RÜFÜS DU SOL Triumphantly Return to Red Rocks, Showcase Upcoming Album [Review]

It had been over a year since RÜFÜS DU SOL had graced the stage, and they wasted little time plunging fans into the magic all over again.

Sydney, Australia-based trio have ignited international acclaim behind their atmospheric, indie electronic music. Their first two albums, 2013’s Atlas and 2016’s Bloom, topped the Australian album charts and were both certified gold, before making waves across the Pacific in the United States.

March 2020 kicked off what was supposed to be a triumphant victory lap of sorts for the Australian trio. Their third studio album, Solace, had just been nominated for a Grammy, as had their track, “Underwater,” which received an immersive showcase at 2019’s Coachella. After headlining Okeechobee Music Festival, RÜFÜS hit the road en route for a decorated festival and tour run, only to have it cancelled a few days in by pandemic.

Amidst this time of global shutdown, the group hit the renowned national park, Joshua Tree, where they would lay the foundation and initial recording of new material. Inspired by their iconic live performance there, the duo returned to their roots and began writing within a theme of duality of light and dark, loss and love. Six months later, this material would be refined at their L.A. studio, and would lie in wait until the band could release music with the intent to play it out live.

In July, RUFUS debuted a new single, “Alive,” a track adorned with haunting storytelling and inventive beat percussion; encapsulating a lost but not forgotten year. Yesterday, the first day of a two-night run at the famed Red Rocks Amphitheater, they dropped their follow up single, “Next To Me.” It’s subtle piano arrangement provided a new depth for the trio, and set the stage for an epic residency at one of the world’s most decorated venues.

The evening kicked off with fellow Sydney-based act Cassian, before Monolink took over for a multi-instrumental set. The German artist showcased, like so many coming out of quarantine, new material he had been waiting to debut for over a year. This curation showed RÜFÜS’ international tastes, as well as the electronic genres continued evolution.

Shortly before 10 P.M., RÜFÜS took the stage and returned to a familiar three podium stage setup. An electrifying LED board provided a vibrant backdrop, while a rectangular light and laser fixture framed the trio in a magical and illuminating aura. The group opened with their hit “Underwater,” providing an immediately immersive and emotional stage presence. Effortlessly, the trio quickly ran through a barrage of classics (“Eyes,” “Like An Animal,” “You Were Right”) that reminded those in attendance of the staggering catalogue and captivating vibe their live show entails.

Sprinkled in amongst fan-favorites, RÜFÜS debuted several new tracks, including the latest singles. “Next To Me,” fresh in the minds of the sold-out crowd, delivered an exceptionally emotional vibe during its live debut. Lindqvist’s lyrics, “I want to feel you standing next to me,” along with the emotional piano arrangement from Jon George, felt made for a moment where this personal message could be told with reunited loved ones and fans in one enraptured setting.

If a pandemic and prolonged delay to live music had let fans forget, RÜFÜS DU SOL reminded all in attendance that their live show, music and connection with listeners is nothing short of exceptional. Check out the trio again at Red Rocks this evening, or catch them on the road throughout 2021:

Thurs, Aug 12 – Morrison, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheatre

Sun Sep 5 – Manchester, TN – Bonnaroo

Fri Sep 24 – New York, NY – Gov Ball Festival

Sat. Oct. 2 – Austin, TX – Austin City Limits Weekend 1

Sat. Oct. 9 – Austin, TX – Austin City Limits Weekend 2

Sat. Oct. 23 – Miami, FL – III Points Festival

Sun. Oct. 31 – San Francisco, CA – Outside Lands Festival

Thu Nov 04 – Phoenix, AZ – Arizona Federal Theatre

Sat Nov 06 – Las Vegas, NV – Downtown Las Vegas Events Center

Fri, Nov 12 – Los Angeles, CA – LA Banc of California Stadium

Sat, Nov 13 – Los Angeles, CA – LA Banc of California Stadium

Sun, Nov 14 -Los Angeles, CA – LA Banc of California Stadium

Thu Nov 18 – Houston, TX – 401 Franklin St

Sat Nov 20 – Irving, TX – The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory

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