain scene designed in the brew creates the perfect opportunity for entre- dig out the ginger beer from Mrs. Berger’s fridge. will be a large tasting room where beer-lovers colors of the Colorado flag. This logo is dis- preneurs to exploit the consumer’s love for beer. Patrick did not have such a disastrous first and beer-rookies alike can discover their favorite played proudly for all of Platte Street to see. However, with so many microbreweries in one brewing experience. When he was living in wheat, porter, IPA or hefeweizen, to name a few When I was walking around the brewery’s city, the pertinent question is, “How does one Colorado Springs, a friend invited Patrick over . In addition, homemade German style pretzels neighborhood, I got the sense that it was buzz- microbrewery distinguish itself from the others?” to help make a batch of homebrew. After will be paired with unique dipping sauces to ing with excitement about the brewery. One Patrick and Charlie have come up with a unique watching Matt brew, Patrick realized he could do compliment the various styles of brews that the employee at the bike shop said, “Yeah, I know solution to this question. it better; his engineering skills and aptitude for Denver Beer Company will offer. Patrick plans them, they seem really nice. I’ll go down there March 29, 2011: A typical sunny day in Colo- science would come in handy when creating and to fill a special niche: “We are young, dynamic, after work for sure.” However, before custom- rado. The type of day that, three months from executing recipes. “So I went out and bought hip. We have worked really hard in coming up ers can frequent the brewery, Patrick and Charlie now, could compel Denverites to head to the a brewing kit and brewed my first batch that with a sustainable business plan.” The two went need to start the brewing. They plan to do so Denver Beer Company to try the newest brew weekend. It was good, but didn’t have a ton to a business class in the fall, and their business on May 24, when their license to brew comes on tap. As I coast down Platte Street, I pass an of flavor,” explains Patrick. Patrick, who pas- plan took first place in a contest with other through. A few short weeks after this, the brew- REI, a skate-shop, a bike store, a few small res- sionately commits to his hobby of the moment, students’ plans. ery is planned to open. taurants and trendy clothing boutiques. It’s the dove head-first into the brewing world by chang- Although things are running smoothly right “We have all these great ideas and our friends type of street that provides events and activities, ing his fridge into a kegerator. now, they have run into some bumps along the think so too,” Patrick said. “I’m excited to see if but still maintains an atmosphere of placidity. I “A single guy in a 300-foot apartment has no way. They looked tirelessly for the right location people in Denver agree.” park my car in front of a gray cement building need for a fridge,” he joked. “Some eggs and for their brewery. When they found the perfect 6 April 29, 2011 Active Lifestyle Sampling the joy of flight: paragliding When I asked Noah to describe the feeling “of his first gliding, his eyes lit up and he could barely contain his excitement. “It took me a few seconds to realize I wasn’t running on the ground,” he said. “Kiting was interesting,” he recalls, “but flying was totally exhilarating. The moment you feel it start, when you’re strapped in and your legs are kicking in free space—it’s the most intoxicating feeling. A powered paraglider in his whimsical contraption catches a glimpse of the horizon before tumbling into the heavens. Drew Thayer around powered paragliding, and although Columnist Noah was only doing some low-altitude wind- ” powered gliding during his first experience, On a dull and blustery afternoon several weeks other members of the PPPPG were present ago, physics paraprof and general shenani- that morning with their “chitty-chitty-bang- gan enthusiast Noah Gostout decided to try bang” contraptions that let them climb literally something totally new. Inspired by glimpses thousands of feet above the plains. The of drifting parachutes on the eastern horizon, device is basically a small frame with wheels, a Noah did a quick web search and stumbled seat, and a 4-horsepower engine with a propel- upon the PPPPG, a.k.a. the Pike’s Peak ler attached (basically a cheap lawnmower Powered Paragliding club, which is a loose mounted sideways). With a motor, a para- organization of paragliding enthusiasts in the glider is capable of climbing a still column of southern Front Range (http://www.pow- air and has enough gas to climb up and glide eredparaglidingcolorado.com). A kind fellow back down for a four-hour roundtrip. Some named Jerry invited Noah to join a crew of of the gliders had beautiful carved wooden paragliders northeast of the city near the black propellers that demonstrated a fine degree of forest at a small airport for private planes, craftsmanship. Traditional paragliders often where he would teach him the rudiments of ride air thermals to gain elevation, but the parachute flight. motored paragliders usually avoid thermals Noah had zero experience with paraglid- because