Artist Spotlight
Sqwerv to Debut “Mirage” at Cervantes’ Otherside Album Release Show on September 7

Denver’s psych-rock band Sqwerv’s new studio album, Mirage, marks a departure from the stripped-down simplicity of its Hors D’oeuvres EP series—a trio of bite-sized offerings with three to four songs on each that the band recorded earlier this year in their living-room practice space.
“‘Hors D’oeuvres’ trilogy was more of a palate cleanser. The songs were stripped-down and experimental with extended jams, while the music on ‘Mirage’ is more complex, composed, and utilizes the benefits of a music studio to the fullest,” notes guitarist and vocalist Guy Frydenlund. “The goal with this one was to keep improvisation at a minimum and precision and composition front and center.”
Alongside bassist Caden Kramer, keyboardist Jack Marty, and drummer Zach Bulgarelli, Frydenlund weaves elements of theater, foley artistry, and synth-infused grooves into its music bedrock that covers everything from heavy metal riffs to gentle acoustic guitar passages.
The four-piece will debut songs off Mirage live on Saturday, September 7, at their album release show at Cervantes’ Otherside, the same day the record is available on all streaming platforms. Chirp and Denver-based Break Signals are also on the bill.
Recorded in February 2024 at The Keep Recording studios in Denver, the seven-song Mirage explores a variety of sounds, incorporating multiple guitar tones, keyboards, pianos, and string sections. “We crafted ‘Mirage’ with vocal harmonies, layered instrumentation, and studio-driven production so that each track feels like its own unique journey,” says Frydenlund.
Boasting assorted sonic elements throughout the effort, some cuts on Mirage include “King George,” which introduces a lush string section composed by Marty, ushering the band’s first foray into orchestral arrangements in the studio. “Polaris” ventures into new territory with its blend of heavy psychedelic riffs. Notably, the two cuts “Morning Song” and “King George” feature lead vocals by Kramer and Marty, introducing their debut as vocalists on a Sqwerv studio album.
A standout track on the album, “When the Dust Settles,” delivers a cinematic experience with its theatrical sound design. “We wanted something that could sonically transport listeners onto a ship sailing the open ocean, conjuring an adventure reminiscent of The Odyssey,” explains Frydenlund, referencing the poem by the ancient Greek poet Homer.
You might be surprised to discover that Sqwerv’s catalog spans from twelve-minute prog epics to concise, two-minute love songs. “We enjoy complex Phish songs, but we also really like simple Khruangbin or Mac DeMarco tracks.”
If you’re catching Sqwerv debuting their new tracks at Cervantes’ Otherside, don’t be surprised if the band lets the jams breathe and stretch. As Frydenlund puts it, “The beauty of these songs is that they have room to extend.”
This approach of letting “the music do the talking” is a testament to Sqwerv’s growth since their formation in 2017. What began with local open jams and gigs at smaller clubs has evolved into support slots for iconic acts like George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic at the Ogden Theater. Sqwerv has also shared the stage with notable bands such as Spafford, Magic Beans, Squeaky Feet, Eminence Ensemble and more.
“We put a lot of effort into building a genuine connection with our audience, the music, and ourselves,” Frydenlund concludes. “We dedicate time to honing our craft and growing as musicians, and we aim to showcase that on stage, letting our true voice speak for itself.”
Sqwerv, 8 p.m./doors 7 p.m. Saturday, September 7, Cervantes’ Otherside, 2637 Welton Street, Denver. Tickets are $27.90.
Follow Sqwerv:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Sqwerv
Instagram: www.instagram.com/sqwerv
Website: https://sqwerv.com/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3xrbKno8shx3H22Xz8omC8
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@sqwerv1796/featured
BandCamp: https://sqwerv.bandcamp.com
Artist Spotlight
“Dry Land” by Songbird evokes a metaphorical anthem of emotional entrapment

