Chain Reaction Records

Chain Reaction is a specific reason to head west along Colfax: the selection centers on punk, hardcore and metal. Brothers Josh and Justin Lent brought their own history in the local scene to the shop, including the band Clusterfux, and the business also operates a label. That gives its genre focus more substance than a few familiar titles filed under punk. Records share the shop with CDs, tapes and related reading, making it useful for people following releases across formats. The Lakewood location is separate from Denver's eastern Colfax record circuit. Put it on the itinerary because of the music, then give the specialty bins the attention that a general new-release stop would not require.

New and used vinyl, CDs and cassettes with punk, hardcore and metal as the clearest strengths, plus DVDs and books. Local and small-label connections are part of the shop's identity.

8799 West Colfax Avenue, Lakewood. Some older listings use 8795; the current shop address is 8799. This is west of Denver's central Colfax venues and record shops.

Use this as the specialist stop in a wider Denver itinerary, especially for punk and heavier music. Check the current shop contact before a long trip, since the website can be unreliable.