KOLARS Shines, Surprises at Larimer Lounge
July 20, 2017[slideshow_deploy id=’6953′]
Photos by Michael McGrath, Story by Amy McGrath
I’ve seen a lot of weird stuff go down onstage at the Larimer Lounge, but it’s been a long time since I’ve seen something on any rock stage that is truly surprising. Friday night with KOLARS changed that.
Musically, the band is a tight two-piece that alternately evokes The Kills and Bruce Springsteen. But KOLARS has a legit shtick: rather than sitting behind a kit, drummer Lauren Brown stands. On top of a bass drum. And tap dances. “She’s a badass!” crowed the North Carolinian truck driver next to me who had randomly chosen the Larimer as his music fix for the evening.
On top of the mesmerizing tap dancing drummer, KOLARS sparkles- visually and sonically. Singer Rob Kolars has a smoky-eyed sexiness that nicely suits his front man persona. And his powerfully kinetic, gorgeous drummer Lauren- is also his wife, bedecked in a mirror covered dress and equally dazzling smile.
KOLARS set featured infectious, driving rock songs that veered between a post-Goth Echo & The Bunnymen vibe of “Turn out the Lights” to the infectious disco groove of “Dizzy.” And just when I thought I had them figured out, KOLARS surprised again with the chugging train of “One More Thrill,” reminiscent of Springsteen’s “Working on the Highway.”
It’s hard not to cheer for a sexy, married creative partnership like Rob and Lauren’s- especially when the music is as inventive and fun as what KOLARS is making.
