CONCERT REVIEWS
The world is healing. Check out my reviews of post-COVID concerts.
REVIEW – THUNDERCAT GOT F*CKING WEIRD AT MISSION BALLROOM
There’s always been a certain quirkiness to Thundercat’s celebrity personality and online presence. His off-kilter sense of humor and wild anime antics seem authentic enough and usually translate naturally into his recorded music. There’s nothing traditional about the LA native, who is also one of the most renowned bass players of this generation. These characteristics were on full display last night at the Mission Ballroom, where Thundercat dove into his own strange, manic world of jazz-inspired improv and unexpected caverns of psychedelia. Thundercat’s live performance isn’t for everyone. It’s certainly not pop music, that’s for sure. However, there’s no show quite like Thundercat. Not even close.
REVIEW – THE VELVETEERS IS THE BEST ROCK SHOW YOU’LL SEE ALL YEAR, GUARANTEED
It’s rare to come across an act that fully embraces the chaos of rock culture in all aspects of their sound and performance. While much of modern rock relies on 12-string gimmicks, ear-shattering screams and outlandish outfits to capture a crowd, The Velveteers take a different approach — they let the music speak for itself. With music this captivating, and a keen eye for the building blocks of a great performance, this Denver-based rock band is the best show you’ll see all year, guaranteed.
REVIEW – JOHN MAYER BROUGHT LOVE, HEARTBREAK AND ROCK ‘N’ ROLL TO BALL ARENA
There are very few artists with a catalog as deep as John Mayer — who stopped by the Ball Arena last night for his “Sob Rock” Tour. With a musical career spanning more than 20 years, there was no shortage of classic pop bangers, new disco-rock-inspired tunes and absolutely killer guitar solos. The attention was on the music all night long, dodging the gimmicks of big production in favor of simple purple and blue lights shining on the John Mayer trio and their band, whose chemistry manifested in a lovely performance that churned like a well-oiled machine.
REVIEW – DEAD ROCKS WAS AN EXPLOSIVE CELEBRATION OF DENVER’S BASS COMMUNITY
Zeds Dead knows how to throw a party, there’s no doubt about that. Every year DC and Hooks, the DJ duo known as one of the most iconic bass producers in the history of the genre, Zeds Dead, bring their eclectic range of electronic tunes to Red Rocks in celebration of our country’s independence day. Recently, they’ve also expanded the Dead Rocks experience to include a 4th of July Jamboree at Civic Center Park and a Dead Rocks Hangover show at Mission Ballroom. If you managed to keep the party going through all five of Zeds Dead’s unique sets, congratulations. You witnessed some of the best music the bass community has to offer.
REVIEW – G JONES CAUSED A GLITCH IN THE MATRIX AT MISSION BALLROOM
For fans of the weirder, glitchier side of the EDM spectrum, G Jones has always been somewhat of a cult favorite. His signature black and white visuals, impeccable DJ abilities and raw sound design have made him an icon in the electronic music world, and one of the most anticipated acts on any given lineup. But, as a headliner for his own show at Mission Ballroom, with support from gothic, bass-driven DJ duo Shades and the unpredictably versatile Mr. Carmack, last Saturday night felt like a glitch in the simulation, a matrix exploding with deep bass and spooky vibes.
REVIEW – N3PTUNE BLOSSOMS DURING AN AWE-INSPIRING PERFORMANCE AT GLOBE HALL
A great show is more than a concert — it’s an experience, a carefully orchestrated performance curated for creative freedom and artistic expression. A great show is something you can feel, a moment captured in the twilight of originality. That’s something N3ptune, Denver’s most electrifying musical act, knows very well — how to curate a special moment. N3ptune’s performance at Globe Hall on Friday night showcased all the elements of a superstar in the making. Everything, from his grand entrance — a slow crawl through a parting sea of eager fans — to the sheer versatility of his catalog represented the next chapter of N3ptune’s career. The Renaissance has officially begun.
