They’re back…

We lived a period where our social calendars were blank. Our live music calendar was empty. I used the virtual show to plan date nights and become excited about something. The optimistic music fan in me knew that live music would roar back. When it all began, those in the know threw out mid-2021 or even 2022 for a resurgence. At the time, it was hard to fathom. An entire year without stepping into a venue, experiencing our favorite acts, and being able to forget everything else happening around us for a 90-120 minute set disappeared.

Denver is fortunate to be home to Levitt Pavilion, a non-profit music venue housed centrally to most. It’s part of the Levitt Foundation, a group dedicated to utilizing underused green spaces and turning them into accessible venues for all to experience the performing arts. It’s outdoors, has an impressive sound system, family friendly, and continues to bring in a diverse lineup. On paper, one would imagine the acts frequenting a place of this nature would be local or mediocre. But it continues to be the opposite: respectable names I want to see. Over its four years, this venue is a host family to acts from all around the world. Yesterday I did a double take on their email announcement: Moenia and Ozomatli are being added to their Free Summer Concert Series.

Both acts were my early instructors in the art of the Spanish language. Ozomatli, a Los Angeles act fusing all vibes and genres seamlessly together to get you up and move, has a formidable strife over injustice and inequality. An act sure to surge and burn in an outdoor setting. And Moenia, a synth-heavy trio hailing from Mexico City armed with pulses, beats, and a dark pop aura. It’s an updated Latin-centric Depeche Mode.

Though I’ve slowed down, and my priorities have radically changed, live music is a necessary staple for a fulfilled existence. Let’s step back out, bust a move, change up the routine, and experience live music again. It’s worth it!

Moenia’s Labios Rojos…

I’m a sucker for a synth. Strategically layer those over a groove, perhaps a hypnotic beat, I’m in. Catchy lyrics help but it’s the feeling I crave. This sound needn’t be over the top creative to engage me. But if it’s an intentional listen to improve upon my ability to hear the message, the language, this formula will provide many repetitions.

While searching for an ideal language instructor, an 80s influenced synth heavy act caught my ear. It was billed as a Mexican Depeche Mode. At times, almost a facsimile of the English quintet. It can be challenging to get into a new sound, especially when the lyrics aren’t in your native language. Moenia, the Mexico City trio brandishing keyboards, synths, and a light club sound, are decades into the mix. The familiarity of Moenia’s sound created an instant rapport, one where I wanted to hear more and dive deeper into the Spanish language.

Dark at times, pulsing throughout, forcing consistent head nodding, they’re the dance act not many know outside of Latin America. Their latest “Labios Rojos” continues this trajectory. Sonic waves of club-heavy, let’s get sweaty and lose ourselves sound permeate throughout.

With the abundance of new music, and the ease of sharing amongst like-minded music friends, I don’t seek out new Latin music. This is where my Release Radar becomes invaluable. It’s a nudge, a reminder notification of the great collection of music that is debuted on a daily basis.