Slow Pulp: 11/9

For their first time performing in Denver, opening-act Mamalarky cultivated an air of positivity as they opened for Slow Pulp at Globe Hall on Nov. 9. The band delivered dream-like music that had the audience swaying and flowing to the intriguing melodies. 

Mamalarky is a four-piece band that began in Austin, Texas, that is now making its way in the music scene. Livvy Bennett’s vocals and guitar in conjunction with the rhythmic synergy between drummer Dylan Hill, bassist Noor Khan and Michale Hunter on keyboard, produced a grooving energy in the venue. 

“The fact that we’re reuniting and playing these songs together finally, is the thing that I look forward to every day. And beyond that, reconnecting with people and hearing about what people’s experiences are like with the album,” Bennett said of her favorite aspects of touring.

After Mamalarky got the show started, Slow Pulp entered with gratitude and excitement as abundant as that of the fans. The band harnessed a balance of intensity and gentleness that allowed the audience to dance, sway, jump and move in any other way that they were inspired by the music. 

Although a short set, the crowd was not ready for the show to end when the band played their last song. For an encore, they returned with a cover of “In Too Deep” by Sum 41 that stirred up nostalgia among many audience members and simply cheered enjoyment for even those that were unfamiliar with the original song. 

Julien Baker: 11/13

Opening for Julien Baker, Dehd delivered an energy-packed performance with ease. The trio from Chicago was undeniably authentic as they had fun while entertaining on stage. Playing a blend of bright and upbeat songs as well as slow tunes that were more cathartic, Dehd did not miss a beat while the audience grooved with them. 

The depth and quirky vibrato of Emily Kempf’s vocals were just as beguiling live as they are recorded. Guitarist Jason Balla danced around in a funky style as he shredded on his lime green electric guitar, adding to the excitement and quirkiness of the set. Drummer Eric McGraddy seemed to keep to himself while playing on a standing drum kit, adding a calm heir to the energy of the group.

Dehd wrapped up, the audience satisfied and ready for the next performance. After rearranging the stage and soundcheck, the lights dimmed and Julien Baker entered. With a flash of surprise, the lights came on again, and Baker kicked things off with a full band performance of her song, “Hardline.”

Never before have I seen an audience so captivated by an artist on stage, packed together in the small space of the Gothic Theatre, all eyes were on Baker. The silence between songs was powerful in the way that they spoke for how enthralled the audience was with the young talent. 

Midway through the set, the band exited the stage and Julien was alone with her keyboard. The emotion exchanged between Baker and the audience could be felt in the room as Baker expressed raw vulnerability in the ballads that she played alone on stage. 

The band re-entered for a few more songs and an encore that Baker jokingly informed the band about before exiting the stage for the first time. Band or no band, Baker was truly the star of the show with her resonant vocals that bled emotive energy and lyrical depth that clearly had the audience entranced.