By Danny Coleman
originally published: 06/01/2017
What do you get when you add two Danish born brothers, two old friends, lots of different influences and the zest to tour and make music? You get the Colorado based band Slow Caves and they're coming to a town near you!
Formed a, "Little more than three years ago," in Fort Collins Colorado by brothers Jakob and Oliver Mueller, the band has been on a roll; signing with Old Flame Records, putting out an EP titled, "Desert Minded" and touring non-stop.
"We're just a group of old friends and my brother," explains vocalist/guitarist Jakob as he discussed the band's formation. "We all knew each other and had played in different bands and of course my brother and I have played together but adding David (Guitarist/bassist Dugan) and Jack (Drummer Jackson Lamperes) completed the group and our sound."
The "Old friends," didn't take long to melt the cold of the Fort Collins music scene as they quickly became the band to see on their local circuit and they have also played some of the more renowned clubs in the Denver area. Jakob elaborated on the band's sound as they headed east from Davenport, Iowa and are in the process of prepping to play several shows on the east coast, including one in Asbury Park, NJ at The Saint.
"We've been classified as a few things," he laughed. "Our sound? We classify it as 90's influenced surf-y pop. My brother and I are the primary songwriters but sometimes the whole group collaborates on the material too. We've actually put out two EPs. Our first was in June of 2014 and it was four tracks, we did that on our own but "Desert Minded" is our debut on the record label and it's also four tracks."
When asked why two EPs rather than combine both into one eight track full length disc, Jakob's response was quick, "EPs take less time to put out and we would rather put out as much music as possible so that we stay fresh in the people's minds."
Along with the music staying fresh, the band's name tends to draw interest as well. Jakob says that it came from a, "Very long group chat discussion." "Um yeah," he recanted in somewhat careful tones. "We were having this long discussion via text and we were just throwing words together and randomly combining them. I think Dave said, "Slow Caves," and we all liked the way that it sounded in our heads and we stayed with it."
Their music is sounding great in many others heads as the band sets out on yet another tour of the U.S; after performing at the now highly respected SXSW Music Festival in Austin, TX earlier this year. "This is our third tour this year," stated Jakob proudly. "Our first tour was the west coast, the second was the southwest and we timed it so we could play at SXSW and now this one is of the eastern portion of the country. We realized that we had to expand if we were going to be successful. We needed to test the waters and see how we did away from home; it's a lot different when it's just you and the consumer."
Jakob went on to say that the four band mates don't mind the road so much, they relish the camaraderie and seeing the U.S all while doing what they love. "The best part is all of the time that you spend together as a band and going through this crazy, weird way of living while on the road. Every tour has been a great experience and seeing different parts of the country, making new fans and friends, not everyone gets to do something like this."
This tour is hectic with shows on an almost nightly basis, which leaves very little down time and/or room for error. They had shows on May 30 in Buffalo, NY and May 31 in Providence, RI which are followed by June 2 in Brooklyn, NY and June 3 in Philadelphia, PA. June 5 sees them at The Saint and then June 6,7,8 has them in Pittsburgh, Cincinnati and St. Louis before heading home to Fort Collins on June 10. "We go on the road for only two or three weeks at a time so we have to make the most of it," said Jakob. "It gets crazy but so far so good."
So what can one expect when they go see a Slow Caves show? "Well, not to sound cliche," he started with a slight chuckle. "But you can expect a lot of energy, a combination of all of our influences and a great dynamic show."
Tickets for the upcoming Saint show (Ages 18+) can be obtained at the door or by going to the band web site at www.slowcaves.com where you'll also discover more about them and the rest of the tour.
That's it for this week! Please continue to support live and original music and until next week....ROCK ON!
