Hayden Field, guitarist and vocalist for the Bends, performs at Fox Theatre on Sept. 23, 2026. (Kanin Cadam/CU Independent)
The Bends danced into the western leg of their “If You Insist” tour with openers Foxtide and Sunkissd at Fox Theatre on Sept. 23. Touring their debut album, “If You Insist,” which released on Sept. 18, the Baton Rouge raised and now Nashville-based quartet brought unkillable energy into Boulder with their alternative-rock style.
The band composed of vocalist and guitarist Hayden Field, guitarist Ian Marmande, bassist Chase Perkins and drummer Jacob Rhodes started playing at local bars in Louisiana initially just for fun. After their fame emerged to a reality, they faced their ultimatum. How did they reply? With If You Insist.
Lead singer of Sunkissd performs as an opener for the Bends at Fox Theatre on Sept. 23, 2026. (Kanin Cadam/CU Independent)
Sunkissd
Sparking the spirit, Boulder based indie/alt band Sunkissd played a mix of original and popular music, including their new single “Ain’t Coming Home” and “Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield. The band immediately brought together the spirits of the room, many audience members singing along with their hands in the air. Off the beat, I knew this was going to be an ecstatic show.
Lead singer and guitarist Elijah Gibbins-Croft of Foxtide sings to the crowd as the opener for the Bends at Fox Theatre on Sept. 23, 2026. (Kanin Cadam/CU Independent)
Foxtide
Following Sunkissd, Foxtide took an energetic hold of the theater with their jazz-infused psychedelic rock. The band’s funky style in conjunction with the intricate lighting created an atmosphere of passion and excitement that I’d never seen amongst an opening crowd. Singing songs from their new album, “Entropy,” lead singer and guitarist Elijah Gibbins-Croft performed with such vitality as if the theater was an extension of his own self.
The Bends
The moment The Bends entered the stage, the crowd roared in anticipation and excitement. Members high-fived people in the pit as they set up their instruments, and I found myself in a much more densely packed crowd compared to earlier in the night. Starting their spell on the crowd, they began playing “Off My Chest,” the first track off their album which contains the lyric from which the album name is derived.
Bassist Chase Perkins (left), guitarist Ian Marmande (right), and Field (right) perform together at Fox Theatre on Sept. 23, 2026. (Kanin Cadam/CU Independent)
“I’ll drink the water we’re swimmin’ in if you insist/I’m just the paint, you’re brushin’ it,” Field sang, presenting a metaphor in which Field is shaped by the other person’s desire.
While at the feet of The Bends, this lyric too gave me a sense of optimism that this tour and playing local venues gave them. Investing their hearts into the music, they became one with the crowd in front of them, and suddenly the griefs and joys they sang became mine—became ours—as well.
Both Marmande and Perkins possessed deep idiomatic mastery, their melodies dancing around one another while Rhodes’ drums built and amplified their impact. Dancing and jumping around the stage, the members continually hyped up the crowd and depicted their music as feeling, not just sound.
Drummer Jacob Rhodes (left), Field (center), and Marmande (right) passionately play for the crowd at Fox Theatre on Sept. 23, 2026. (Kanin Cadam/CU Independent)
One group of fans next to me shouted, hooped and howled after every song, so much so that Field, Marmande and Perkins would reach toward them, amplifying their already ecstatic energy.
Prior to this show, I was unfamiliar with The Bends. I hurriedly studied up on the album before leaving, but was still quite silent when it came to singing along. Despite my unfamiliarity, I found their artistry captivating, sounding familiar yet unique to me among the alt-rock scene.
Perkins smiles while playing the bass on stage at Fox Theatre on Sept. 23, 2026. (Kanin Cadam/CU Independent)
The atmosphere became increasingly bright and energetic when the group played some of their older singles, including “Smoking in Bed,” which was incorporated into the album. Even one of their new songs, “Hanging Around,” had much of the crowd singing along, despite only releasing five days prior.
By the time “Dance Away” was played, the band’s captivating rhythms and Field’s uniquely-inspiring vocals had others and I in the crowd feeling united. The band bent their music in a way I can only describe as intimate. Every beat and lyric delivered felt personal, no matter the intention, leading everyone’s mind to one thought: Dance.
Field laughs and talks to the crowd at Fox Theatre on Sept. 23, 2026. (Kanin Cadam/CU Independent)
Quickly becoming more acquainted with their work and joining their fanbase, I let myself be one with the tiny world they created. The fluidly upbeat yet rigidly coarse voice that leads their music distinguishes them among an ever-growing alternative scene.
Contact CU Independent Arts & Entertainment Editor Kanin Cadam at kanin.cadam@colorado.edu
