Sean Cronin, UCD Advocate They are anti-Mr. Establishmentarianism. They are what Westword recently called post-punk freshmen beautifully fighting the ill-effects of artistic prefabrication and urban isolation who play with "an intelligence and precision that borders on diabolic." But most of the time they just are. And that, sometimes, isn't as easy as it may sound. "I was watching something on TV with someone I know the other day where the Rolling Stones were playing live. Mick Jagger was jumping around and basically being a jackass, and it sort of made me sick," says guitarist, singer, and UCD student Shane. "This guy turned to me and asked in defense of Mick, 'You're in a band right? Well, what's your shtick, your gimmick, what sets you apart?' I told him we don't really have a shtick, mainly we just like to rock." And really, who doesn't? Oftentimes restraining themselves from savagely howling the disenchanted cries of a generation lost in labels, slick packaging, niche marketing, and the hopeless lack of substance in popular music culture, The Fifth Utility rocks thoughtfully and with purpose. The prevailing ethos and artistic drive of these three — four when Jeff from The Czars or Trey Deuce from Noble Gases steps in to keep time — are a playful loathing of all things without soul. "We look to people like Ani DiFranco who have been able to hold on to an undying artistic integrity and be not only widely appreciated for the product but the effort," says Fifth Utility manager, brother, friend, advisor, and mustached madman Nick. The Fifth Utility's debut album Misanthropolis was self-released last year to local critical acclaim under the name Anti-Mr.-establishmentarianism, a label built on the belief that "the corporate-conglomerate-chain mindset can be thwarted and overturned, and that all society would be the better for it." This belief — that the "hypermegamonoglobocorp" model of popular music serves only to mass produce and force feed the public saccharine swill and choke the life out of acts with real talent through market research efforts to please the widest possible range of automatons — has fostered a basic ethic for the sometimes quartet. The Fifth Utility refuses to ever sign away to a record label even the slightest creative control. A message to would-be producers on the band's Web site reads, "Any record company interested in signing The Fifth Utility would do well to understand the following: Any contract that we would consider must read, in part, 'The Fifth Utility retains final creative control. The label functions as an investor. Either party may void the contract at any time.'" The group's dedication to this manifesto is matched only by their work ethic and love for their craft. Seemingly effortless, exacting execution every time they play has earned them a spot among Denver's most notables, slowly attracting rapt attention from the local music scene. "It used to be that only people we know came to our shows," jokes guitarist and singer Pete. "Now it seems that only people we know are showing up for our shows." Although their attention over the last year has been well deserved, there is a tension in their efforts that only slightly diminishes the draw. Seemingly, their feverish commitment to even the slightest details of their sound and lyrics, their self-restraint, and their dedication to their ideals create a nervous energy that's ready to explode at any minute, searing the ears and minds of music fans everywhere. With every show, The Fifth Utility gets closer and closer to a breakthrough that promises to blow minds. Simply put, with razor sharp, accurate sound and ridiculously honest and beautiful lyrics, The Fifth Utility is one adrenaline shot away from becoming the best band to come out of Denver in recent memory. The Fifth Utility with Cursive and Planes Mistaken for Stars will perform 9 p.m., Friday, June 7, at the Bluebird Theater, 3317 E. Colfax Ave., $10, (303) 322-2308. |