Rochester-based band Joywave, featuring Daniel Armbruster on vocals, Joseph Morinelli on guitar, and Paul Brenner on drums, brought their signature eclectic sound to Denver’s Gothic Theater last Friday. The minute the band graced the stage, the crowd erupted with excitement, instantly swept up by the first song on the set list, “Graffiti Planet” from their new album Permanent Pleasure.

The band all sported matching monochrome slime-green collared shirts and shorts, a bold look that sharply contrasted with the deep burgundy curtains in the background. The lead vocalist of the group, Daniel Armbruster, made sure to make the stage his playground, he did not shy away from engaging the crowd with his dynamic movements. He moved so fast it was almost hard to keep up—constantly pacing around the stage, keeping the audience on their toes and the energy at an all-time high.

The band struck a perfect balance, mixing fan favorites from their earlier projects while paying tribute to their latest release, giving it the spotlight it deserved. There was even a large cat statue located on stage that would purr occasionally, resembling the cat on the cover of their new album Permanent Pleasure. 

One of the highlights for me was when the band played the eccentric bop “Someone New,” followed by “Rumors,” which happen to be my personal favorites. These back-to-back bangers made sure no one in the crowd could stand still, as everyone was completely entranced by the infectious energy of the music.

The show truly had something for everyone. For those drawn to cinematic sounds and captivating visuals, Joywave delivered. For fans of high-energy rhythms and upbeat tempos, the set was packed with that too. And for those craving something a bit different—unique, offbeat tracks that somehow flow seamlessly together—the performance hit all the right notes. 

It was also amazing to see the diversity of showgoers that night. The crowd ranged from high schoolers to older couples, all equally immersed in the experience and clearly having the time of their lives. Joywave’s music really seemed to bridge generations, bringing everyone together for an unforgettable night.

The band closed their show with one of their most popular tracks, “Dangerous,” prompting the crowd—including me—to light up our phones and capture the moment. There’s something incredibly special about finally hearing a song live that you’ve listened to online for so long. It lived up to the hype, delivering a satisfying and memorable end to an electric set. Joywave is currently touring their latest album, Permanent Pleasure, around the world. If you get the chance to catch them live, I highly recommend it—immerse yourself in their eclectic world and experience the energy firsthand!