This week's event listings
Backstage at Championship Bar 931 Chambers Street Trenton
Sat. 7 p.m. Unveiling The Oppression, Broken Angels, Palatine. All ages, $10
Tues. 6 p.m. September Mourning, Kissing Candice, Call It Home, Triple Goddess, Another Day's Armor. All ages, $12
Bill's Olde Tavern02694 Nottingham Way Hamilton
(609) 586-0192
Wed. 9 p.m. Karaoke Contest (Cash prizes)
Ages 21+
Blend Bar & Bistro911 Highway 33 Hamilton
(609) 245-8887
Tues. 8 p.m. Trivia Jam
Wed. 7 p.m. Open Mic. Hosted by Shaun Ruymen
Bowman's Tavern1600 River Road New Hope, PA
(215) 862-2972
Thurs. 6:30 p.m. Eric Mintel Trio
Fri. 8 p.m. Liz DuFour
Sat. 8 p.m. David Dales Trio
Sun. (12 p.m.) Brunch With Ottmar (6 p.m.) Lorenzo
Mon. 6 p.m. Andy Prescott
Tues. 6 p.m. Fermenters Trio
Wed. 6 p.m. Brad Staudle
Brothers Pizza 871 Highway 33 Hamilton
Thurs. 6 p.m. "Fast Ant's Summer Tour w/ Anthony Cannuli
Caffe Galleria23 North Union Street Lambertville
(609) 397-2400
Fri. 7 p.m. Back Door Band
Candlelight Lounge 24 Passaic Street Trenton
(609) 695-9612
Sat. 3 p.m. Monette Suddler. $10 (cover charge/$10 Minimum includes buffet)
Tues. 6 p.m. "Tuesday Jazz Jam" Open Session feat. James Stewart / Tom Littwin Trios. $5 (Lite appetizers)
Chickie's & Pete's183 US Highway 130 North Bordentown
(609) 298-9182
Tues. 8 p.m. Acoustic Music Night
Wed. 9 p.m. Quizzo Trivia
City Streets 510 Highway 130 South East Windsor
(609) 426-9400
Sat. 9 p.m. Out Of The Red
Mon. 9 p.m. "Malibu Mondays" w/ DJ Brett Gash
Tues. 9 p.m. Trivia w/ Jessie and Chelsea
Wed. 6:30 p.m. "Wine Down Wednesdays" w/ Rich Genoval
COARadio.com Main Street Hightstown
(609) 241-7103
Please check web site for programming
Cream Ridge Winery145 Route 539 Cream Ridge
(609) 259-9797
Sun. 1 p.m. John & Maggs
Dadz Bar & Grill744 Main Street Lumberton
(609) 267-4344
Thurs. 10 p.m. "Pong Tournament"
Fri. 10 p.m. Gypsy Mother
Sat. 10 p.m. Karaoke w/ DJ Byrd
Sun. 4 p.m. Radio Fiction Duo
Wed. 9 p.m. Karaoke w/ Superstar Entertainment
Dempster's Pub437 Pine Street Mount Holly
(609) 261-0500
Thurs. 8:30 p.m. DJ DNIAL
Fri. 9 p.m. DJ Chris
Dog & Bull Brew House810 Bristol Pike (Rte. 13) Croydon, PA.
(215) 788-2855
Thurs. 8 p.m. Dane Rosenfeld
Fri. (4 p.m.) "Happy Hour" feat. David Dzubinski Group (9 p.m.) Greg McGarvey
Sat. (11 a.m.)"Saturday Brunch Jam" feat. David Dzubinski Group (9 p.m.) Gypsy Mother
Sun. (11 a.m.) "Sunday Brunch" feat. Dick Gratton (4 p.m.) Christine Warren
Mon. 8 p.m. The Keith Lesnik Trio
Wed. 8 p.m. Joe Robinson
Fran's Pub116 S. Main Street New Hope, PA.
(215)862-5539
Sat. 8 p.m. Kwasnik Brothers band
All shows age 21+
Freddies Tavern12 Railroad Avenue Ewing
(609) 882-0978
Sat. 8 p.m. Smoked Ice
Tues. 7 p.m. Open Mic. Hosted by Joe Vadala
Grover's Mill Coffee HousePrinceton-Hightstown Road Princeton Junction
(609) 716-8771
Thurs. 7 p.m. Open Mic. Hosted by Anker
Sat. 7 p.m. Cherry Blossom Studios & Grover's Mill Coffee Singer/Songwriter Night
Havana New Hope105 S. Main Street New Hope, PA.
(215) 862-9897
Sat. 8 p.m. "A Tribute to The Grateful Dead" feat. Dean & Company. Ages 21+, doors at 6 p.m., $15
Sun. 2 p.m. Midnight Sun Orchestra
Mon. 9 p.m. Karaoke
Wed. 8 p.m. "Local Original Music Series" Hosted by Pat Foran
Hopewell Valley Bistro & Inn15 East Broad Street Hopewell
(609) 466-9889
Fri. 8 p.m. Open Mic. Night
Hopewell Valley Vineyards46 Yard Avenue Pennington
(609) 737-4465
Thurs. 6 p.m. Girl Jam
Fri. 6 p.m. Christine Havrilla
Sat. 6 p.m. The Lifters
Sun. 2 p.m. "Jazzy Sundays" feat. Darla & Rich
Hurricane Jacks Bar and Grill7759 New Falls Road Levittown, PA
(267) 914-4517
Thurs. 9 p.m. Karaoke w/ Paul Kircher
Tues. 9 p.m. Karaoke w/ Paula & Sam
Iron Plow Vineyards26750 Mount Pleasant Road Columbus
(732) 306-9111
Thurs. 6 p.m. Open Mic. Night Hosted by John Bastiani
Fri. 6 p.m. Don The Medicine Man
Sat. 1 p.m. Ed Wilson
Sun. 2 p.m. Tom Fuller
Ivy Tavern 3108 S. Broad Street, Hamilton
(609) 888-1435
Fri. 9 p.m. Kindred Spirit
Sat. 9 p.m. Honey Spot Blvd
All shows 21+
John & Peter's 96 S. Main Street New Hope, Pa.