they throw in an extra factor that the ing when he showed up that morning, so glider needs to control for. they started with the basics: a process called At face value, gliding around 1,000 feet kiting, in which you stand on a hill with a in the air seems incredibly dangerous, but steady breeze and control the chute with the paragliding is in fact pretty safe – and much two controls, but are not tied in. Kiting is safer than its fixed-wing cousin, hangliding. a way to practice steering the chute and feel In paragliding, you are actually strapped to a how it pulls and luffs as the wind changes. parachute you are not depending on air speed After some time practicing kiting, Noah got to maintain your safety. Luckily, groups like to strap in and try flying. To launch, you lay the PPPPG make it easy for people to get a the parachute out and face it with your back taste of paragliding. Noah’s experience was to the wind and the controls crossed in front “an intro thing, I wanted to see if I’d get more of you. As you pull up on the risers the wind involved,” he said. He says the next step catches the chute and lifts it up above your would be to choose an instructor through the head; as the chute starts to pull you lean back, PPPPG who would teach him more ad- flip around to face the wind, and run down a vanced techniques and how to manage safety hill. With Jerry’s instruction Noah was able concerns. A starting paraglider also needs to to launch by himself and lift off the ground, log flight hours with an instructor, because hovering 10 to 15 feet above the hillside. although there is no licensing program like When I asked Noah to describe the feeling there is for SCUBA diving, no legit company of his first gliding, his eyes lit up and he could will sell a chute without a signoff from a quali- barely contain his excitement. “It took me fied instructor. a few seconds to realize I wasn’t running on Noah highly recommends anyone interested the ground,” he said. “Kiting was interesting,” in the paragliding experience to contact the he recalls, “but flying was totally exhilarating. PPPPG; they are friendly and very accommo- The moment you feel it start, when you’re dating. Also, the “Powered Paragliding Bible” strapped in and your legs are kicking in free is a tome of knowledge that explains pretty space—it’s the most intoxicating feeling.” much every aspect of paragliding, with a focus The life-blood of gliding, a beautiful finely-crafted propeller awaits its launch. Photos The PPPPG is a society based chiefly on the powered variety. compliments of Drew Thayer Extraordinaire April 29, 2011 Active Lifestyle 7

Sun’s out, guns out: tradition on the Colorado

Continued from page 1 launching on Thursday morning. At 11 a.m., when the boats hit the water, the sun was out and the PBRs were cold. The Moab senior trip started without interruptions, some worse for the wear, but everyone ready to chill. Northern Colorado boasted the same weath- er report and five less hours of driving, so the appeal was high. Floating represented the epitome of our final feelings towards our 8th block preview: low risk and low responsibility. Floater Denali Johnson was on the fence between backpacking and rafting, but was con- vinced to float when 20 of her friends decided to charter a trip. Said Johnson, “Just give me sunscreen and a Solo cup and we’re good.” That attitude was rampant in every other group venturing out into the canyons carved by the Colorado. A group launching on Thurs- day started the day with a raucous round of slap-the-bag while others casually sipped on tall boys by the river bed. Strangers were bound by the same unanimous mentality: an effortless vacation, enjoying beautiful scenery with good friends. Block break marked an opportunity for seniors to legitimize a five-day binge while guiltlessly carousing with friends in the middle of God’s green earth. No matter which route taken, the mood was the same throughout: end it with a bang. It wasn’t uncommon to see jubilant faces masked by Wayfarers, leaping from boat to boat and avoiding the frigid snow run-off. Yet at the end of the trips, the consen- sus established was clear – the culmination of our time at CC was reflected in the beauty of the cliffs and the smiles of the people around us. If nothing more to show than a sunburn and some sandy toes, this block break showed us what awaits us in the unmentionable: more good times with good people and the limitless expanse of nature to facilitate it. A common scene on the float trip: swashbuckling Tigers prepare to board an enemy boat in search of booze and booty. Photo by Natalie Babcock Nothing soft about it: IMs take Armstrong

