Brother’s Taylor and Griffin Goldsmith are out on the road performing their unique style of amplified folk-rock magic. On this tour, they are performing as a duo, presenting new and older songs representing many different eras of their musical journey. With their new album about to drop on October 11th, titled Oh Brother, it seems to be an extremely fitting description of their artistic journey together. With four strategically placed Colorado dates, the Goldsmiths are spreading the love around the Rocky Mountain State to scores of adoring fans.

The intimate unplugged-style show at Washington’s last night was very special and welcoming. Taylor and Griffin’s songs, and their presentation of them, resonated with the fans with sincerity and meaningful messages. The whole vibe felt like you just put on your favorite pair of faded blue jeans, grabbed a cup of coffee, and gave your favorite record a spin. The comfort and vulnerability the brothers exposed was a heartwarming interpretation of their lives, past and present. They have recently experienced heartache and, in turn, have harnessed all of those emotions in their writing. I am sure it’s very healing for them to expose their feelings to the world.

The new record, as described by the Goldsmiths, is a homegrown, sticky, raw record that exposes and sheds light on a variety of underlying joys and anxieties inherent to being alive in these current times. It was a tough year for the brothers and their families. Griffin lost his home and Taylor lost his studio in the Altadena wildfires in Los Angeles. This unfortunate situation, which affected them and so many others, was devastating and surreal. Taylor and Griffin were asked to perform on the Jimmy Kimmel show within a week of their losses. This performance inspired a ballad version of the song “Time Spent in Los Angeles” from the band’s 2011 Nothing Is Wrong album, which was played last night in Fort Collins.

With Taylor on six-string guitar and vocals, and Griffin behind the drum kit and vocals, and the rest of the stage vacant, the Washington’s audience was positioned for a real musical treat. The two musicians felt so accessible and sincere—their cool, laid-back vibe filled the room with peace, love, and understanding. The unplugged energy felt like a new horizon for Taylor and Griffin. They have always carried themselves with a pioneering spirit of introspective, thoughtful observations transformed into human connection through song. Maybe this band’s adventurous musical course is changing a bit, and the ship is being steered into uncharted waters—from their creativity to self-producing this latest album.

Taylor’s voice was distinctively rich and warm, projecting clarity and power to every corner of the room. His words hit the audience in all the right places, drawing them deep inside the musical conversation. His storyteller qualities, combined with his rock n’ roll background, propelled the material into a divine live concert experience. Taylor’s guitar skills were beautifully executed with pure class and raw emotion. Griffin on drums provided a rock foundation for the songs to build from, playing a softer style of elegance-meets-percussion. He blended power and subtlety perfectly, using traditional drumsticks, brushes, and mallets. Both artists showed endearing aspects of their personalities, voices, and musical skills in this stripped-down format.

The show had all of the elements of a traditional concert minus the big production bells and whistles. Taylor and Griffin sat down and performed to a very attentive array of music fans with diverse listening palettes. Their folk-rock, indie authenticity was front and center. They talked about the origins of songs, how they were inspired to write them, and the meaning behind them. Their performance was impeccably stylistic and filled with love and artistic freedom. The takeaway from the show for me, and I am sure for the audience, is that the Goldsmiths are a genuine, earnest musical act that shines a light on the good in people and places. They travel the American landscape weaving a tapestry of their observations, trials, tribulations, joys, sorrows, and life’s never-ending way of keeping us all on our toes.

The set’s song selection seemed to have a nice sequential aspect as well. The show’s structure had a brick-by-brick feeling, constantly exploring the innermost qualities of the melodies and moods in a purposeful manner. When musicians decide to bare their souls in such a close environment, they are disclosing their truths and hearts to a captive audience who love and respect their craftsmanship. They are sharing their lives in a way that is courageous, vulnerable, and gracious. It was truly a blessing to see and hear these fine musicians lay it all on the line. The faces of the crowd told a story of its own design—they felt the powerful joy and purpose of the music in their own way, and that is something to behold and cherish for every soul in attendance.

Thanks to Taylor and Griffin for including Fort Collins on your tour schedule—we love having you, and thank you for supporting Music Cares. Thanks, Sam Weber, for opening the show. Thanks to all of the guests and the staff at Washington’s. Setlist below—