Kind Hearted Strangers | 2019-05-24 | The Fox Theatre, Boulder, CO [SBD/AUD Matrix]

You told me once before you’re leaving in the morning…well don’t leave without checking out Kind Hearted Strangers performing at The Fox Theatre!

Kind Hearted Strangers came out in support of their musical compatriots Flash Mountain Flood, who were celebrating the release of their new album “Speak Of Heaven” with a show at The Fox Theatre that was filled with some new tunes and fan favorites. The band took the stage with a figurative bang, performing their song “Dynamite”, which has a jostling cadence that’s like a lit wick winding its way to a chorus that explodes like a stick of dynamite with the couplet “Gonna get some dynamite, gonna blow this down”. Next up the band launched into “Go Long”, a song that displays one of the band’s biggest strengths, which is the interplay between guitarist Kevin Hinder and frontman Marc Townes. Their exchanges feed the sound’s personality, through Marc’s honest delivery that crescendos into Kevin’s emphatic playing, like the perfect assist for a slam dunk. “Go Long” in particular has several stellar guitar moments, especially the break after the first verse where the band plays a bit with tempo, hitting cleverly placed harmonics to change up the rhythm in a song that doesn’t really have a chorus. This tune was immediately followed by a fun throwback cover of “Give Me Some Kind Of Sign Girl”.

The band then performed their two singles back-to-back: my personal favorite “Shit Eating Grin”, and the newest of their releases, “The California Zephyr”. Each song deserves its status as among the best representations of the band’s songwriting ability, combining a clear knack for melody with heartfelt lyrics that cut to the soul. Both tunes have that irresistible, toe-tapping quality; they’re “Snappy”, as Tom Hanks put it in “That Thing You Do”. It’s no wonder that when speaking of the latter of the two tunes, drummer Brian Ireland mentioned that he felt it was the best thing they’d ever written.

After the singles came a couple newer tunes, the sincere “Georgia On My Mind”, followed by the harrowing love story of “Lorelei” with its powerful chorus, cursing the love the narrator spent years chasing. The band then invited up Wes, Logan, and Paul from Flash Mountain Flood to help out with the Bob Dylan tune “She Belongs To Me”, adding a flurry of dueling guitars and organ tones to blanket the jam in addition to the keys, which accented the verses with a subtle touch. After the song was over, the band took a moment to congratulate Paul on his upcoming marriage to his fiancée Cynthia, and they then dedicated the song “Runnin’ Next To You” to the couple, mentioning that it has a special meaning to them. A kind gesture indeed.

The set then closed out with two rockers. The first was the band’s original “High Horse”, which featured one of the most biting riffs I’ve heard in a while. It’s anthemic chorus would have been a fine way to end a set, but the band wasn’t quite done yet. For the final curtain, the band performed a cover of Thin Lizzy‘s “Boys Are Back In Town”, which featured Derek Dames(Ohls) on back-up vocals. The hard rock classic was a fitting send off to inevitably lead into Flash Mountain Flood’s set, as both bands were indeed back in front of a hometown crowd, doing what they do best.

Kind Hearted Strangers played a set filled with new songs, old songs, cover songs, and just plain great songs. A testament to their hard work and determination to always improve and keep producing great material. A band whose material will gain your trust and keep you depending on the kindness of strangers.

Kind Hearted Strangers | 2019-05-24 | The Fox Theatre, Boulder, CO

-= One Set =-
01. // Dynamite
02. Go Long
03. Give Me Some Kind Of Sign Girl (Brenton Wood cover)
04. (Banter I)
05. Shit Eating Grin
06. (Banter II)
07. The California Zephyr
08. (Banter III)
09. Georgia In The Wind
10. Loreli
11. (Banter IV)
12. She Belongs To Me (Bob Dylan cover)[1]
13. (Banter V)
14. Runnin’ Next To You[2]
15. High Horse
16. (Banter VI)
17. The Boys Are Back In Town (Thin Lizzy cover)[3]

Show Notes: This show was in support of Flash Mountain Flood who was headlining in celebration of their record release of the new LP “Speak Of Heaven”. Extra Gold opened the show followed by Kind Hearted Strangers then Flash Mountain Flood closed out the evening.
[1] “She Belongs To Me” featured Wes Rather (Flash Mountain Flood) on guitar, Logan Green (Flash Mountain Flood) on guitar and Paul Copoulos (Flash Mountain Flood) on keys.
[2] “Runnin’ Next To You'” was dedicated to Paul and Cynthia.
[3] “The Boys Are Back In Town” featured Derek Dames (Flash Mountain Flood) on back-up vocals.

Taper Notes: DFC directly behind the soundboard, mics raised around 9′ PAS. The beginning of “Dynamite” is cut due to an issue with the house music being turned up accidently during the first minute. It came through the

Thank you to Kind Hearted Strangers and The Fox Theatre for being cool with taping/sharing shows. Go see live music and tip your bartenders! #spacetapes