CSH performs at the Woodland Park Zoo
Article written by and photos by Jupiter Schuchart
On a calm summer evening, the tranquil surroundings of Woodland Park Zoo were transformed into a pulsating hub of indie rock fever as Car Seat Headrest took the stage that night. It was the first time the band had performed all together after frontman Will Toledo battled with his health.
The opening act set the tone with an energetic performance, but it was clear that the audience was eagerly awaiting the main event. Guitarist Ethan performed a cover from Toy Bastard, with the song “Daddy Was A Starship Captain,” as drummer Andrew painted on the stage. Every brush stroke hitting the canvas along with the music made the fans more and more eager to see the final piece and await the rest of the band to come out. When Will Toledo finally emerged, they were met with a roar of cheers and applause.
Frontman Will Toledo, known for his reflective lyrics and distinctive voice, did not disappoint. The band opened with "The End of Dramamine," immediately drawing the audience into their world of raw emotion and intricate melodies. Toledo’s vocals were as raw and powerful live as they are on record. The fans sang loudly along with every lyric having the crowd and band’s energy bounce back and forth from each other making, electrifying the whole zoo with their spirit.
The setlist was a well-curated mix of old favorites and newer tracks from released to unreleased that the band had not performed altogether in many years. Songs like "Drunk Drivers/Killer Whales" and "Something Soon" were met with enthusiastic sing-alongs, while die-hard fans were excited for songs like “Stoop Kid” and “Cosmic Hero” to make a return to the setlist. Meanwhile deeper cuts like "Beach Life-in-Death" showcased the band's versatility and depth.
One of the highlights of the evening was an extended jam session during "Destroyed by Hippie Powers," where each member had a moment to shine. The energy was infectious, with the audience dancing and swaying to the hypnotic rhythms. Another highlight was a surprise cover song from “Dreams” originally released by Fleetwood Mac. Hearing Will Toledo's raw voice along with the song did not disappoint with the passion and emotion he delivered within the song.
As the night drew to a close, Car Seat Headrest treated the audience to an encore, finishing with "Around," a song that encapsulates heartache, doubt, and confusion. The crowd's applause and cheer lingered long after the last notes faded.
In conclusion, Car Seat Headrest’s concert at Woodland Park Zoo was worth the long wait. The band’s passion shone through, making it a night to remember for all in attendance. The combination of a beautiful performance and a unique venue made this concert one to hold close and remember for years to come.