Jesse Lehrich ball here. This is something bigger, something ing scrubs to triumph over future NHLers. even a question. The title is ours. The last Staff Writer more intense, something life-and-death. Open Only two things are guaranteed: If you don’t time I lost was in a game of checkers against League Intramural Softball—where dropped leave it all on the field, you’re going home a my mother 12 years ago, and she cheated.” The swirling wind blows infield dirt past the fly balls complicate friendships and low batting loser, and if you strike out, you’re buying a Bulletin board material for Ecke and Long face of the focused shortstop, who squints to averages induce depressions. This year’s league 30-rack for your team (or 1,000 CapriSuns if Cut’s opponents. keep his eyes locked on the batter. There is no features only six teams, but then again, the you’re under-age). As the rest of the senior class looks for jobs telling how many thoughts are flying through NHL started with six teams too. Maybe in a Now that the all-star break is behind us, and living situations for next year, the Open his head. No doubt, he is thinking about the few years, the softball championships will be pressure is mounting across the league. The League Softball players have their eyes set on man on first base and hoping he can turn the aired on Versus just like the Stanley Cup. The double elimination championship tournament what’s really important—hitting singles and perfect double play. Perhaps he is still dwelling league is teeming with hungry seniors, desper- begins just next week, and some contenders fielding grounders. Winning the title is not on his pop-out to right field. The pitch drops ately chasing the elusive “title shirt” for the fi- are still platooning left fielders and searching about the shirts, or the framed picture in El into the strike zone, and upon contact, all those nal time, and willing to make any sacrifice from for true leadoff hitters, which has some players Pomar that accompanies it, or even the beauti- thoughts dissipate. There is nothing but him scraping knees to skipping afternoon class. feeling quite uneasy. “It’s been the funnest ful women that always seem to come flocking and the ball. Getting a great jump, the short- The league has been praised for its parity. season of my career,” said Tim Groves, catcher to the winners. It’s about the pride. It’s about stop dives to his left, getting a faceful of sand, Remarkably, every team in the league is at least of the Stab Crew, “but if we don’t win it all, I’ll seeing a player from an opposing team at a only to have the ball skip just over his glove. .500 except for Fiji, who is comprised of under- feel like I’ve wasted two months of my life.” theme party and being able to look them in the His day is ruined. His week may or may not be classmen and has been described throughout as Elsewhere in the league, more confidence was eye and tell them, “You’re beneath me.” It’s ruined as well—maybe he can redeem himself “boys among men”, and no team is undefeated. exuded. Kevin Ecke, the star short-center- about getting out of the shower, standing in with a great play tomorrow. On any given day, grit and determination can fielder of a dangerous Long Cut squad, said front of the mirror, and seeing a goddamn We are not talking about Major League Base- propel a bunch of pot-smoking, flannel-wear- of their pursuit of the coveted t-shirt, “It’s not champion. 8 April 29, 2011 Arts & Entertainment

Holding on to what’s golden

dry finish. In fact they might be that ale which on balance, yet the wild yeasts and oak aging of hospitably hopping a Belgian-style beer Nick Hawks is most similar to the sensation offered by take this ancient style in an entirely unprec- that is otherwise characterized by balance and Staff Writer lagers. So as the heat comes in, why not take a edented direction. It begins with a slight but smoothness. break from America’s arsenal of pilsners and puckering sourness, then fades through a This unfiltered, bottle-conditioned Golden Chris Shambaugh go golden for a change. citrus reminiscent of apples and lemon. It Ale pours a three-finger, sea-foamy head that Staff Writer finishes with a peppery, malty dryness typical leaves a considerable amount of ornate lacing Oro de Calabaza of these ales, almost entirely devoid of an around the sidewalls of the glass. In addition, This week’s BrewHaha really just came Belgian Golden Ale, 8.00% ABV alcohol aftertaste. the beer pours a rich clover honey color that together. What happened was quite simple. It Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales I find it to be a very interesting take on allows only a minimal amount of light to pass was around 2 p.m. on a Tuesday afternoon Michigan, United States the golden ale in that it really is not too loud. through due to its unfiltered haziness which and we both decided that while laying around While it takes the style in several directions, creates an aura that resembles petrified sap and watching cartoons was awesome, we had Jolly Pumpkin is a really unique microbrew- there really is no component that shouts at (think Jurassic Park). Letting the olfactory an opportunity to drink some delicious beers ery. It seems that their mission in life is to age you. It’s tart, but not sour, oaked, but not senses loose on the Mischief, one is over- and try to give them the attention that they everything in the world in oak, while facilitat- overtly and at the end of the day is outright whelmed by the immediate presence of floral deserve. So we hopped in a car and headed ing a sour twist. They are very experimental perfectly balanced. So if you are looking for hops, specifically notes of lavender along with down to Coaltrain Wine and Spirits, which has yet