There’s an undeniable enchantment that permeates the air at Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Nestled amidst towering red sandstone formations, this iconic venue naturally amplifies every musical note, creating an immersive experience unlike any other. Bathed in the glow of the moon and stars, attendees find themselves in a state of heightened connection – body, mind, and spirit resonating with each beat. It’s a palpable magic, a shared understanding amongst everyone fortunate enough to witness a performance within these ancient rocks.
Having been captivated by Of The Trees previously, as recounted in last year’s event review, returning to Red Rocks for his second performance was an absolute must. The meticulously curated lineup for night one, featuring the diverse talents of Mindchatter, Resonate Language, Anna Morgan, Posij, and Sylph, promised a night of sonic exploration. Coupled with the breathtaking majesty of Colorado’s natural amphitheatre and Of The Trees’ innovative artistic direction, the evening transcended mere entertainment, venturing into the spiritual realm.
For this year’s highly anticipated set at Red Rocks, I approached the experience with a different intention: to fully immerse myself in Of The Trees’ artistic vision with a clear and sober mind. From the intricately designed stage, resembling a woodland moss-covered treehouse, to the captivating 360 LED walls that enveloped the stage, transporting the artist and audience to fantastical realms and dimensions, the production itself offered a profound level of sensory engagement and wonder.
This review aims to explore the nuances of experiencing Of The Trees at Red Rocks sober, highlighting key aspects that stood out during this conscious observation of a master at work. Many might be surprised to discover, as I did, that witnessing such artistry unfold in a state of complete clarity can be just as, if not more, exhilarating than experiencing it under the influence.
Unleashing the Sonic Power: Of The Trees Takes Control at Red Rocks
Let’s be unequivocally clear: when Of The Trees takes the stage, he commands the sonic landscape with unparalleled authority. This sonic guru possesses an innate ability to ignite any space he occupies. Placing him on the Red Rocks stage is akin to setting a match to gasoline – the energy becomes instantly explosive and intensely captivating.
From the very first notes, Of The Trees declared the night open with the track “Muscaria.” An electric current surged through the crowd as bodies moved in unison, releasing the collective anticipation built up in the moments leading to this sonic eruption. The feeling was undeniably electric, and in my sober state, I found myself acutely attuned to the raw power of the music. A natural, music-induced euphoria washed over me right from the outset, proving that the music itself was more than enough to elevate the experience.
Visual Spectacle Unveiled: Appreciating the Artistry in Clarity
Of The Trees’ reputation at Red Rocks is synonymous with breathtaking visual experiences. He consistently elevates his performances beyond just the auditory, creating immersive worlds for his audience. This year, in collaboration with dark.moon.designs, he presented a mossy, rustic treehouse stage, encircled by dynamic visual walls. This stage became a portal to magical worlds, feeling utterly removed from the everyday, a true escape within the red rocks.
The visual narrative unfolded continuously, cycling through a series of awe-inspiring scenes – from the comforting warmth of a crackling fireplace within a cozy cabin to Of The Trees himself seemingly standing within the depths of a mystical forest. Interspersed with these serene moments were bursts of meticulously controlled chaos, adding dynamic contrast to the visual journey. Experiencing this intricate tapestry of visuals with an unclouded mind allowed for a deeper appreciation of the artistry, the meticulous planning, and the sheer effort invested in creating such a spectacle. Gratitude washed over me as I absorbed the beauty in its purest form, unfiltered and truly understood.
Sober concert experience at Of The Trees Red Rocks show with immersive visuals
Authentic Crowd Connections: Genuine Interactions in the Red Rocks Atmosphere
The energy of the crowd can profoundly shape any live music experience. Fortunately, Of The Trees consistently draws an exceptional crowd, creating a vibrant and positive atmosphere. This year was no exception; I found myself surrounded by a magical microcosm of kind-hearted individuals.
Sobriety facilitated deeper and more meaningful interactions. I engaged in genuine conversations with fellow attendees, including a delightful group dressed as mushrooms, shared enthusiastic dances with strangers who resonated with the music’s energy as intensely as I did, and offered water to those in need. While these acts of connection are possible regardless of sobriety, experiencing them with a clear mind felt more intentional, more deeply rooted in genuine desire rather than influenced by external substances.
Mixing Mastery in Sharp Focus: Discerning the Nuances of Sound
With a clear and focused mind, the intricacies of Of The Trees’ mixing prowess were brought into sharp relief. This night at Red Rocks became an exceptional opportunity to fully appreciate the sonic artistry he brought to the stage. Of The Trees is not only a celebrated producer but also a masterful DJ, seamlessly blending tracks with remarkable skill. This talent for live mixing is a cornerstone of his artistry, and one of the many reasons his performances are so captivating.
Night one at Red Rocks was a masterclass in live mixing. Notable blends included his collaboration with Barclay Crenshaw’s “Blue Mile,” expertly interwoven with Buunshin’s remix of the Ternion Sound track “Artifice.” The crowd’s energy amplified further when he seamlessly mashed up the hip-hop classics “15th and the 1st” by Gucci Mane and Waka Flocka Flame with “Mellow Man” by Distinct Motive, transitioning into EAZYBAKED’s “Certified.” The complexity and creativity of these blends were truly astounding, demanding and rewarding a focused listening experience.
Of The Trees Red Rocks performance showcasing impressive DJ mixing and stage presence
The Clarity of Afterglow: Waking Up Refreshed and Remembering
As the final notes faded and the Red Rocks night drew to a close, I departed with close friends, the experience still resonating within us. We savored authentic birria tacos, excitedly recounting our favorite moments of the performance, and then drifted into restful sleep. The most rewarding aspect of the morning after? Waking up completely refreshed, free from headaches or hazy memories. The entire experience remained vividly etched in my mind, requiring no video replays to piece the evening together. Having experienced Of The Trees’ performances both under the influence and sober, I can confidently attest that his shows provide all the necessary energy and elevation, naturally, within the music and atmosphere itself.
This isn’t intended as a prescriptive guide on how to experience live music, but rather an invitation to consider an alternative perspective. If apprehension about attending a show sober has ever hindered you, know that you might be pleasantly surprised. Especially when that show features a phenomenal artist like Of The Trees, performing at the breathtaking Red Rocks Amphitheatre, at an elevation of 6,450 feet, for a sold-out crowd – the magic is undeniably present, with or without external enhancements.
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