REVIEW – CAUTIOUS CLAY BROUGHT A BAG FULL OF INSTRUMENTS AND FUN TO THE BLUEBIRD THEATER
Cautious Clay blessed the Bluebird Theater with a sold-out two-night run filled with jazzy saxophone solos and a mixed bag of musical genres ranging from early 2000s emo-punk to soulful indie-pop R&B. An undeniably talented musician, Cautious Clay and his touring band embraced the live setting, giving themselves plenty of room for guitar solos, woodwind instruments and impressive stage design that worked together to deliver a surprisingly fun experience.
REVIEW – MT. JOY CHANNELED CLASSIC ROCK'S GOLDEN ERA AT MISSION BALLROOM
It’s rare that an alternative indie-rock band strays away from the formula that makes their radio hits so successful. Even during live performances, many indie bands stay true to their recordings, taking few risks and remaining complacent in their original material. Of course, not all indie-rock bands fit into this category. The genre is far-reaching and wonderfully diverse, as Mt. Joy proved with their show at Mission Ballroom last night. Their recorded material may not be very psychedelic, but their performance certainly was.
REVIEW – COVEX SUPPLIED PURE, UNADULTERATED FUN AT BLUEBIRD
Last Friday night, rising electronic producer Covex took over the Bluebird Theater with support from Who’s Calling and Shae District. For a bill that was entirely made up of Denver-based musicians, Covex drew an impressive audience, all of which thoroughly enjoyed each performance. The vibes were immaculate as free-flowing ambiance dominated the night, accompanied by a simple-yet-effective set design and passionate performances all around. Although melody-driven electronic music took center stage alongside live instruments and guest vocalists, there was a healthy mix of contemporary EDM and drum and bass music thrown in for good measure.
REVIEW – DAYGLOW BROUGHT COLORFUL AND YOUTHFUL INNOCENCE TO SUMMIT MUSIC HALL
Last night, indie-pop band Dayglow embraced fun-loving innocence and quirky suburban sound at the Summit Music Hall. The stripped-back show, which included all the essentials of a great performance, nothing more and nothing less, allowed the band to stick to the formulas that make their songs so enjoyable. There wasn’t much experimentation here, outside of some wonderfully placed guitar solos, and that’s okay., their simple but effective song structure, combined with a great stage presence and youthful energy, created an undeniably enjoyable and pleasantly accessible concert experience.
REVIEW – KHRUANGBIN’S PSYCHEDELIC SYNERGY CREATED A TIMELESS PERFORMANCE AT RED ROCKS
Last night, Khruangbin shattered all expectations of what a three-piece band can accomplish at a live show. Unlike the majority of their contemporaries, Khruangbin doesn’t have too many catchy melodies to sing along with outside of “Time” and “Pelota,” but that didn’t stop the crowd from grooving along to the rhythm and Mark Speer’s incredible guitar performance. The musical trio accomplished a rare synergy, making room for each musician to shine in their own way. Their style lends itself to improvisation, and last night’s Red Rocks performance was a testament to their chemistry and raw musical talent.
REVIEW – REX ORANGE COUNTY COLORED RED ROCKS WITH PLAYFUL INNOCENCE
After a rare week of cold, rainy May weather, the front range returned to sunshine and blue skies Wednesday night, a perfect welcoming gift for indie-pop sensation Rex Orange County. His bright, sunny vibes paired perfectly with the stary sky and chilly spring night at Red Rocks Amphitheatre, topped off by great energy and a performance that read like a coloring book of teenage heartbreak and playful innocence.
REVIEW – TASH SULTANA LEVITATED WITH 9,000 PEOPLE AT RED ROCKS
Watching a single person run around on stage, migrating from the drums to the keys to the guitar, even dabbling with wooden flutes, saxophones and trumpets never gets old. Very few artists in the world can showcase their musical talent with the flair and raw ability that Tash Sultana displays during their live performances. They’re someone who gets lost in the music. They play with so much feeling that it’s easier to believe they’re more of a vessel, a host for some ancient musical God using Sultana’s technical talents to display their glory. Watching the Australian producer and songwriter sing their heart out, remix whole musical sections into their own entity and shred on both a 12-string acoustic guitar and their own signature Fender was a spiritual experience that cannot be replicated.