(215) 862-5981
Mon. 9 p.m. Open Mic.
Wed. 9:30 p.m. The Invitational
All shows 21+
Killarney's Publick House1644 Whitehorse-Mercerville Road Hamilton
(609) 586-1166
Thurs. 5 p.m. (TBA)
Laurita Winery85 Archertown Road New Egypt
(609) 752-0200
Sat. 1 p.m. Living The Dream
Sun. 1 p.m. Ben Weiner
Wed. 6:30 p.m. "Girls Night Out"
Mamma Rosa's 572 Klockner Road Hamilton
(609) 588-5454
Thurs. 6 p.m. Open Mic. Hosted by Richard Schneider
McStews Irish Sports Pub5316 New Falls Road Levittown, PA
(215) 949-9570
Thurs. 10:30 p.m."Beer Pong" w/ DJ RV & MC Slim
Fri. 10 p.m. "Frisky Fridays" feat. DJ Favs & MC Fredo. Ages 21+
Tues. 7 p.m. Quizzo hosted by Mike
Millhill Basement300 S. Broad Street Trenton
(609) 989-1600
Sat. 8 p.m. "F*** Cancer, Play Music" feat. Aayu, (TBA). $7
Tues. 10 p.m. "Local Artist" Hip Hop, Experimental EDM and Bass Music Showcase
New Hope Winery6123 Lower York Road New Hope, PA
(215) 794-2331
Fri. 8 p.m. Jeffrey Gaines. Doors at 7 p.m., $20
Sat. 8 p.m. "The American Rush Tribute" feat. Lotus Land. Doors at 7 p.m., $30
Nook's PourHouse2043 Route 130 South Florence
(609) 447-0927
Tues. 8 p.m. Trivia Tuesday w/ Quizoholics
Olde Liberty Tavern2114 Liberty Street Trenton
(609) 396-2262
Thurs./Fri./Sat. "5 Year Anniversary Celebration"
Sat. 8 p.m. DJ John Rossi
Palermo's Of Hamilton310 Klockner Road Hamilton
(609) 838-7979
Thurs. 9 p.m. Karaoke
All shows 21 +
PANJ RadioBridge Street Lambertville
(609) 460-4673
Sun. 7 p.m. "Rock On Radio" feat. Will Wood of Will Wood & The Tape Worms
Patriot's Crossing1339 River Rd. Titusville
(609) 737-2780
Fri. 8 p.m. (TBA)
Sat. 8 p.m. Kevin Toft & The Alternators
Pete's Steak House523 Whitehorse Avenue Hamilton
(609) 585-8008
Fri. 9:30 p.m. Dawg Whistle
Sat. 9:30 p.m. (TBA)
Plumsted Grill457 Route 539 Cream Ridge
(609) 758-5552
Sat. 9 p.m. John & Maggs
Randy Now's Man Cave134 Farnsworth Avenue Bordentown
(609) 424-3766
Sat. 8:15 p.m. The Sharkskins. Doors at 8 p.m., $10
RHO Waterfront50 Riverview Plaza Trenton
(609) 393-7300
Thurs. 10 p.m. "College Night" feat. DJ entertainment. Ages 21+, $5 (with college ID $15 (without college ID)
Salt Creek Grille1 Rockingham Row Princeton
(609) 419-4200
Fri. 8 p.m. Keith Franklin
Sat. 8 p.m. Brad Mandigo
Small World Coffee14 Witherspoon Street Princeton
Fri. 8 p.m. Ryan Sarno
Sat. 8:30 p.m. Diseases of the South
1867 Sanctuary 101 Scotch Road Ewing
(609) 392-6409
Sat. 8 p.m. The Jack Furlong Quartet. $20
Sun. 3 p.m. "Piano Miniatures by Contemporary Women" feat. Marvin Rosen. $20
Tara's Tavern 1 Cookstown-New Egypt Road, Wrightstown
(609) 286-2300
Fri. 10 p.m. Karaoke w/ Big Daddy G
Sat. 10 p.m. Psycho Misfits
Tavern On The Lake101 Main Street Hightstown
(609) 426-9345
Wed. 8 p.m. Karaoke Night
Temperance House 5 South State Street Newtown, PA
(215) 944-8050
Thurs. 7 p.m. Open Blues Session w/ Steve Guyger
Wed. 7 p.m. Live Jazz
The Cool Cricket216 Burlington Street Fieldsboro
(609) 291-9110
Fri. 9 p.m. Karaoke
Sat. 9 p.m. Einstein Bridge
The Dubliner34 North Main Street New Hope, PA
(215) 693-1816
Fri. 8 p.m. Gerry Timlin
Sat. 8 p.m.Trop Local-Chris Walinsky
The HOB Tavern146 Second Street Bordentown
(609) 291-7020
Fri. 9 p.m. DJ Entertainment
Sat. 9 p.m. Karaoke
Tues. 9 p.m. Open Mic. Night
Wed. 8 p.m. (TBA)
The Ivy Inn248 Nassau Street Princeton
(609) 921-8555
Thurs. 10 p.m. Karaoke w/ DJ Rockin' Ron
Fri. 10 p.m. DJ Fatha Ramzee
Sat. 10 p.m. Papa DLux and The Main Street Groove
Tues. 8 p.m. Quizzo w/ Bob E Luv
Wed. 10 p.m. "Wednesday Wheel Night Spin To Win Karaoke" w/ DJ Rockn Ron
The Pines Tavern6217 North Radcliffe Street Bristol, PA
(215) 788-1659
Sat. 9 p.m. Ghantt & Skaggs
Sun. 3 p.m. Open Mic. Hosted by Bill Monach Jr.
