Kind Hearted Strangers | 2019-12-19 | Larimer Lounge, Denver, CO [SBD/AUD Matrix]

You told me once before you’re leaving but baby when you look at me like that, I don’t need a reason to hook you up with a recording of Kind Hearted Strangers headlining Larimer Lounge!

Performing their last show of the year, Denver’s most endearing folk-rock group, the Kind Hearted Strangers, presented one final set to fans, which is as compelling as their tunes are catchy. The set featured their fan-favorites, some well placed covers, as well as the addition of former Flash Mountain Flood keyboardist, Paul Copoulos, sitting-in for the entire show. The keys brought breadth to the band’s compositions, adding just the right touch of color to shape out the band’s strong repertoire of originals.

The Strangers came out swinging with fan-favorite “Shit Eating Grin” – its reflective chorus bounced off the walls of the Larimer Lounge with a confident swagger that brought the crowd to attention. Next up the band performed a trio of tunes that comprised their 2017 EP, “It’ll Burn”, the middle of which featured a quick cover of Brenton Wood’s “Gimme Little Sign” segued out of their original “Go Long”. The band’s cover game was strong this evening, as they followed-up their performance of their EP with a cover of Neil Young’s “Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere”, the Americana rock of the original lending itself well to the Kind Hearted Strangers own style. After a rousing rendition of “High Horse”, which featured a fiery solo from guitarist Kevin Hinder, the band performed the majestic “Loreli”, a song about hopeless love with a stirring chorus that hits you right in the feels. Afterwards the band performed my personal favorite in a catalogue filled with favorites, the infectiously captivating “The California Zephyr” – the song’s chorus is an ever evolving call to inspiration, layered with apropos harmonies and a cadence that doesn’t quit. It’s no wonder the tune serves as their most recent single. It’s a song that resonates in a way the best songs do. The band followed their heralded original with a couple of covers in “Mystery Train” and The Beatles’ “I Saw Her Standing There”, the latter of which featured guest vocals from Tenth Mountain Division bassist Andrew Cooney.

The set then closed out with another couple of covers; although this batch had a bit more meaning to the band, especially newly minted keyboardist Paul Copoulos. The first, “Running Next To You” was dedicated to Paul and his wife Cynthia, two of the kindest souls you could ever meet. The song has meaning to them, and the Kind Hearted Strangers have dedicated it to them several times prior. The second cover and the show closer was a bit of a call-back to earlier this summer. The Kind Hearted Strangers performed a touching set at Paul and Cynthia’s wedding, ending with one of the most moving live moments I’ve ever been a part of. Right before their ceremony, Kind Hearted Strangers performed a set. The whole day, it had been raining non-stop. Kind Hearted Strangers then performed their final tune, which was their final tune this evening as well, the Allman Brothers classic “Blue Sky”. As if planned or dictated by the plot of a movie, the skies cleared and allowed for a beautiful ceremony to take place. Needless to say, that song will probably always be a little magic to Paul and Cynthia and was a fitting way to end the set.

Kind Hearted Strangers are a force of pure musical energy. As the band has evolved, their sound has only gotten more refined and accessible, ticking all the boxes that make up lasting memories. Their songs hit you deep in your soul, and apparently they can control the weather too. If that isn’t inspiring, then I don’t know what is.

Kind Hearted Strangers | 2019-12-19 | Larimer Lounge, Denver, CO

-= One Set =-
01. (Intro)
02. Shit Eating Grin
03. Dynamite
04. (Band Introductions)
05. Go Long >
06. Gimme Little Sign (Brenton Wood cover)
07. The Strong Side
08. Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere (Neil Young cover)
09. High Horse
10. (Banter)
11. Loreli
12. The California Zephyr
13. Mystery Train (Junior Parker cover)
14. I Saw Her Standing There (The Beatles cover)[1]
15. Running Next To You
16. Blue Sky (Allman Brothers Band cover)

Show Notes: This was a headlining show celebrating the band’s new album. Hound Heart opened the show followed by Taylor Scott Band then Kind Hearted Strangers closed out the show. Paul Copoulos was featured on keys for the entire show.
[1] “I Saw Her Standing There” featured Andrew Cooney (Tenth Mountain Division) on additional vocals.

Taper Notes: Mics setup stage left against the wall, raised around 7′ PAS. There was an issue with the soundboard during the beginning of the show. The board kicks in at 1:17 of “Shit Eating Grin”. There is also a brief board feed cut during “Dynamite” but resolves itself quickly and the issues cease for the remainder of the show.

Thank you to Kind Hearted Strangers and Larimer Lounge for supporting taping/sharing shows. Go see live music and tip your bartenders! #spacetapes