Poliça records are perfect for long drives at dusk, so it was fitting to see them take the UMS Main Stage as the sun was setting on the final day of the festival.
The down-tempo four-piece from Minneapolis was a pleasant reprieve after four days of beer-soaked rock and roll. Compared to last night’s rowdy main stage headliner, Thee Oh Sees, Poliça was like a relaxing weekend under an umbrella at the beach. I needed it, and by the looks of the smiling and swaying crowd, they did too.
Singer Channy Leaneagh sounded more wonderful than ever, missing the vocoder effects that marked much of the band’s earlier work. Her melodies were allowed to soar unperturbed into the Denver night, and the audience collectively swooned back.
About forty minutes into it the sudden eruption of the Goodwill parking lot sprinkler system sent the left third of the crowd scattering. A brave and resourceful gentleman soon began gathering empty beer cups in the parking lot to cover the sprinkler heads, but not before soaking a good amount of the audience (including yours truly).
The incident did not go unnoticed by the band on stage. “Getting a little wet and wild out there, huh?” remarked bass player Chris Bierden with a smirk.
Indeed.
But it wasn’t going to stop anyone from enjoying your wonderful set.