Drawing inspiration from her fascination with sharks, Songbird immerses audiences, both thematically and sonically, into the intricate realms of manipulation and the unyielding experiences of personal struggle with her newest single, “Dry Land,” exuding an absolutely captivating melody. She cleverly employs these apex predators as a metaphor, symbolizing the emotional entrapment in an uncertain affair. However, the track goes beyond mere references to sharks and marine life; it explores the pursuit of conviction and purpose amid the fluctuating tides of doubt and the allure of dangerous forces beyond our control that threaten to pull us under.
The song addresses the subtle snares of toxic relationships, internal conflicts, or the weight of unspoken fears, providing an ample interpretive framework for listeners to connect with the lyricism. “Dry Land” is characterized by a haunting yet melodic vibe, propelled by Songbird’s emotive vocal delivery, which feels simultaneously delicate and fierce. Her performance suggests a personal familiarity with these challenges, offering a cautionary perspective on the perils of emotional turbulence. Lyrically, the song encapsulates the universal experience of indecision, navigating the complexities of uncertainty, latent strength, and the quest for clarity amidst chaos.
The production is atmospheric, underscored by a consistent tension that permeates the composition. Each beat feels intentional; the gradual builds mimic the rise and fall of crashing waves, while subtle electronic touches add an edge that mirrors the song’s darker themes. One can almost sense the encroaching sonic ocean, with every lyric resonating with vulnerability and poignancy, effectively portraying the dichotomy of the desire for liberation and the pull of deeper existential currents.
Notably, the emotional sincerity evident in each line exemplifies resilience. Songbird avoids convoluted messaging; her lyrics are brilliantly poetic, mood-oriented, and impactful. By allowing the metaphor to resonate naturally, she grants listeners the opportunity to immerse themselves in the narrative and extract their interpretations.
“Dry Land” functions as a vital sonic lifeline for anyone grappling with their inner fears, particularly those who have ever felt manipulated, overwhelmed, or dragged down by something they couldn’t quite identify. While Songbird expresses an evident admiration for sharks, with this release, she demonstrates her adeptness at navigating the intricate emotional landscapes of the human experience.
For more information about Songbird, please visit [website].
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Songbird’s “Dry Land“ on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH Songbird | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook |
Artist Spotlight
Start Forward walks the reflective edge of emotion in his recent gem, “Tightrope”

“Tightrope,” the newest single from Start Forward, the brainchild of Miami-based artist Joshua Sturtevant, offers a nuanced exploration of emotional stability and vulnerability, serving as a poignant representation of lived experience. Derived from the forthcoming album ‘Breathing Under Water,’ this track exhibits an introspective depth that significantly resonates strongly with the listener.
Musically, “Tightrope” embodies the tension inherent in the liminal space between control and chaos, effectively capturing the essence of emotional defenses that, although initially protective, have now become constricting. The production evokes a distinctly 90’s alt-rock aesthetic, drawing inspiration from influences such as Pearl Jam and Radiohead while simultaneously maintaining a unique sonic identity rooted in Sturtevant’s innovative approach: a fusion of haunting melodies and contemporary soundscapes.
The arrangement showcases a deliberate dynamic between tension and release, with gritty guitar lines oscillating between moments of restraint and cathartic expression. The vocal delivery, imbued with a palpable weariness, reinforces this thematic duality, fostering a personal yet universally relatable experience for the audience. The emotional fatigue articulated within the composition is not merely audible but felt deeply, inviting a profound engagement.
Sturtevant’s methodical approach to songwriting and production, as he manages all facets of the process independently, infuses the track with authenticity and intimacy. Each lyric emerges from a space of late-night introspection, embodying a moment of resignation where one yields to emotional currents. The chorus encapsulates the juxtaposition of fragility and strength, illustrating the experience of an individual on the verge of collapse yet finding resilience in vulnerability.
“Tightrope” resonates with anyone grappling with the façade of composure amidst internal turmoil. It masterfully blends vulnerability and incisiveness, offering raw honesty without descending into melodrama. Start Forward doesn’t simply recount an experience; instead, he immerses the listener directly within its emotional landscape.
For more information about Start Forward, please visit [website].
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Start Forward’s “Tightrope“ on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH Start Forward | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook |
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