Thee Sacred Souls filled Mission Ballroom on Friday night, captivating a crowd that had clearly grown since their last Denver appearance. Touring in support of their sophomore album, Got a Story to Tell, the band delivered an evening of soulful serenades highlighting their unique ability to blend vulnerability with nostalgia. The California-based three-piece group evokes the art of love songs that feel like intimate notes or heartfelt voice messages. Past-week worries melted away as their melodies swept through the venue.
Opening the evening was Astyn Turr, a rising singer-songwriter from Pasadena, California. Known for her collaborations with Omar Apollo and Thee Sacred Souls, Turr blends soul, R&B, jazz, and indie influences to create heartfelt music that resonates with audiences. Her authentic sound and emotive delivery perfectly introduced the night’s theme of vulnerability and connection.
When Thee Sacred Souls hit the stage, lead vocalist Josh Lane expressed gratitude to the Mile High City for their warm reception. Opening with “Lucid Girl,” the first track from their new album, the band showcased their talent for crafting modern songs that feel timeless, transporting listeners to an era of heartfelt simplicity and soulful charm.
“Price to Pay” followed alongside “Running Away,” with Lane entering the pit and ascending to the second floor before running back to the stage at the chorus drop. After his brief excursion, the singer praised the crowd while admitting how physically taxing the elevation was and took a moment to catch his breath. Between songs, Lane provided insight into the vulnerable headspaces that fuel their music, further deepening the connection with the audience.
“I realized that music is powerful. We might be the vehicles and the vessels that this music has come out of, but I do believe sometimes it comes from other places, and it’s meant for us all,” Lane stated before playing “Live For You.” The band also used the moment to reflect on the devastating California wildfires, urging the audience to lend their support to affected communities and sharing ways to help those in need.
The band encouraged movement and cathartic outpourings of energy. Whether it was the crisp night air or the crowd’s relative newness to the band’s lyrics, the energy remained understated yet heartfelt. The audience swayed in unison, their movements intimate and fitting for the stories of lovers lost that filled each moment of Thee Sacred Souls’ set.
Phone lights waved and flickered throughout the ballroom as a grateful yet unsatisfied audience pleaded for one more song through their cheers. Lane soon returned to the stage, playfully sitting at the drums and teasing a climactic beat before abruptly stopping, leaving the crowd in suspense. Moments later, the rest of the band rejoined him on stage.
For their encore, Thee Sacred Souls performed “Future Lover” and “Weak For Your Love,” closing the evening on a high note. As the final chords rang out, the crowd departed with replenished spirits and a shared sense of soulful connection.