About a year and a half ago, while checking out the Yautja and Cult Leader Audiotree performances, YouTube recommended me this amazing band (Sometimes the Algorithm works). I was immediately blown out of the water by how massive this band sounded. I remember going down the Spotify and YouTube rabbit hole with Spotlights and they quickly become one of my all time favorite bands.
Defying subgenres; Spotlights have a mastery for incorporating Radiohead like layers into their brand of Post Metal/Sludge. As a bassist, I find myself frequently using Sarah Q’s tone for reference tracks.
The album Seismic become a beloved recording followed by the We Are All Atomic EP. The deeper I dive, the more I fall in love with this band. Do yourself a favor and check out their latest disc Alchemy for the Dead. The album is strong from start to finish Repeat the Silence is my favorite track off this record.
Around the beginning 2023 it was announced that Mr. Bungle was touring with The Melvins and Spotlights would be opening shows for them. Unfortunately Bungle tickets for the Seattle show were sold out and scalpers were flipping tickets for $120 a pop. I have seen The Melvins and there a few Bungle songs I like. Neither bands I’m particularly excited about. My girlfriend looked up other dates that we might be able to go to and found out that Spotlights were headlining tiny venues in the lead up to the Bungle tour. The Hi-Dive in Denver was on that list of dates. Having never been to Denver this was a win-win. I’d much rather see Spotlights play a longer headlining set and Denver has a Meow Wolf installation as well as a thriving nightlife.
Despite the need for a quick string change Spotlights nailed it.
I’m so thankful they come within a direct flight from home and stuck around for me to get to chat with them briefly. I have yet to meet a more appreciative, gracious and lovely group of music humans. Thank you so much Sarah, Mario and Chris!
