After their initial tour plans were derailed by the pandemic in 2020, The Backseat Lovers have returned to the stage with their sophomore album, “Waiting to Spill.” The anticipation was visible as fans eagerly awaited the band’s live performance, and their concert at Mission Ballroom proved to be an unforgettable and enchanting experience.

Before The Backseat Lovers took to the stage, the crowd was treated to an opening set by the talented folk-indie band, Free Range. Performing songs from their debut album, “Practice,” Sophia Jensen (lead vocalist/guitarist) showcased her captivating vocals and songwriting skills, along with her bandmates, Jack Henry (drums) and Bailey Minzenberger (bass). Accompanied by harmonies that were nothing short of impeccable, Free Range’s stage presence left the audience with a chill coffee shop vibe that would carry into the next set. 

With the atmosphere charged by Free Range’s performance, the anticipation in the venue continued to build. The release of “Waiting to Spill” earned the Backseat Lovers a spot on the Billboard Charts, fueling the already electric excitement among fans, particularly as this show marked their first venture outside their hometown of Utah.

When the lights dimmed and a red haze enveloped the stage, the cheers of the crowd signaled the arrival of Joshua Harmon (lead vocals/guitar), Jonas Swanson (lead guitars/vocals), KJ Ward (bass guitar) and Juice Welch (drums/background vocals). As the band members took their places, it was immediately evident that the show would live up to the enchanting sound of their album. The opening chords of their interlude, titled “Intro Jam,” transported the audience into a supernatural realm, amplifying the energy in the venue to new heights.

The lighting design seamlessly blended with the songs, creating an immersive atmosphere that was impossible to resist. At times, the music enveloped me so completely that I found myself closing my eyes, succumbing to the ethereal experience. When I opened my eyes, I was met with a striking image of a full moon projected onto the stage. The vocals were consistently in sync with the instrumentals, and Welch on drums got more impressive with every song. 

Among the many highlights of the night, “Pool House,” one of their popular hits, left the audience in awe. The crowd eagerly joined in during the chorus, their voices filling the air while the pulsating lights illuminated the excitement. “Growing/Dying” brought forth an even greater surge of emotion from the audience. The haunting lyrics, particularly the line “Why does the wall insist I have my back against it,” resonated deeply, with the girl’s voice behind me conveying an undeniable sense of anguish. Who hurt her? 

As the Backseat Lovers progressed through their setlist, each song seemed to further ignite the crowd’s passion. Amongst more popular songs such as ‘Kilby Girl,’ the audience was treated to a display of vocal amazement as Swanson and Harmon’s voice encompassed every single emotion within the lyrics of “Still a Friend.” Overall, the stage presence throughout the show was immaculate and had everyone dancing, wanting more. 

The show only went on for about an hour and fifteen minutes, which left the audience begging for an encore. It consisted of the songs ‘Words I Used,’ ‘Sinking Ship’ and a new acoustic song with no known title yet. The crowd would have kept dancing if Back Seat lovers stayed on for just a little longer, but the time they did spend on stage was well spent. 

While my original intention was to focus solely on the concert experience, it would be remiss not to acknowledge a moment that underscored the exceptional care and sense of community surrounding the Backseat Lovers and their fan base. As the band performed their poignant song “Heavy,” a moment of concern unfolded within the audience. Flashlights flickered, urgently seeking the band’s attention. 

Harmon promptly halted the performance, signaling the rest of the band to follow suit. “Security, I think someone needs help over there,” he called out, his voice carrying a mix of urgency and genuine concern. Within seconds, the crowd assured everyone that the situation was under control, signaling the band to resume playing. However, before launching back into the music, Harmon took a moment to emphasize the importance of mutual support and unity, highlighting the band’s commitment to fostering a caring environment for their fans.

It was during this unforeseen incident, as a dear friend of mine passed out during the performance of “Kilby Girl,” that the true measure of the medical and security teams behind the scenes became evident. Acting swiftly and with unwavering kindness, they attended to her promptly, offering free bottles of water and efficiently assessing her vital signs. I was thoroughly impressed with the Backseat Lovers, but maybe even more impressed with the backstage help. 

The Backseat Lovers’ appearance at Mission Ballroom delivered not only an electrifying performance but also demonstrated the band’s commitment to their community of fans. From the extraordinary musicianship that graced the stage to the genuine care exhibited by the medical and security teams, it was clear that The Backseat Lovers are more than just a band with a captivating name—they embody a spirit of unity, compassion and support that resonates beyond the music. They’ve undoubtedly cemented their place as a remarkable musical force to be cherished in Denver venues and beyond.