ODESZA sells out Red Rocks Amphitheater every year that they play there and now after attending the first night of this year’s show — I understand why.
I saw them for the first time at Decadence only six months prior and was rather underwhelmed and disappointed by the performance there, especially after hearing how incredible they are live. Now after last Friday night, I know that was only because I was too short to see the stage, which is where all the magic happens. The stadium-style “seating” (erm, dancing areas) that Red Rocks provides is perfect for the show ODESZA puts on and ensures even the short people get to experience the magic.
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To open the show, pluko and Chet Porter played separate sets that got everyone up on their feet and moving. Then the highly anticipated surprise guest was revealed as cheers from the crowd grew louder as they realized it was none other than Jai Wolf, who has opened for ODESZA many times before. He opened with a mix of upbeat riffs and played an upbeat set throughout, remixing songs from artists like Porter Robinson and Madeon, ending with his bubbly hit “Indian Summer.”
About 30 minutes after Jai Wolf’s set ended, it was finally time for the main event. Seattle natives Harrison Mills and Clayton Knight are musical and production geniuses that do an incredible job of blending dance-worthy electronic music, mesmerizing light shows, captivating visuals and an 11-piece ensemble that includes a horn section and a magical marching band-esque drumline all on a multi-level stage set up so you could sense the anticipation from the crowd.
Through flashing lights and fog machines, the brass players took their places on the multi-level stage and the duo appeared through the fog at the top, immediately starting to pound a catchy beat on their drums as the drumline marched their way onto the bottom of the stage. That beat turned into one of their hits “Bloom” and the high energy performing and dancing didn’t stop for almost 2 hours.
ODESZA fans were in for a treat – the duo hasn’t released new music since their Red Rocks stop in 2017 but they impressed the crowd with a new version of the hit “IPlayYouListen” from their 2012 album “Summer’s Gone.” Listening to the live remix sent goosebumps through me just as good music should and if you were lucky enough to be there, I’m sure you felt the same music-induced euphoria.
If you weren’t one of the lucky ones in attendance at this year’s show, ODESZA is sure to make another stop in Colorado next year (hopefully with an all-new album this time), so be ready to hit that refresh button when tickets go on sale next February. I know I will.
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Words/Photos by Ally Miller
