On Friday, Sept. 19, The End All stepped onto a makeshift backyard stage to perform their latest album “New Moon, Light Pollution.” Released in August 2025, the eight-track record weaves together elements of post-rock and jazz-fusion.
The college-aged crowd on Friday night stood in stark contrast to the audience at their previous show this past August, when the group performed at the Telluride Jazz Festival for the second year in a row.
“This year was just incredible,” said bassist Elan Jimenez. “We got to play the main stage and we played a late night set at The Alibi, that was just so much fun.”
Jimenez recalled the late-night Alibi show as his favorite part of the festival. Tucked away in a backroom he described as “a sort of refrigerator,” the band received VIP treatment in the form of blue Powerade and Yerba Mates.
“It was the most special treatment I’ve gotten as an artist so it was pretty cool and unique,” Jimenez said.
Within the DU band scene, it’s common to see new bands form as the old fizzle out. That hasn’t been the case for The End All, who first came together during the first week of their freshman year.
Originally placed in an ensemble at the Lamont School of Music, Jimenez had already befriended saxophonist Drew Tilbrooke, pianist Trevor Briggs and drummer Bryson Miller during his earliest days on campus. Later, guitarist Julian Horne joined the group, completing the ensemble.
“We were all worried we wouldn’t like each other, but it ended up working out pretty well,” said Jimenez.
“Pretty well” is surely an understatement as this fall all five members began their senior year at the University of Denver, and all five still remain committed to The End All.
Friday’s concert began with a set from 7th Sense, a Denver funk band. By the time they finished, the sun had set and the glow of string lights washed over the crowd gathering in front of the stage. Rose Cold Band followed with an indie-rock set before The End All took their place on stage.
While listening to The End All, Jimenez’s description of the relationship between him and his bandmates came to life. He referred to their relationship as “democratic,” meaning everyone gets a say and more importantly everyone is heard.
“We try to hear each other’s ideas and lift them up for what they are instead of putting our own spin on it,” said Jimenez. “That’s part of the fun of being a jazz musician, you’re listening deeply and communicating in real time with people musically.”
From start to finish, it was clear the band knew when to step back and let another shine. Tilbrooke’s saxophone often commanded the spotlight, while Horne’s guitar solos drew the crowd’s attention. No matter who took the lead, each member filled a distinct role — sometimes trading places — but always in sync.
Just as this democratic mentality showed through in their performance, it was also present in the making of the album — a process that took two and a half years.
All members of The End All take part in songwriting and engineering sessions. Some tasks are shared, but each member also carries individual responsibilities — Briggs handled mixing and mastering for the album, while Miller manages the band’s social media presence.
By the time The End All began their set, the audience had slowly taken a seat on the grassy lawn. At most concerts, a seated audience would be a bad sign, however the audience was simply falling into the laid-back atmosphere created by the band.
The End All’s music could fill a room, when challenged with filling the atmosphere surrounding an open garden they took the challenge in stride.
Their music has a way of reshaping its surroundings. With the sound of jazz circling the chilly fall air, the backyard took on the intimacy of a candlelit club. With a little imagination, even the flat keg beer in red solo cups could have been mistaken for red wine.
The last notes from their set hung in the air, quickly cut off by shouts for an encore by the audience
Tilbrook shared that the next song was their only “danceable song,” a sentiment that would soon be proven right as the opening notes of “Momentum” rang out. The crowd shed its timidness, rising to their feet and to Tilbrooke’s challenge.
The End All is already talking about producing a second record. The release of “New Moon, Light Pollution” marks a major step forward, and with this momentum, it’s clear the band has no plans of slowing down anytime soon.
