Fara Francis If you’ve ever wanted to feel like you’re watching a band on the edge of something big—but at a venue just small enough to make you feel like you’re part of a secret club—Lost Lake Lounge on June 5th was the place to be. Pleasure Pill and benches shared the stage: two bands whose sounds were distinct but strangely complementary.
Pleasure Pill
Pleasure Pill kicked off the night with a nostalgic flair that felt equal parts surreal and magnetic—like they’d stepped straight out of Yellow Submarine and stumbled effortlessly into Denver’s buzzing indie scene. With vintage-inspired fits, shaggy hair, and a laid-back charm that felt totally unforced, they carried an aesthetic that was as cohesive as their sound. But don’t let the throwback vibe fool you—there was an unexpected edge beneath the surface.
Their off-kilter garage pop came laced with grit, giving their dreamy, lo-fi melodies just enough bite to keep things interesting. From the very first chord, their set had a hypnotic pull, riding that sweet spot between chaotic and cool. The room—small, loud, and full of eager ears—felt tailor-made for their brand of sonic weirdness. It was the kind of performance that thrives in a venue like Lost Lake, where the speakers feel too close, the floor’s got that classic venue stick, and the line between performer and crowd is practically nonexistent.
When they teased new material from their upcoming debut album Hang a Star, it was clear this band isn’t stuck in retro fantasy—they’re evolving. The new tracks had a sharper edge, more confidence, and a restless energy that hinted at a band finding its teeth and learning how to bite back. It wasn’t just an opening set; it was a promise that Pleasure Pill is just getting started.
Photos by Fara Francis. All images © 2025 Copyright Fara Francis. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
benches
The soft, dreamlike glow left behind by Pleasure Pill’s set quickly gave way to something rawer and more visceral as benches took the stage. From the very first note, the band grabbed the crowd’s attention with a gritty, emotionally charged performance that pulsed through the intimate confines of Lost Lake Lounge. Sharp guitar riffs sliced through the air, weaving with brooding basslines and moody atmospheres to create a cinematic kind of tension.
benches moved through their set with precision and passion, performing standout tracks like “Naive” and “Kill the Lights” from their latest EP. Each song felt like a carefully curated scene in a larger story—one filled with vulnerability, frustration, and the aching beauty of youth on the brink.
The synergy between the band’s powerful instrumentation and the raw, emotive quality of their vocals filled the venue, transforming the space into something that felt both personal and electric. With its low ceilings, tight crowd, and unfiltered sound, Lost Lake Lounge took on the energy of a secret garage show—one where every person in the room could say they were there before the band blew up. As the final notes faded, the charged atmosphere lingered, a testament to benches’ undeniable stage presence and growing momentum.
Photos by Fara Francis. All images © 2025 Copyright Fara Francis. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
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