REVIEW – 070 SHAKE LET THE MUSIC SPEAK FOR ITSELF AT THE OGDEN THEATRE
Sometimes, less is more. Six-piece bands, fireworks and lasers are great, but the whole shebang isn’t always necessary to create an entertaining act. The best production is doing as much as possible with whatever you’ve got. For 070 Shake’s performance at the Ogden Theatre Saturday night, all she needed was a handful of strobe lights and explosive on-stage charisma. All night long, she controlled the crowd as she weaved through her catalog of electronic hip-hop bangers and halftime experimental R&B. She had the entire stage to herself which made for a surprisingly intimate experience, saturated with autotune and fantastic sound design.
REVIEW – HIGH GROUND FESTIVAL MADE A QUIET, BUT MOSTLY IMPRESSIVE DEBUT
Before the pandemic, Denver’s national music scene had been on the rise for the better part of the decade thanks mostly to a progressive culture, world-famous venues like Red Rocks, and a fascinating electronic scene. What’s more impressive though, is how Denver has bounced back from a year deprived of live music. From the Underground Music Showcase (UMS) and the Westword Music Showcase to Rock De Mayo and Down in Denver, the city has seen its fair share of impressive summer lineups. Most recently, the Levitt Pavilion hosted the first annual High Ground Festival, which brought the ambient, laid-back side of electronic music to the Mile High City. Local, national and even international acts came together to celebrate the beginning of Fall, embrace artistic expression and – you guessed it – getting high. The festival’s first year was filled with highs and lows, with plenty of room for growth and plenty of things to be proud of.
REVIEW – TAME IMPALA CREATED VISUAL ECSTASY AT BALL ARENA
Monday night, Tame Impala took over Ball Arena for the “Phase I Rushium® Trials” North American Tour, complete with absolutely insane lasers and lights, and a shit-ton of colorful confetti. The show, which was rescheduled from July 2020, was definitely worth the wait. At this point, it’s been a while since the release of their most recent project Slow Rush, and this distance allowed the band to explore some of the older material from their incredible discography. More importantly, the dynamic light show proved to be incredibly enticing and elevated each song in strategic and meticulously ways throughout the entire two-hour performance. Despite a rocky opening act and occasional sound issues, the Tame Impala experience was practically unmatched during its highest peaks.
REVIEW – TOM MISCH RELISHED IN DISCO AESTHETICS AT THE FILLMORE
Last night, Tom Misch performed under the Fillmore chandeliers, lit up with purple, orange and blue lights reflected off the giant disco ball hanging over their heads. The classy, eclectic vibe of The Fillmore was the perfect match for Tom Misch’s jazzy, disco spirit. Playing songs across the entirety of his catalog, new and old fans alike soaked in the playful aesthetic and delightful music all night long, dancing the night away with plenty of smiles lighting up the room.
REVIEW – RL GRIME CELEBRATED THE SPOOKY SIDE OF BASS MUSIC AT MISSION BALLROOM
It’s officially October, and what better way to kick off the Autumn season than with Holloween’s favorite DJ – RL Grime. Spooky, loud and rooted in the sonic world of hip-hop, the exuberant and rebellious producer shook the walls of Mission Ballroom last night. His iconic mixing abilities, obvious rap influence and death-defying bass drops curated an experience that embraced the ominous joy of Halloween and bass music. Without a single dull moment in his entire two-hour set, the energy remained high all night long, and expectations were blown out of the water.
REVIEW – REZZ EMBRACED DEEP BASS AND GRAND PRODUCTION AT RED ROCKS
Friday night, REZZ took over the Red Rocks Amphitheatre in true EDM fashion – complete with an incredible light show, hypnotic visuals and a fantastic lineup. Supported by Champaign Drip, Rusko, MeSo and Mija, her third headlining show at the iconic venue provided great energy and a deep psychedelic atmosphere layered in dark bass music.
