Re:Visit - EOTO Brings That Good Sound to Denver on Thanksgiving Eve
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The Thanksgiving Eve edition of Re:Search Wednesday brought some heavy hitters -EOTO as the headliner with Borahm Lee (of Break Science / Pretty Lights Live) and Nicholas S. Gerlach on support. EOTO is an electronic duo consisting of Michael Travis and Jason Hann, formed in 2006 as a side project of The String Cheese Incident. Originally standing for “End of Time Observatory,” the project name is now pronounced Ee-Oh-Toe after some fans informed the duo that it meant “good sound” in Japanese. With a 100% improvised approach, EOTO has created a unique niche in the electronic community due to its jam-band roots.
The show began with Re:Search Wednesday resident host, Jordan Polovina. Accompanied by Jeremy Smith on the saxophone, Polovina’s smooth jazzy vibe and cavalier vocals were the perfect way to start the night. His playful approach allowed the crowd to be put at ease on an evening that can otherwise be filled with apprehension with the coming holiday. A talented cellist, Polovina joked that he didn’t bring his cello this time but he had plenty of cello samples.
Nicholas S. Gerlach, a Denver-based saxophone player known for his work with Michal Menert & the Pretty Fantastics, was up next. While Gerlach has been playing in the scene for years, this was his first solo set. With electronic beats to back his live sax, Gerlach transitioned smoothly from Polovina’s performance and paved the way for another familiar face.
Borahm Lee is no stranger to the Denver scene. One half of Break Science, the man slays the keys like no other. He is also known for his work in the Pretty Lights Live band. With that same signature electro-soul feel, Borahm brings something new by expanding on it in his solo project. The evening felt more like a family gathering, as Borahm even wished happy birthday mid-set to Maddy O’Neal who was in the building. Then, EOTO took the stage.
The seasoned duo started (like every other show) from scratch, building note by note, beat by beat. The chemistry that comes with years of playing together becomes apparent, as they create a song out of nothing, taking the audience along with them for the ride. The stage was a cornucopia of equipment including computers, loopers, midi controllers, and mixers which were used in conjunction with live instrumentation to deliver the signature 100% live and improvised performance that you get with EOTO. The beauty of these guys is that it isn’t just a mess of two people who don’t know what they’re doing. By and large, they make it sound like they had been playing these songs for years. In fact, all three of EOTO’s studio albums were mixed and mastered in one take. The duo makes 100% live and improvised music look easy. As a member of the audience, you are constantly on your toes wondering what comes next.
This was no ordinary Wednesday. With tensions that can run high from travel and family dynamics, EOTO knew the crowd needed to let loose. If you were at the show, then you started your holiday weekend with an all-out dance party courtesy of some incredibly talented musicians. And one thing is for certain: Denver has a lot to be thankful for.
Nicholas S. Gerlach will be back for Re:Search Wednesday on December 11, 2019 as part of the Michal Menert Trio (also featuring Adam Deitch of Lettuce) with Mikey Thunder and Since JulEYE on support. Borahm Lee will be back for Re:Search Wednesday on January 29, 2020, with Kevin Donohue (of Sunsquabi) and Colby Buckler (of Emancipator Ensemble) with Lapa and Nadasound on support. Tickets can be found here.
