Hobo Johnson and the Lovemakers take the stage at Summit Hall Music //Frances Meng-Frecker
By: Lizzie Brown, Staff Reporter and KRXJ Liaison
My peer, photographer, and friend, Francis Meng-Frecker and I arrived at Summit Music Hall Wednesday, October 23, to become acquainted with the music of acclaimed lyricist and band, Hobo Johnson and the Lovemakers and their opener Jeffery Lewis & Los Bolts. Frank Lopes Jr, known by his alias Hobo Johnson, and his gang take on the United States and lots of international venues across Europe and Australia on their “Bring Your Mom Tour” to promote their debut full-length album “Rise of Hobo Johnson”, released by Reprise Records this year. Hobo Johnson and the Lovemakers made got their first big break at NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts and have been an internet sensation ever since.
All of his devoted listeners showed up at the Summit in Denver; packed house knew every single lyric, leaving Hobo lots of room for pauses and interaction with his amped audience. From the second Hobo began his set with “See You Again”, his fans lost it and this symbiotic relationship continued to liven the atmostphere until the very end of the night. Hobo Johnson performed as the perfect frontman. His lyrical timing was superb, especially in “Dear Labels”, though his bars usually end at disjunct moments in the song, this is completely intentional and leaves the listener on edge, anticipating more. His band backed him up with ease. Using rhythmic, intelligent and sometimes soothing instrumentals; the continuity between musicians and frontman totally elevated this musical experience.
Hobo Johnson demonstrated a heightened understanding of musical composition and stage presence; the audience and band seemed to have an implicit understanding that this night was meant to share in “musical therapy”. Both band and audience collaborated in camaraderie, and we felt real heartfelt joys and sorrows to celebrate and mourn together. It was emotional honestly. Everything from Hobo’s lyrics, to the lights, and the band’s changes in tempo was impressive and, more so, they help Hobo ignite emotions in his audience. I left Summit Music Hall that night feeling understood, feeling a sense of solidarity with the complete strangers I just moshed with. It was an intensely fun and wacky concert that I feel privileged to have attended and I plan to party with these self-acclaimed misfits as soon as they come back to town. I recommend everyone who loves emotion-packed music and a really good time do the same and to seek out Hobo Johnson and the Lovemakers’ music!