Evelyn Renee On March 22, 2025, Denver’s Lost Lake Lounge set the stage for a dynamic night of alternative rock, headlined by Slow Joy. The evening began with Creek energizing the crowd, followed by NVM, who kept the momentum going with their captivating set. Slow Joy closed out the night with a powerful performance, leaving fans immersed in the music and the moment.
Creek
Creek, an emo-gaze band from Denver, Colorado, features Jared Barnes (guitar and vocals), Brandon Neil (guitar), Danny Henderson (bass and vocals), and Dan Carlson (drums). Known for their reverb-drenched sound and introspective lyrics, they have captivated the local music scene. In 2024, Creek earned the title of “Best Moody Band” from Denver Westword.
In January 2025, Creek released the New Year Split 2025, collaborating with Overhang and Summer of Peril. The split features their track “Retrace,” showcasing their signature emotive style. Recently, they unveiled the single “See Through,” further solidifying their presence in the emo-gaze genre. Fans can stream their music on platforms like Spotify.
Photos by Evelyn Johnson. Copyright © 2025 Evelyn Johnson ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
NVM
NVM, a dynamic band from Southern Utah, formed in October 2016 when guitarist and vocalist Austin Mariano met drummer McCabe Johnson at a campus coffee shop. Their shared musical interests led to the addition of bassist Kolton Leishman and guitarist Dylan Martinez, solidifying the lineup. Influenced by bands like Underoath and Smashing Pumpkins, NVM blends elements of old-school ’80s rock, shoegaze, and metalcore to create a nostalgic yet unique sound.
In February 2018, NVM released their concept EP, Aquacross, exploring themes of depression, suicide, and heartbreak. The band recorded the EP at Spiral Studios in St. George, capturing a raw and authentic sound with minimal digital influence. Following the release, NVM embarked on several tours across northwestern states, performing alongside other up-and-coming bands.
By September 2019, NVM had evolved their musical style, transitioning from aggressive screamo to a more melodic and accessible sound. They announced their upcoming album, Thermal Memory, featuring ten tracks that showcase this new direction. The album was in the final mixing stages, with a release anticipated in the following months.
Photos by Evelyn Johnson. Copyright © 2025 Evelyn Johnson ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Slow Joy
Esteban Flores, known professionally as Slow Joy, is a Dallas-based singer-songwriter originally from New Mexico. In 2020, he began releasing music under the Slow Joy moniker, blending grunge, emo, and shoegaze influences to create a unique “Southwest emo” sound. His early singles, “Crawling” and “Soft Slam,” gained significant attention for their emotive depth and dynamic instrumentation.
In 2023, Slow Joy released the EP Wildflower, showcasing his evolving artistry and resonating with a growing audience. By 2024, his music had amassed millions of streams across platforms like Spotify and TikTok, leading to a full-time music career. Currently, Slow Joy is touring extensively, sharing his introspective and powerful music with fans nationwide.
Photos by Evelyn Johnson. Copyright © 2025 Evelyn Johnson ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
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