Sylvan Esso’s indie pop took over the hallowed stage at Red Rocks Amphitheater last evening, for their first headlining show at the venue. The duo of Amelia Meath and Nick Sanborn captivated the sold out crowd, creating a dance party and even stopping for a group howl at the moon during their song “Wolf”. The growth of Sylvan Esso is remarkable, having performed once before at Red Rocks, opening for My Morning Jacket in 2015, three years later they packed the house.

Sylvan Esso was a project started in 2013, after the two met while performing with different bands. Sanborn started to remix some of Meath’s work, after recognizing the unique sound of her voice. The duo realized they had something special and Meath moved to Durham, NC to start Sylvan Esso.

Now in their 5th year the two have really hit their stride. Meath mesmerizes the audience with her pure and tough voice, accompanied with stellar dance moves. Nick is the unsung hero of the two backing her with electro pop beats that pull you in and take you for a ride. Their first album paved the way for their most recent release “What Now”, which earned a Grammy nomination for “Best Dance/Electronic Album”. Since “What Now” they have released one single “PARAD(w/m)E.” “PARAD(w/m)E” is the type of song you can’t help but dance to, and is hopefully and indicator of another album in the works.

The band Hippo Campus warmed up the crowd. An indie rock group formed out of a high school in Minnesota. Their sound is light and fun, reminiscent of Portugal the Man, and Local Natives. Their first full album “Landmark” was released in 2017, and is the kind of music you want to listen to while walking on a sunny day.

Lets hope that they stay true to their promise to return to the hallowed halls of Red Rocks next year. (Photos and review by C=T contributor and From the Hip Photographer: Josie Skinner)