continued to play well and brought a stunning production experience to as they closed out a two-night run on Saturday night. The band was joined by an eclectic mix of producers: , and .
The drowsy, lo-fi electronica of teenage producer XXYYXX opened the night, followed by a thoroughly enjoyable live set by Tycho. Producer Scott Hansen played synthesizers and controlled projected visuals while being accompanied by a minimalist drummer and guitarist on stage. Unlike the hype opening set by rapper Nas on Friday night, the three-piece instrumental band set a soothing mood for the evening — diving between ambient downtempo, indie post-rock and subtle break beats.
STS9 continued to show why they are one of the most well orchestrated acts on tour. The band isn’t about egocentric solos or virtuosic musicianship, it is about hitting the collective note and creating anticipated waves of emotion within each song. Highlights of the night included a funk-fueled “Dance,” a rare “4 Year Puma” and a climatic second encore of “Music, Us.”
Drummer Zach Velmer and percussionist Jeffree Lerner were a tight rhythmic backbone the entire show, especially during a layered percussive intro to “Rent.” The two complement each other well—Velmer’s aggressive dance beats and drum-n-bass influence with Lerner’s organic accents on congas, vibraphone and chimes.
UK producer Golden Panda played a chopped, glitchy mix in between sets from the soundboard. The experimental set kept most in attendance off their feet for a much-needed break from dancing.
With a lighting director as talented as Saxton Waller and 15 years of chemistry between band members, STS9 almost ensures a party that will excite your eyes and move your body. The 2013 Red Rocks run was no exception.
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Nate Etter is a Boulder-based musician and a regular contributor to Reverb. You can reach him at Nate@EcoVessel.com.
Dylan Langille is a Fort Collins-based photographer and a regular contributor to Reverb. See more of his
