Since their debut, BRONCHO has been a fun, playful band that wrote and performed catchy garage-pop and indie-surf songs. They are currently on tour promoting their new album Natural Pleasure, and last week they took the stage at Salt Lake City’s Urban Lounge to play an uninterrupted hour-and-forty-five-minute set. Unlike their previous high-energy releases, their new record slows things down, unfolding as a hazy, thoughtful, cohesive project, and they proved the concept live by playing it from start to finish at their show. This is a bold move for a band known for so many classic previous efforts.
Without a word of introduction, BRONCHO walked onstage and started their set, surrounded by smoke, mirrors, lights, and Ryan Lindsey’s bouncy energy. Their confidence was undeniable as they played Natural Pleasure from front to back at a volume low enough to talk over, but the crowd were enthralled. As the final notes of the album section faded, the volume subtly ramped up and they transitioned into a second “hits” half, launching straight into “Class Historian.”
A few details made the night memorable. The venue felt sweltering, and whether it was by design or by fate of a broken A/C, it added an unexpected intensity. There was also no opener; BRONCHO chose to open for themselves, effectively giving fans two distinct sets. As described above, the first featured quieter soundscapes and moody lighting to match Natural Pleasure’s introspective vibe. In the second, they unleashed a garage-rock spectacle with amped-up volume and frenetic lights.
The entire show felt like a mission statement for the band; a bold reminder of where BRONCHO has been and where they’re headed. Though some in the crowd grew restless, craving classic anthems, the payoff in that second half was undeniable. By the end, the band was completely locked in, leaving everyone convinced they’d witnessed a night of truly great music.
Check out the photo gallery from Urban Lounge below:
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