Tipper at Cervantes-Review
by Joel Center
The night before we all brought in the New Year, Cervantes and the Other Side shook with the vibrations of an incredible group of musicians. Though it wasn’t the traditional night to celebrate, the scene on Welton was festive, to put it lightly. Music fans gathered from far and wide to witness a concert for the ages – Tipper, Random Rab, ill-esha, and Cualli, to name a few.
For those of you who haven’t experienced a sold-out show at Cervantes, the word chaos should come to mind, but still cannot accurately convey the ordeal that is sure to ensue. Every nook, cranny, and crevasse of the venue’s property becomes swallowed whole by a writhing, swirling mass of freaks, heads, and fans – and December 30 was no exception. At the very least, you had to account for commute time when planning to wander to the venue next door. It would not be a journey devoid of scenery, however. Along the way you were sure to see the half dozen live painters, at least a dozen fans on the verge of intoxicated collapse, and a few unlucky patrons being dragged by overwhelmed security staff to an ambulance waiting at the curb outside.
Electronic fans that managed to keep themselves together long enough to actually see the artists were not disappointed. Unlike some electronic nights with bland, unoriginal openers, every act this night was highly groove-able. Cualli was one of the most notable acts of the early evening. A Denver native, Cualli takes his name from the Aztec word meaning something that is inherently good-natured, and his music reflects that. It truly conveys a feeling of beauty and purity that is a pleasant change from the grimy, minor tonalities that have become so closely associated with the scene.
As the night matured, the crowd grew more festive. By the time ill-esha took the stage, you could taste the anxiety in the air. Dave Tipper’s loyal fans were becoming less patient. Ill-esha was ecstatic to perform in her hometown, and her set reflected that. She managed to showcase twenty songs or so in her hour of performance. It was like sampling a bit of everything she had to offer. The thing that set her apart most was her vocals. She had lyrics to accompany the majority of her songs that would be sent through a harmonic effect pedal to create a live vocal soundscape in front of the throbs and moans of her music itself.
At last – Tipper. The crowd was ecstatic. In his signature style, not a word was spoken before or during his performance. The fans wanted music, and Tipper delivered without further ado. It was absolutely glorious. The mechanic drips, pops, and other ineffable noises that make up Tipper’s extraordinary sound rang through the venue with the kind of conviction and clarity typical of a musical virtuoso. The music this man creates blends primal and futuristic aspects that, when combined, put you exactly in the moment, tipping back and forth with the ebb and flow of some of the strangest and most appealing sounds you’ve ever heard.
If you were unfortunate enough to miss this event, Tipper has been added to the lineup at the annual Wakarusa Festival in Ozark, Arkansas, from May 30 to June 2, and Denver artists Cualli and ill-esha will be available for your grooving pleasure at a venue near you before you know it!
Category: National News
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