The Raven 385 West Bridge Street New Hope, PA
(215) 862-2081
Thurs. 5 p.m. Russell Eiffert.
Sat. (9 p.m.) Russell Eiffert (10 p.m.) DJ Dance Party
Tues. 8 p.m. Burlesque
Wed. 6 p.m. Dena Underwood
The Record Collector358 Farnsworth Avenue Bordentown
(609) 324-0880
Fri. 8 p.m. Eliot Lewis Band. All ages, doors at 7:30 p.m., $15 (advance)
Sat. 8 p.m. Rory Block / Phil McCauliffe. All ages, doors at 7:30 p.m., $25 (advance)
The Roost 181 Rte. 539 Cream Ridge
(609) 208-0050
Fri. 9 p.m. 80's Undercover
Sat. 9 p.m. License To Chill
The Sticky Wicket 2465 South Broad Street Hamilton
(609) 439-0007
Fri. 9 p.m. Spellbound
Sat. 9 p.m. The Drunk Monkeys / Comedian PJ Stansbury
Tues. 7 p.m. Karaoke
The Sun National Bank Center 81 Hamilton Ave. Trenton
(609) 656-3200
Check website for upcoming events
Third State Brewing352 High Street Burlington City
(609) 387-1620
Sat. 2 p.m. "2nd Anniversary Concert" feat. (4 p.m.) Shakey Lyman Trio (6 p.m.) Jon Pheasant
Tir Na Nog 1324 Hamilton Avenue Trenton
(609) 392-2554
Fri. 9 p.m. Billy McGovern
Sat. 9 p.m. Billy Walsh
Sun. 3 p.m. "Irish Sessions" w/ McDermott's Handy
Wed, 9 p.m. "First Wednesday" w/ The Williamsboy
All shows 21+
Trenton Buzz702 Pine Street Trenton
(609) 392-6000
Fri. 8 p.m. Live Band & Open Mic.
Trenton Social449 South Broad Street Trenton
(609) 989-7777
Thurs. 8 p.m. "Audio History of Funk and Soul" w/ Professor DJ Tangency
Mon. 9 p.m. Monday Night Karaoke w/ Benny P
Tues. 7 p.m. Open Mic. Night w/ Benny
Wed. 6 p.m. Dick Gratton
Triumph Brewing Company (New Hope, Pa. Location)
400 Union Square New Hope, Pa.
(215) 862-8300
Fri. 10 p.m. (TBA) $5 (cover charge)
Sat. 10 p.m. (TBA) $5 (cover charge)
Sun. 7 p.m. Open Stage Night (Sign ups at 6:30 p.m.)
All shows 21+
Triumph Brewing Company (Princeton, NJ Location)
138 Nassau Street Princeton
(609) 924-7855
Fri./Sat.10 p.m. (TBA)
All shows 21+
Wildflowers Inn2572 Pennington Road Pennington
(609) 773-2392
Sat. 9 p.m. Acoustic Rock
Mon. 9 p.m. "Moonshine Mondays" Trivia
Tues. 9 p.m. Ed Wilson
Ages 21+
Danny Coleman is a veteran musician and writer from central New Jersey. He hosts a weekly radio program entitled 'Rock On Radio' airing Sunday evenings at 7:00pm EST on ThePenguinRocks.com where he features indie/original bands and solo artists.
