Plume Varia perform ‘Forge’
Plume Varia perform “Forge” at Second Story Garage music video studio in Boulder, Colorado.
It didn’t take long for Denver music observers to notice Plume Varia.
Husband and wife Shon and Cherie Cobbs formed the band only two years ago, but after about a year they started finding themselves on best-of lists and playing the scene’s top venues. They have seen that attention only grow this year, including recent sets at the Westword Music Showcase and the Underground Music Showcase.
Part of Plume Varia’s appeal is their singular style, which spans their look and sound. Their appearance usually adheres to a palette of black and white — black and white outfits, black and white instruments, black and white videos and photos. (The YouTube widget on their website is even black and white). They bring formal elements to their stage setup, and nothing seems entirely random in the way they present their music.
The music itself is also deeply thoughtful and deliberate. Colorado’s music scene has long been flush with funky, jammy players who are out to uplift, which makes Plume Varia feel like a corrective as it emphasizes mood and reflection. You’ll get a sense of this in the songs the Cobbses performed during their recent session in the Garage — “Keeps,” “Forge” and “Home.” They also sat down for a discussion of their project with Quentin.
What they brought us: a vintage microphone.
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