traditional, bottle-conditioning ancient an interesting take on a delightfully refreshing more subtle hints of pine, citrus, and a slight recently reached 800 different individual styles recipes while also exploring the newest tech- style, I would suggest checking out the Oro breadiness. of beer. It seemed like an appropriate time to niques in the craft brew industry. The Oro de Calabaza. Upon tasting, it is obvious that the tradi- drink a spring seasonal, but we decided that de Calabaza is no exception. In fact, the New tional balance that one seeks in a Golden has there really aren’t too many in this genre that York Times awarded this ale the best Belgian Mischief been well executed by The Bruery. The Mis- we were actually excited about. So we asked beer produced in the U.S. in 2010. Belgian-Style Golden Ale, 8.50% ABV chief is a crisp and smooth beer that captures ourselves, what beer would best fit this glori- Poured into a Dogfish Head snifter, the The Bruery the true essence of this Belgian style while ous change of seasons? It did not take long Oro pours a big two-finger bright white head Placentia, CA still offering the American variation of ad- to realize that there are few things more crisp hovering over a deep body of glowing honey. ditional and nontraditional hop additions. The and refreshing than the nectar provided by Due to the bottle conditioning (allowing the The Mischief is without question an Ameri- beer’s effervescence creates a smoother, roll- Golden Ales. beer to ferment and age in bottles) a lot of can rendition of a Belgian classic. However, ing mouthfeel that carries in a unique flavor While fairly simple, Golden Ales are often foam erupted after opening; however, the car- because it retains a number of its more profile characterized by a fleeting experience entirely motivated by the pursuit of balance. bonation of the beer was fairly moderate. The Belgianesque characteristics, I wouldn’t neces- of lemony sweetness that transitions into a They tend to hold a strong malt backbone aroma offered plentiful malts, coriander and sarily call it a mischievous beer. Following the malty body made dry by the bitterness of the and they are not too complicated and when a tart sweetness, due to the addition of wild tradition of contemporary American brewing, hops. In the aftertaste, the higher ABV makes done right, promise a refreshing, drinkable yeasts. The taste is unlike anything I have ever the California-based Bruery couldn’t help its presence known briefly before the beer ale experience. They are light in color, subtly encountered in this style. It has the standard but throw in a bit of American flare. In this finishes with a dryly crisp, yet bread-like flavor sweet and spicy, crisp, and often come with a malty foundation, and a tremendous emphasis case, that American flare came in the form emanating from the malts and Belgian yeast. Kyuss, Queens and Desert Metal

As for the desert metal sound, Kyuss drew ground metal bands.” original, but was now reappearing under new Thomas Smith upon a sense of rock and roll aesthetics deeply Apart from the aforementioned under- direction: that of Josh Homme. Staff Writer rooted in the low-fi intensity of Blue Cheer, ground metal bands that cite them as an Through his work with Queens of the Stone the stoned-out proto-doom of Black Sabbath, influence, Kyuss has had a more immediate Age, Josh Homme has done more than merely and the early space rock layering of Hawk- influence on quite a few notable bands in the prove his genius; he has led a band through Queens of the Stone Age is back. This is wind. With such classic hard rock influences desert metal scene. Here, it is worth pointing the various mountains and valleys of an not to say that the band had gone anywhere in mind, the band then threw in their own out the sheer incestuousness of the scene. ever-changing musical soundscape, losing and – they hadn’t – but that their long out-of-print cocktail of punk rock, thrash, and psychedelia, This band was initially comprised of John gaining companions along the way. As of to- self-titled debut album has returned after all creating a fusion that was not only heavier Garcia on vocals, Josh Homme on Guitar, day he remains as the only original member in these years. “Queens of the Stone Age,” first but also more dynamic than most sounds that Brant Bjork on drums and Nick Oliveri on the band. Unlike his work in Kyuss, Homme’s put out by the band in 1998 on Loosegroove emerged during the grunge era of the early bass - though Bjork and Oliveri were eventual- guitar wizardry in Queens of the Stone Age Records, is a treasure that somehow got left nineties. Though they never received the kind ly replaced with Alfredo Hernandéz and Scott has not gone unnoticed. Having released five behind during the stoner rockers’ rise to fame. of mainstream recognition experienced by Reeder, respectively. Post-Kyuss, this tight-knit albums with Queens of the Stone Age and Nonetheless, it has continued to be an iconic bands like Nirvana and Soundgarden, their group of musicians went on to spread their two as founding member and drummer for work of desert metal, unknown to most but influence has remained central amongst many musical seed, forming