They’re Too Big Now – Durand Jones & the Indications Blow Out Boulder’s Fox

Story & Photos by Billy Thieme

It might be the constant and tireless touring, or it could be the fierce dedication of their (still exploding) fan base, but Durand Jones & the Indications are at a popularity tipping point. Their show at the Fox Theater in Boulder proved beyond any doubt that the venue this band needs is no longer in the 750-to-1,500 capacity range. If this show is any sign (and I’d be willing to bet that all the shows on this tour have been similar), they’re at that thrilling stage where the sellouts are simply too tightly packed, and still leaving plenty of loving fans outside or at home.

It’s a potentially awkward time for a band – hopeful and exciting as they sell-out show, after show, after show, at every town they hit on a largely DIY tour. And it’s a great problem to have, with your fan base blowing up faster than you can book another tour – or record another record. But it’s also a telling time – and one that sometimes makes or breaks bands as they start to feel their way through the maze of fame.

… sellouts are simply too tightly packed, and still leaving plenty of loving fans outside or at home ….

But Jones and his Indications didn’t seem too fazed by fame’s encroaching pressures last Tuesday night. They played smoothly, lovingly, to the packed house for more than an hour, and sounded no less humble than they did at their Denver debut at the Bluebird last year.

Seducing the young Boulder audience with slick moves, an irresistible smile, and his unassuming personality – and, of course, that powerful, soulful voice – Durand Jones showed us all how a true R&B revivalist lives through their art.

they immediately had the audience bouncing, swaying, and singing – despite the close quarters on the floor.

Exploding on the stage with “Smile,” one side from their 2015 debut 7″, they immediately had the audience bouncing, swaying, and singing – despite the close quarters on the floor. By the third song, “Don’t You Know,” which featured heartthrob drummer/vocalist Aaron Frazer in the lead for the first time that night, the crowd was a mass of loving, sweaty, rhythmic beauty.

The band played a strong cover of Curtis Mayfield’s “(Don’t Worry) If There’s a Hell Below, We’re All Going to Go” before leading into the anthemic (and prophetic) “Morning in America,” after which Jones left the stage for a bit. The band took full advantage and played an instrumental medley of deep R&B cuts that more than showed off their roots – joined, for a bit, by opening band Kaina. No matter where you were in the room then, it was hot, sweaty, throbbing, and heaven.

Rounding out the set with “Is It Any Wonder,” another lead by Frazer – whose falsetto is more a siren song than anything – and eventually an encore featuring “How Can I Be Sure” and “Long Way Home,” Durand and his Indications definitely proved that they’re ready for the next level, and more than solid enough to not only survive, but to thrive.

No matter where you were in the room then, it was hot, sweaty, throbbing, and heaven.

Looks to us like it might be time to step off the road for a minute, though, and get us another new album. If indications are accurate, the next might be more a new bedrock for soul music, rather than another revival.