Photos & Review: Jukebox The Ghost, Twin Forks & Secret Someones
Featuring: Jukebox The Ghost, Twin Forks & Secret Someones
Larimer Lounge, Denver, CO. 1/23/15
Photos and Review by: Shannon Shumaker
When Secret Someones’ set started half an hour early, (8:30 instead of 9, as it was listed on the venue’s website) I was still standing in line in the cold outside of Larimer Lounge, and I was definitely a little bummed. It was going to be my first time seeing the NYC-based four piece, and I wanted to be able to have the full experience. Thankfully, I made it inside the doors by the end of their second song and made a mad dash to the front of the venue to catch the rest of their set.
The first thing that stood out about Secret Someones’ live set was their professional sound. In a club like Larimer Lounge with a tiny stage and narrow standing room, I wouldn’t have been surprised if the band didn’t sound their best, but Secret Someones absolutely blew me away. Their vocal harmonies were stellar – easily the best part about their set – and their energy on stage kept the sold-out crowd captivated. Even if they weren’t familiar with the band’s music, people (including myself) were bobbing their heads along and moving to the music, swept up by the band’s catchy melodies and danceable choruses.
Following Secret Someones was folk group, Twin Forks. Admittedly, I was definitely excited to see them, but I was in no way prepared for the incredible performance that Twin Forks put on. Seconds into their first song, it was apparent that Twin Forks came out to do one thing: have fun. Throughout their entire set, every member was all smiles, which became contagious throughout the fans in the crowd, too. There’s just something about watching a band who loves what they do that makes the entire concert experience even more enjoyable.
The way that vocalist Chris Carrabba commanded the band was incredible to watch, as well. I think it’s safe to say that there are very few bands that rival the chemistry that the members of Twin Forks have on stage. Their vocal harmonies were on-point and their sound was definitely album quality, but it was their energy that made Twin Forks so much fun to watch. Even though their sound was different than the other two bands on the bill, the crowd definitely seemed to be into them as well.
To be honest, I wasn’t quite sure how any band could possibly rival Twin Forks’ wild and energetic performance, but if anyone was meant to go on after them, it was Jukebox The Ghost. With a sound completely different from Twin Forks, it made it impossible to compare the two, which was just what I needed. On top of that, by the time the lights dimmed and the band took the stage, the crowd was practically buzzing with excitement and anticipation, full of energy from the two opening bands.
While the energy wasn’t necessarily as high with Jukebox The Ghost’s set (it’s sort of hard to move around when two out of three members are sitting, obviously) it was the band’s sound that had the entire crowd captivated. Vocally, Jukebox The Ghost sounded phenomenal, but musically, they were on-point as well. It was especially fun to watch drummer Jesse Kristin toss his drumsticks in the air over and over again with ease and without missing a beat throughout the entire set.
While my evening started off a little rocky, I think it’s safe to say that this was one of the best shows I’ve seen at Larimer Lounge. The small size of the venue made for a very intimate experience, which was perfect for all three bands, and the difference in their sounds made it hard to get bored all night. The lineup was perfect, the energy was high, and all three performances were great in their own special way – if this tour is coming through your city, I urge you to grab some tickets before it (inevitably) sells out!