Let me start by saying, if you have the chance to catch Dope Lemon live, DON’T PASS IT UP. They’re the type of band that makes you wish you had a video of the whole set to playback once its over. Streaming Dope Lemon is one thing, but hearing them live is on a whole other level. They are, dare I say, zesty. Frontman Angus Stone has a captivating stage presence. Backed by his band’s refined instrumental talents, they bring so much life to their music.

Indie band The Palms opened the night bringing their laidback, California beach vibes to our hazy Denver venue. They played their hit song “Push Off” followed by a tasteful melancholy-surf rock cover of Mazzy Star’s “Fade Into You.” One of my favorite parts of going to a show is not knowing what to expect with the opener and leaving with 10 new saved songs. 

Dope Lemon’s entrance to their set was one of the best I’ve ever experienced. The room rumbled with a psychedelic thunder. The intensity was heightened by the quick apparitions of the band’s silhouettes through the flashing strobe lights. I was lucky enough to watch the opening song “Stonecutters” from the photo pit at the foot of the stage, directly in front of the massive speakers. With the bass at its max, each beat sent ripples through the air, blowing my hair back as if caught in the invisible current. The gainy feedback of the electric guitar filled the atmosphere with sheer intensity. 

The opening notes to “Marinade” ignited the crowd. Their setlist combined a perfect blend of their wildly successful past hits like “Hey You” and new fan favorites from their recent album release Golden Wolf. Angus Stone played his guitar with such steeze, he moved in sync with the rhythm. The instrument felt like an extension of himself. It was a seamless blend of him and his music, where every note flowed naturally, drawing in the entire auditorium.  

Dope Lemon’s music can be described as dreamy, laid-back grooves, but hearing those same songs live reveals a completely new side to them. The transitions between songs was blended together with interludes of psychic noise, like crawling through a tunnel from one song to the next, never leaving a moment of silence. The vibration from the bass through each note takes you to a place of euphoria – you feel each song to your core. They play live music the way it’s meant to be played, bringing it to life on stage. Even when the lights came on and the once rhythmic melodies were replaced with the chatter of people making their way to the exit, I could still hear the rattle of the music echoing through my ears.