and becoming full the Eagles of Death Metal (a band with the relentlessly worshiped by fans. But first, for musical communities. Furthermore, unlike time members in a slew of bands such as Fu kind of bad-ass aesthetic sensibilities to give those who have not ever found themselves many of their more commercially successful Manchu, Dwarves, Brant Bjork, the Eagles of their albums titles such as “Death by Sexy” immersed in the indubitable badassery of this contemporaries, nothing about Kyuss seems Death Metal, Mondo Generator, Hermano, and “Peace, Love and Death Metal,”) Homme most rocking genre, one question inevitably dated. Though there are elements of their Unida, Slo Burn, Them Crooked Vultures and also went on to be a part of the power trio arises: What on earth is desert metal? sound that one can place in the 90s (and even the Queens of the Stone Age. This list goes super-group, Them Crooked Vultures in which To answer this, we must look to Kyuss. more that can be traced back to various points on and would never end if we were to dare to he played with drummer legend, Dave Grohl, Coming out of the Palm Desert scene in the throughout the four decades preceding their try and list examples of one-time collabora- and Led Zeppelin bassist John Paul Jones. Yet, Coachella valley of Southern California, and own) the band nevertheless remained apart tions. despite his constant march onward to new un- quickly gaining a reputation for throwing from the inevitably telling adhesion to trends In fact, Kyuss practically gave birth to the chartered realms of rock and roll, it seems as all-night generator parties in the middle of that seems to dig the grave for every artist four-time Grammy nominated Queens of the though Homme and the Queens of the Stone the California Desert (hence “Desert Metal”), or genre that makes the grade. It is for these Stone Age in that the end of one band and Age are going back to their roots, if only for Kyuss more or less set the terms by which reasons (lack of initial success and perennial the beginning of the other can be found in an instant. The re-release of their more or less the genre would come to be defined. These influence) that critics and reviewers like All a transitional split EP put out by Man’s Ruin unknown self-titled debut, along with a na- generator parties were an integral part of the Music liken them other to bands that, though Records in 1997. This compilation is divided tional tour where they have taken a break from band’s formation and served to set a model underappreciated in their time, have come to into two three-song sections: the first by the arenas to play this album in full to small for the freedom that desert rockers have come prove their timelessness. Kyuss and the second by Queens of the Stone venues (they tore the roof off the Ogden last to associate with both their music and the The All Music artist bio reads, “Hailing Age. One year later, Queens of the Stone Age Friday), has demonstrated a conscious revisit barren landscapes where they play it. Speaking from Palm Desert, CA, Kyuss (pronounced released their first full-length album to strong their desert metal origins. of the atmosphere at such gatherings, Queens “kai-uss”) has become something like a heavy reviews but short-lived availability. The album As for Kyuss, the godfathers of the genre of the Stone Age front man and founding metal equivalent to the Velvet Underground. itself was put together in the studio by a more have finally announced their long awaited member of Kyuss, Josh Homme, describes a Although they are widely acknowledged as or less two piece band, with Kyuss’ Hernandez reunion. While fans had eventually reached more or less lawless concert environment: pioneers of the booming stoner rock scene of on the drums and Josh Homme playing guitar the point of giving up hope for such a return, “They gave you butterflies at the time the 1990s, the band enjoyed little commercial while doubling on bass under the pseudonym, the band announced this year that they will be because they were really anarchy-oriented. success during their brief existence, but their Carlo Von Sexron. Included on one track (“I doing a complete world tour under the name, Whatever vibe each party took, it was defi- combination of sludgy, down-tuned guitars was a teenage hand model”), however, was a “Kyuss Lives!” Though Josh Homme will not nitely going there and there was nothing you (often played through a bass amp for maxi- recording from Homme’s answering machine be joining them on guitar, Brant Bjork, Nick could do to stop it… And sometimes that was mum, earth-shaking intensity), spacey jams, in which Ex-Kyuss bassist, Nick Oliveri, ac- Oliveri, and John Garcia – all of whom are really jubilant, and other times that was like, galloping thrash metal rhythms, and organic cepts an offer to join the band. What resulted legends in their own rights – will be reuniting ‘Someone just shit on the windshield of my drums became a blueprint, often copied, but was a kind of Kyuss sequel in which every with Bruno Fevery on guitar. It is going to car.’ That actually happened,” said Homme. never quite replicated by countless under- member had at one point played a role in the rock.