If you’re a jam band, a headlining slot at Red Rocks Amphitheatre is a right of passage.
The newest member of this jam-elite is , a humble group of friends that climbed the ranks to headline the historic venue for the first time on Saturday.
Ominous thunderstorms bombarded the Front Range most of the day, causing opening sets from local jammers the Malah and the twangy production duo Dirtwire to be cut short. When the skies finally did clear up, it was Australian producer Opiuo that initially ignited the dance floor.
Opiuo’s sound is a syrupy stew of bass-heavy EDM that blends elements of funk and glitch. Though a few tracks made stood out (a remix of Stevie Wonder’s “Superstition” comes to mind) and guest Russ Liquid’s trumpet accents were smooth, much of the set had little variance from the 100 BPM, snare-heavy beat for which Opiuo is known.
The set of the night belonged to UK producer Ott, who brought with him his three-piece band called the All-Seeing I. The live band element—a drummer, guitarist, and bassist in addition to Ott himself on a myriad of synths—made for a dynamic take on his psychedelic, dub-heavy tracks. They used a reggae drop beat for much of the set while geometric visuals danced behind the band. Highlights included “Baby Robot” and a funky “Mr. Balloon Hands.”
After a lengthy set break with a slew of Disney classics playing over the house system, Papadosio finally took to the stage. The five-piece band, led by the vocals of frontman Anthony Thogmartin and complex backbeat of drummer Mike Healy, shied away from their hits in favor of exploration and new material from their latest release “Extras in a Movie.” The uplifting harmonies of the catchy “Epiphany” were well executed, but the band was at their best when they left the vocals behind and focused on group improvisations. These moments often dove into spacey electronic territory, with brothers Billy and Sam Brouse complementing each other well on the keys.
Those expecting a traditional show from Papadosio may have been disappointed, but most seemed eager to embrace a group that continues to take chances and redefine themselves.
