Discovering new bands in Denver’s burgeoning local scene is easy.

Finding a band with talent and grace to rival that of the Laylights, however, takes a little more digging.

Formed in 2004, the Laylights consist of Tyler Hayden (vocals/guitar), Martin Baker (drums), Chris Martucci (bass) and Ian McCumber (guitar).

As the self-professed “dark horse of the Denver scene,” the Laylights have toured regionally and established an immense fan base in other musical havens like Omaha, Neb. and Lawrence, Kan.

Their self-titled debut EP (2006) has been selling like hot cakes via the Internet to listeners in distant lands with a shockingly large number being sold in the U.K.

The Laylights’ popularity is well deserved.

Unlike many other Denver acts, the Laylights have refrained from joining one of the many local collectives.

While they fully support such groups, they want to be completely involved in their music in all aspects of writing, recording, production and booking.

According to Hayden, the band found it in their best interest to make a name entirely for themselves as “good music comes from staying grounded and real; otherwise, it is just a product.”

At Saturday night’s show at the Gothic Theater, the Laylights proved themselves to be anything but a mere product. In the typically awkward position of opening for big name bands (in this case Oh me! Oh my! and Mew) the Laylights delivered an outstanding performance.

Their hypnotically crisp guitars, rock-solid basslines, and meticulously well-crafted drums made for an incredible sound.

The addition of Hayden’s seemingly ethereal yet commanding vocals made for utter audio bliss.

Few bands are talented enough to create such a diverse range and style of music without losing their signature sound. However, Saturday’s set flowed effortlessly from gripping balladry to elaborate dance numbers without missing a beat.

Not only did they sound good, but they were fun to watch. Their erratic movements led one to believe that all the band members were in some sort of group dance trance.

Arms, legs, hair and instruments flew about in a fabulous display of showmanship. Unfortunately, they were upstaged mid-set by a few drunken Mew fans with an apparent affinity for conga lines.

Overall, the Laylights put on a thoroughly stimulating show.

They impressed the audience with their unparalleled talent. Hayden confessed, “whatever we do, we want everything to be justified.”

Judging by Saturday’s performance, the Laylights success now and in the future will assuredly be precisely that.

The band is definitely worth seeing live.