Keys N Krates is currently on their Midnite Mass tour. With nonstop back-to-back shows, their performance at the Ogden Theatre on Thursday, February 11th was yet again another unparalleled, bass filled experience.
London based DJ duo, Stooki Sound, took the stage around 10:00 PM and awoke the atmosphere. Playing originals such as “Ball So Hard” to RL Grime’s “Core” to Drake’s “Know Yourself”, Stooki Sound had the whole crowd raging from start to finish. No wonder the venue was at almost full capacity during their set.
During set change around 11:00 PM, the crowd was jam-packed with angst and began to chant “Keys N Krates”. As 11:15 approached, the lights dimmed as Keys N Krates arose on stage and opened with “U Already Know”. What sets them apart from the game is that they incorporate live instruments, mixing their sound with keys and drums. In doing so, each song is played live with an increased intensity that really showcases their “trap” band element. This was particularly evident as the crowd screamed when Tune’s drumstick hit his drum head to the beat of “Keep It 100”. The 100 emoji from the iPhone keyboard incessantly darted across the screen, which was especially fitting because Keys N Krates unquestionably kept it 100 the whole night.
Keys N Krates always comes equipped with a massive screen that spans the entire stage. Although the graphics were extremely simple, ranging from geometric shapes to plain colored red, blue, and white backdrops, it accentuated their set gratifyingly. However, nothing could compare to the moments to as when the strobe lights came to a halt and the screen turned completely white. Their bodies and instruments faded into a silhouette while the bass echoed the room. It was so bold; they unified the stage and sound waves, turning reality into a midnight mass.
As the words “dum dum dum dum dum dum” filled the room, I could hear a manifold of attendees around me say, “this is the song I have been waiting for.” With a slowed intro, Keys N Krates ended the set with their infamous, “Dum Dee Dum”. The crowd tossed their hands in the air and danced so hard, as if they were saving all their energy for this song. The lights turned off around 12:15 PM, but the crowd was not ready to go home just yet. The chant “one more song” ricocheted throughout the Ogden Theatre, and before you knew it, Keys N Krates reemerged on stage - ready to give the coveted encore. The encore included songs from their new EP such as “Save Me” and “Nothing But Space”.
Keys N Krates consistently puts on intoxicating performances. They are always welcomed to Colorado and the Coloradans made damn sure of that Thursday night.
Written by: Kimberlyanne Tan
Photography by: Calyx Ward