REVIEW – RÜFÜS DU SOL PROVIDED THE QUINTESSENTIAL RED ROCKS EXPERIENCE
On Wednesday night, the Australian electronic trio RÜFÜS DU SOL graced the iconic Red Rocks stage for the first time in over a year. The show, which was rescheduled last August, featured two great opening acts, an incredible light show and the typical angelic atmosphere that accompanies every RÜFÜS DU SOL performance. Red Rocks has long been a pinnacle of the live electronic experience, and last night was no different. It’s been a long year waiting for this moment, and fans were definitely not disappointed.
REVIEW – GLOBAL DANCE FESTIVAL UPPED THE ANTE FOR EDM
This past weekend, Global Dance Festival took over Empower Field for the annual celebration of electronic music and the eclectic spirit that encompasses all things EDM. From the impressive stage designs to the unique, psychedelic atmosphere complete with a Ferris wheel, bounce house and other classic carnival rides, the festival proved to provide more than just an impressive lineup.
REVIEW – “DEAD ROCKS” PROPELLED ZEDS DEAD TO A WHOLE NEW LEVEL
This past weekend, eccentric DJ and dance-music icon Zeds Dead held their annual “Dead Rocks” event at Red Rocks Amphitheatre. The Canadian electronic duo has transformed the massive venue into a world entirely on its own, complete with a transcendent light show and the infamous “Deadbeats” – a word used to describe the dedicated tribe of Zeds Dead fanatics – every July (with the exception of 2020) since 2014. Each year the bass-heavy, strange and rhythmically diverse superstars find a way to outdo themselves.
REVIEW – LOTUS CAME CORRECT FOR THE RETURN OF RED ROCKS
Rolling up to the Red Rocks Amphitheatre for the first time in over a year, fully vaccinated and ready to fill the deep void resulting from the immense lack of live music since March 2020, it was obvious my enthusiasm wasn’t unique. Instead, this energy was a shared sentiment amongst the Red Rocks staff and concert-goers. As fans anticipated Red Rocks’ first show this year, performed by the electronic-jam band Lotus, the air seemed lighter than usual.
PREVIEW – ROCK DE MAYO, COLORADO’S FIRST IN-PERSON MUSIC FESTIVAL SINCE COVID TO BE HELD THIS WEEKEND
This year’s annual Rock de Mayo festival, slated to be held at the Levitt Pavilion this Saturday, will represent so much more than good music and Latin culture. This event, also featuring food trucks and other activities, will actually be the first music festival in Colorado since the COVID-19 pandemic shut down our country last March. Rock de Mayo represents a long-awaited return of live music, and a light at the end of the tunnel as far as COVID-19 restrictions go. The resilience of the music community throughout this past year aligns beautifully with the resilience so deeply embedded in Latin culture, so it makes sense that the first Colorado music festival in over a year is shining a light on their culture.
REVIEW – MEOW WOLF’S FIRST LIVE SHOW, LA POSADA, CELEBRATED DENVER’S LATIN COMMUNITY
Denver’s Latin music scene doesn’t get enough credit. The Mile High City boasts tons of impressive Latin artists of all different genres and styles, from Neoma’s bedroom-pop aesthetic to iZCALLi’s hard rock/indie fusion, there are plenty of great bands to choose from. Thankfully, there are people who remain dedicated to bringing this underappreciated musical culture to the forefront of Denver’s music scene, which is exactly what Saturday night’s La Posada show at Meow Wolf represented. The first live show at Denver’s newest psychedelic art exhibit, Meow Wolf, brought some of the industry’s best local talent to the stage to celebrate a traditional Mexican Christmas holiday. Each Performer — Kayla Marque, The Mañanas, Los Mocochetes and iZCALLi — brought great energy and even better music to Denver’s most exciting new venue.