Kicking off the new year with a burst of sunshine amidst the snowy winter that’s been sweeping through Denver, almost monday brought an electric energy to their sold-out show at Meow Wolf last week. The San Diego-based trio, made up of Dawson Daugherty on vocals, Cole Clisby on guitar, and Luke Fabry on bass, are currently on their headlining DIVE tour, taking their vibrant sound across North America.

From the moment I stepped into the venue, the energy was palpable. The crowd, packed to the brim due to the show’s sold-out status, was already buzzing with excitement. People were dancing and singing along to the pre-show playlist, setting the stage for an unforgettable night. It was clear everyone was ready to fully embrace the live experience the moment almost monday hit the stage. As they did, the crowd’s anticipation erupted into cheers. The band opened with “dive” from their latest album, DIVE, instantly captivating the audience with their music. 

The stage itself was a work of art, adorned with a colorful, window-like backdrop that created an inviting, dreamlike atmosphere. At the center, a realistic diving board was positioned, a clever and fitting nod to the band’s album theme and overall vibe. Additionally, the room was brought to life with dynamic projections that danced across the walls, showcasing a mix of captivating images and visuals that perfectly complemented the band’s vibe.

As always, almost monday never fails to truly bring the energy. Dawson, in particular, is a whirlwind of infectious excitement, dancing across the stage with an uncontainable enthusiasm. There’s not a corner of the stage he doesn’t own, bringing the party to every inch with his signature moves and magnetic presence. The crowd absolutely loves it, feeding off his vibe.

It’s impossible not to get swept up in the energy, especially when you see fans in the crowd rocking sunglasses, a nod to Dawson’s iconic pair that he wears throughout nearly every performance. His engagement with the audience goes far beyond just performing, he makes every person feel seen. At one point, a fan handed him her phone to capture the moment, and Dawson didn’t hesitate to take it, walking around the stage filming his bandmates while still belting out the lyrics. It’s small moments like these that show how much he values connecting with the crowd, and it’s clear that this genuine interaction is one of the reasons their shows are so memorable.

Having traditions you do as a band on stage is so special, especially one that includes the fans that make the show possible. During every show, Dawson makes it a point to take out his polaroid camera and take a picture of the crowd in every city almost monday performs in. It’s a beautiful way to recognize the fans and the cities that make each stop on their tour unique. After the show, the band shares the photo on their Instagram, letting everyone who attended—whether they made it into the frame or not—feel a part of the experience. It’s a special way to commemorate each night, and you can feel how much almost monday cherishes these memories. It’s not just about the performance; it’s about capturing the connection with the fans and the sentimental moments that make every show unforgettable.

The band played a setlist that spanned every chapter of their journey, taking the audience on a musical ride from their latest album to some of their earliest releases. They kicked off with songs from DIVE, but also took a trip down memory lane with tracks like “cough drops” and “parking lot view”. They even played one of their unreleased songs “lost” for the crowd. And of course, the night wouldn’t have been complete without the fan favorites that have become synonymous with the band’s vibe, “only wanna dance” and “life goes by”.

Before performing “life goes by”, the band thanked the crowd for coming out to the show and expressed a sentiment about how fast life truly does pass us by, and encouraged everyone to always embrace the moment and live life to the fullest. You could tell that they truly live by that statement themselves, pouring their passion into every performance and making the most of each moment they have on stage. 

almost monday is a band that stays true to their laid-back, Californian roots, infusing their music with a bright, uplifting energy that resonates wherever they go. Their ability to bring that sunshine to every corner of the world is something truly special. If you have the opportunity to catch them on their DIVE tour, I highly recommend experiencing it for yourself. The energy, the connection, and the pure joy they radiate are unforgettable.