Boyscott took the stage at Meow Wolf in Denver, opening for Summer Salt on their current tour, and delivered a set that felt both intimate and electric. Originally hailing from the Northeast, the band carries that coastal sensibility in their sound. There’s a subtle chill to their music—an undercurrent of gray skies and salt air—but it translates effortlessly to Denver’s laid-back crowd. Their blend of surf-tinged indie rock feels authentic and unforced, like a natural extension of who they are as people and as a band. 

Lead singer Scott Hermo took the stage with an easy charisma, pausing between songs to engage with the audience. At several points he called out, “Hip hip!” grinning as the crowd enthusiastically responded, “Hooray!” The exchange was simple, but it fostered a sense of warmth and camaraderie that carried throughout the night.

The band played a thoughtful mix of older and newer material, including tracks from their 2019 album Goose Bumps, such as “Killer Whale,” alongside favorites from their 2024 release Spellbound. Onstage, the group moved like a fluid wave; each member swaying, stepping, and leaning into the music in their own distinct way, yet always in sync. Their chemistry was undeniable and it even felt like the crowd was part of the dance.

They closed the night with their most popular track, “Nova Scotia 500,” a funky, wistful ode to the Canadian province. The song references places in Maine, such as Cadillac Mountain and Frenchman Bay—grounding it in the band’s own roots. It feels like a love letter to home, and in turn, makes the audience feel at home too. There’s something deeply comforting about a band so clearly proud of where they come from.

Midway through the set, Hermo took a moment to speak about the band’s values. Acknowledging the heaviness many people feel in the current political climate, he reflected on music’s power to bring people together and help them persevere through difficult times. He voiced his support for a free Palestine and shared that half of the proceeds from their merchandise sales that night would go toward supporting immigrant initiatives in the United States. It was refreshing to see an emerging band use their platform so openly and intentionally. Watching young artists stand firm in their beliefs and advocate for change, however large or small their audience, felt meaningful and powerful. After all, art does not exist in a vacuum; it lives and breathes in the world around it. That moment added an extra layer of connection to the evening. The show felt not just entertaining, but communal and purposeful. I left feeling more connected not only to their music, but to the crowd around me.

In a music landscape often dominated by trends and algorithms, Boyscott stands out for their sincerity and heart. They are authentic, grounded in their roots, and above all, a genuinely good time. I’ve long admired their music and their spirit, and after this performance, I’m even more excited to see where they go next. If you have the chance to catch them on tour with Summer Salt (or at any show that comes your way) I would highly recommend it.