Trance, Dubstep, Pop – Seven Lions Brought it All Out at Red Rocks
September 30, 2024Photos by Gerardo Federico
Headed on in for yet another EDM show at Red Rocks – these days this seems to be becoming an almost regular thing, but am I complaining? Certainly NOT! This past weekend, I had the pleasure of checking out California-born Jeff Montalvo, better known as Seven Lions, from Santa Barbara. His unique style, blending genres from all kinds of angles, including dubstep, electro, house, and even a dash of hip hop, created a sonic journey that felt like nothing I had experienced before. It’s no wonder the man has developed such a devoted following over the years, and this Friday night, he packed the house in the most epic way possible. The Red Rocks fans packed it in as well, ready for an unforgettable night at one of the most legendary venues in the world.
The atmosphere at Red Rocks was electric, heightened by the fact that it was a rather warm fall day, transitioning into a gorgeous evening under the stars. As the sun set behind the towering rock formations, the temperature dropped just enough to create the perfect conditions for an outdoor show. The crisp autumn air, combined with the excitement buzzing through the crowd, created a vibe that only Red Rocks can offer. Fans had gathered early, taking in the beautiful surroundings while the opening acts set the tone. By the time Seven Lions took the stage, the amphitheater was filled with an eager, pulsing crowd, ready to be swept away on the musical journey he had planned.
Red Rocks venue was bathed in a tint of blueness, when Seven Lions took over, as multicolored lasers shot across the crowd.
One of the first things that struck me was the sheer scale of the production. The gigantic Red Rocks venue was bathed in a mesmerizing tint of blueness, as multicolored lasers shot across the crowd and reflected off the ancient stone walls. The stage itself was a dazzling spectacle, with LED screens flashing vibrant, dynamic visuals that added an extra layer of immersion to the entire experience. The lighting setup was nothing short of electrifying, with each beat seemingly triggering a burst of color that danced across the venue. Every pulse of the bass seemed to be in sync with the lights, creating an audiovisual experience that was larger than life.
Montalvo kicked things off with a high-energy track that immediately had the crowd jumping. His ability to weave together different genres so seamlessly was on full display, as he effortlessly moved from a bass-heavy dubstep drop to a melodic trance breakdown, keeping everyone on their toes. The energy in the amphitheater was infectious, and it was clear that this was a crowd that came ready to dance. One moment we were headbanging to the heavy bass, and the next we were swaying to the euphoric melodies that have become a signature of the Seven Lions sound.
One standout moment of Seven Lions’ set was his iconic track “Worlds Apart,” producing a crowd-sized collective pause in the presence of great beauty.
For those wondering how Jeff Montalvo came up with the name Seven Lions, it’s an interesting story. It turns out, his name is inspired by one of his favorite authors, Gene Wolfe, and the fantasy novel Latro in the Mist. In the book, there’s a character called Seven Lions, which Montalvo found captivating enough to adopt as his stage name. It’s a fitting moniker, given the mythical, otherworldly nature of his music, which often feels like it’s transporting you into a fantasy world of its own. Throughout the night, that feeling of being transported was ever-present, as each track felt like a new chapter in an epic tale, with highs and lows, moments of intense emotion, and moments of pure elation.
One of the standout moments of the evening was when he dropped his iconic track “Worlds Apart.” As the haunting vocals washed over the crowd, there was a collective pause, as if everyone was taking a moment to breathe in the beauty of the song. It was one of those goosebumps-inducing moments that only live music can truly deliver. The way the vocals soared over the melodic drop was nothing short of magical, and the crowd responded with a roar of approval.
As the night went on, Seven Lions kept the momentum going, with fan favorites like “Freesol” and “Don’t Leave” sending the crowd into a frenzy. He also dropped some surprises, including a few unexpected remixes and collaborations that had the crowd buzzing with excitement. Each transition was smooth and expertly executed, showcasing his talent as not just a producer, but a masterful DJ who knows how to read and control the energy of a crowd.
By the time the night drew to a close, there was a sense of collective euphoria in the air. The final tracks were a perfect send-off, with booming bass and stunning visuals that left the audience in awe. As the last notes echoed through the amphitheater and the lights dimmed, there was a brief moment of silence before the crowd erupted into cheers, showing their appreciation for the unforgettable night they had just experienced.
Seven Lions had once again proven why he’s one of the most innovative and beloved artists in the EDM scene today.
Leaving Red Rocks, I couldn’t help but feel like I had been part of something truly special. Seven Lions had once again proven why he’s one of the most innovative and beloved artists in the EDM scene today. The combination of his boundary-pushing music, the stunning visual production, and the magical setting of Red Rocks made for a night that will undoubtedly go down in the books as one of the best shows of the year.
If you want to catch some of the show on video, checkout my Tik Tok page (gfederico17) and see for yourself how epic this show was.