“Punk rock for sissies” is back, as Ben Folds Five, or BFF, mark their return to the big leagues after a thirteen year long hiatus. On Jan. 23 the band will headline the Odgen Theatre in Denver, supporting their new album, “The Sound Of The Life Of The Mind,” their first record in 13 years. Doors open at 7 p.m., and the show starts at 8 p.m for ages 16 & and over. Tickets are priced around $45 plus a little extra if purchased online.
The trio, despite the name, consists of pianist and singer/song writer Ben Folds, bassist Robert Sledge, and drummer Darren Jessee. Hailing from North Carolina, the band has been writing music since 1994 and became a house-hold name in the late 90’s with hits like “Brick” and “Army” earning radio play across North America.
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However, BFF’s true sensationalism stems from their hyperactive and infectious live performance. The bands rhythmic pouncing of lyrical sarcasm and piano shredding has created a severely loyal following, aiding to their new album produced through PledgeMusic, a website dedicated to allowing fans the opportunity to fund the music they want.
Although BFF disbanded back in 2000, the trio has kept ties, reuniting for a one time live performance of their 1999 record, “The Unauthorized Biography Of Reinhold Messner,” on Myspace back in 2008. In 2011 BFF linked up in the studio to record three tracks for Ben Folds anthology album, “The Best Imitation Of Myself: A Retrospective.”
2012 marked the official return of Ben Folds Five, reuniting for their first concert performance at Mountain Jam Festival last June. In Jan. 2012 they went to work on their new album, funded through PledgeMusic, ultimately receiving over 7,000 pledges accumulating to over 300 percent of their initial goal to create a new record. The finished product, “The Sound Of The Life Of The Mind”, was released on Sept. 12.
Bend Folds Five has been touring consistently since their reunion in June. Their show at the Odgen Theatre should fulfill the needs and urges of a nostalgic ’90s fan looking for a matured trio. One thing is for certain, if you can make it out to Denver, Ben Folds Five promises to be a rollicking good time.
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Kyle Ward at Kyle.ward-1@colorado.edu.
