On a sublime spring evening in Denver, The Deslondes invited friends to pack out Broadway’s Hi-Dive. Kate Hannington, Billy and the Dreamboats and Forest Ray shared the stage with the New West Records’ swiftly rising five man band. The air became alluringly warm as each artist tuned into their set and the crowd piled in.
Since 2003, Hi-Dive has welcomed touring musicians to a cozy 300 person space allowing them to max out their performances. Fans are able to buy tickets on Dice or pay with cash at the door for an intimate experience among their favorite artists.
The bar on the right, consistently busy yet attentive, offers standing or seating room to ordering patrons.
To the left, the stage viewing area is split by a pass-through wall closed off by curtains during soundcheck. The pool table just beyond the bar becomes host to merch where fans can often find band members hanging out off set. When curtains open, shelves and tables featured throughout quickly fill with drinks, merch and eager elbows.
Denver local Kate Hannington began the night with a full band.
Alex Jones was at her side slapping bass while Christine Palmer wielded harmonies on synth and vocals. Adriana Perez pounded on drums, tying in large cymbal crashes into every transition.
Enchanting listeners with dreamy grunge and triumphant vocals, she performed songs from her 2023 debut album Chiromancy.
Kate’s lyrics highlight the authentic balance of disassociation and connection within the self and to others, pairing lyrics to distorted and guttural progressive rock riffs.
On the last leg of their own tour, Seattle’s Billy and the Dreamboats graced the Denver stage with their retro inspired lush pop tunes.
Leading the band’s vocals on guitar is none other than Billy Pogany while keyboardist Adam Perkowski backed up harmonies. Blake Lyles bopped along to his bass and Will Baker intensively kept tempo on drums.
Billy and the Dreamboats had a rivetingly upbeat set, performing songs off their full discography, including four songs from their latest release How Did You Get Here?.
Their songs express thoughts of determination through wanting, chasing, and gaining devoted partnership. Lyrics are met with buoyant riffs in nostalgic new wave-esque melodies.
A second Seattle based band, Forest Ray, capped off the openers bringing their psychedelic garage alt forward songs to the night. Front man Peter Sumić had rein over a harmonica and electric guitar with supporting vocals from Henry LaVallee on guitar, Jacob Conley strumming bass and Conor Fortune on keys. Ethan Decker maintained his connection on drums with a noticeable and elated awareness to his bandmates.
The west coast indie-alt band fashioned their own buoyancy on stage, wielding single releases Boots and Reasons, along with three songs off their last record Windfucker.
Paying ode to his Croatian roots, Peter enlightened listeners on Windfucker‘s lingual inspiration before proceeding into the album’s title track.
Together they put on a truly delightful performance, embracing crowd engagement, and even a rogue balloon during set.
At last, a completely packed and restless crowd welcomed The Deslondes to the stage.
Infamous Riley Downing was front and center with an acoustic guitar, accompanied by bassist Dan Cutler. Sam Doores notoriously teetered keys and acoustic guitar on the left, and to the right John James Tourville was amid electric and steel guitar. Drummer Howe Pearson bantered between singing songs and keeping beat of their classic americana tunes.
Beginning the night with one of their newest releases Moving, the mass of people began to do just that. Infectious and sunny harmonies flooded the room while everyone began to dance.
The Deslondes never disappoint in creating a masterful blend of songs from their entire discography, dating back to 2015’s self titled.
From their debut album, The Real Deal and vastly beloved Less Honkin’ More Tonkin’ made it into the setlist while listeners yipped and hollered out their affections.
Off their 2022 release Ways & Means, Riley broke out his harmonica as the crowd roared along to South Dakota Wild One.
Fans continuously sang along to hits like Five Year Plan and songs off their last full record Roll It Out‘s Take Me Back and Hold On Liza.
Not only do they lock in a solid setlist, but The Deslondes always find compelling openers to captivate fans before they even begin. On behalf of the bands and venue, exceptional energy was brimming throughout the whole evening. The Deslondes invoked the crowd with an encore that went well towards midnight.
If you’re looking for a venue to check out in Denver, the Hi-Dive is not one to miss. Be sure to to follow the bands on all streaming platforms and social media to keep up with upcoming shows and new content.
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