by Jane McDonald
LOST LAKE
A delicious evening drizzle has burnt off the heat of the day and Lost Lake’s garage door is wide open as people arrive for Head Room Session’s very first (!!) presented show. It is a proud night for the HRS team, with three awesome local acts gathered to perform at the beloved Colfax venue.
HEAD ROOM SESSION PRESENTS
The night kicks off with performer MEEK, who daylights as Xadie James (they/them/she/her), beginning their set dancing around the stage in a rubber pig mask paired with a super cute overall dress. Needless to say, I am fully present when the mask is removed and Meek sits at a drum kit. They have a truly unique style of performance, featuring slamming percussion and distorted vocals. During her performance the phrase “doomsday euphoria” occurs to me, which I think is an apt description for the MEEK’s contradictory musical style.
Next up is beloved Denver act Church Fire. Although their signature headdresses are a bit scaled back, their bombastic energy is full force in the small venue. Started as a duo in 2013, the band has expanded making their sound appropriately bigger. Church Fire is an electronica experience unto itself, and one that Denver is proud to claim as evidenced by band t-shirt representation around town.
Finally, the notorious performers of SPELLS take the stage… and floor! The band is set up partially in the pit normally reserved for audience members, as well as on the raised platform stage. When they begin their set it becomes apparent why — the lead singer denies the 4th wall by getting into the space of eager front row onlookers. Part mosh, part dance and 100% physical SPELLS takes audience engagement to a new level and holy hell, the crowd loves it!
AGAIN, AGAIN!
It was an incredible night that ended as all ideal nights at Lost Lake do; sweaty and with some new friends. We can’t wait to host our next show and feature some more fantastic local artists — stay tuned!