The Dirty Turkeys, an up-and-coming psychedelic rock band based out of Boulder, are set to release their debut album, “Cowboy Caravan,” on Feb. 21. The sound of this band is fresh, unique and maintains that originality while also paying homage to those they draw inspiration from.
Made up of Ty Tullar, who grew up in Aspen and is now playing drums for the band, brothers Brad and Justin Hansen, with Brad lending his vocal talents and Justin on the guitar, and Samuel Baker on the bass, the group has created their own sound which they have dubbed acid-cow punk — due to the mash-up of western, blues, funk and punk influences they have tied in with the psychedelic sound.
“The main thing that comes to mind that I feel separates us from other bands is our ability to not conform to one genre,” Tullar told The Sopris Sun, “and always to be pushing the boundaries.”
“When we were working with our producer on this upcoming album, he said to us, ‘I’ve never heard another artist that has been able to ebb and flow between genres so easily,’” recalled Tullar. “I think we have this ability to cover the whole genre spectrum.”
Listeners get the feel of being transported through different musical universes while listening to the band’s tracks, jam packed with high-energy compositions and lyrics that tell a story. One of the best examples of their sound is in the album title track, where a narrator encourages the listener to come along on the journey with the “Cowboy Caravan.” He welcomes them along on the journey with a charisma similar to the Mad Hatter and gives a rundown on the crazy ride to come.
“I definitely look at our songs as like a whole universe in themselves, especially ‘Cowboy Caravan.’ I think our best songs are the ones that really create a big universe,” said Baker.
Justin piggybacked on his bandmate’s sentiment. “A couple of those songs are a world [unto] themselves. It’s like three minutes, but it allows for so much imagination,” he said.
Though they do not have the dates set, the band is looking to start touring the country once they have returned from their individual travels — tentatively hoping to kick off a summer tour in May. Having played at Belly Up Aspen, the band does see themselves returning to the Roaring Fork Valley for an upcoming tour.
Tullar said that the band wants to keep playing the shows their fans have come to know and love, but they have goals for other venues and festivals. Red Rocks Stadium is on his list of dream venues. Hanson and Baker mentioned the Burning Man festival and more outdoor nature settings.
“The day we play Red Rocks is the day that I’m gonna be like, ‘Holy shit, we’re doing this.’” Tullar stated. “Playing Lollapalooza is another goal of mine, festival-wise. [Another] is to play a gig in South America and Australia, and hit as many continents and countries as possible. This last summer tour was terrific. We’re definitely a live show kind of band, and we’re excited to keep playing for all our friends, fans and family.”
Stay tuned for more updates from The Dirty Turkeys, visit www.thedirtyturkeys.com or follow them on Instagram @thedirtyturkeys