Written by: Ashley Parrish Otteman
Saturday night at the Cultural Enrichment Center of Fort Collins was surprisingly perfect for an unforgettable show. Tucked away in a nondescript converted warehouse, this venue might not seem the obvious choice for buzzworthy bands like BRAT and Bonginator. There was a no-tolerance drug or alcohol policy. Still, its laid-back, all-ages atmosphere and the stage hidden in the back corner created a unique setting that unexpectedly matched the raw energy of the night. These unconventional venues often turn out to host the best experiences, and this night turned out to be no exception.
The show started promptly at 7 PM with Violent Testimony. Based out of Cheyenne, Wyoming, and composed of members from Dystopiod and Casket Huffer, these guys recently resurrected the band after a hiatus to focus on other projects. They didn’t waste a moment before ramping up the energy to full throttle. The pit erupted from the first few chords, with frontman Tylor Wade right in the thick of it. Their sound—a raw mix of thrash, grindcore, and power violence—demonstrated the seamless cohesion from a long-shared history. Shoes were thrown as bodies slammed into each other, marking an electrifying start to the night.
Next up was Aleister Cowboy. They were a duo tonight, as their bass player was ill, but they didn't let that slow them down. The guitarist adapted by routing his guitar through the bass amp, producing unexpectedly thick and layered tones that filled out their sound. Their heavy style, which they dub "sewer-stomping death metal," was impressively solid. The sound quality, particularly for such a small and unconventional venue, was surprisingly good, making their performance all the more impressive.
As the venue filled with the thick air of sweat, I stepped outside for some fresh air and spotted Brenner Moate, BRAT's guitarist, and Dustin Eagan, their drummer, near their van. My fangirl enthusiasm wasn’t exactly subtle, given my homemade BRAT Barbie shirt crafted from Sharpies and a plain Target tee. After introducing myself, we started chatting, our eyes occasionally drifting toward the old bridge across the field that backs to the venue. Fueled by caffeine and excitement, I impulsively suggested a walk down there. They initially hesitated, probably because I appeared to be a rabid fangirl with a penchant for DIY fashion. However, when Liz Selfish, BRAT’S iconic vocalist, joined us and the bridge topic resurfaced, I pitched the idea again, and she was up for it! So, just like that, I found myself meandering through a field at dusk with members of one of my favorite bands. Upon arriving at the old bridge, which turned out to be an old aqueduct, Liz and I cautiously navigated the crisscrossed beams inside the channel while Brenner and their merch guy (whose name I’d forgotten, but he was super cool) strolled along the outer railings between the cement arches.
Running out of daylight, we headed back inside the venue, where the Fort Collins-based band Old Skin was playing. This "noisy stoner sludge" band quickly recaptured my focus after the adventure. Their sound was impressively tight and heavy, resonating throughout the space with palpable intensity. The band's low, throaty vocals added a perfect dark, doomy undertone to the sludgy ambiance. The musicianship was solid, with each note delivered with cohesive precision, enhancing the gloomy yet enthralling atmosphere they created. I was immediately engrossed, drawn back into their immersive sound, which was as captivating as it was powerful.
Next up was Wolfblitzer, the northern Colorado hardcore band known for their ferocious energy. Unfortunately, they were also down a member, as their usual vocalist was out sick, but the band wasn't about to let that slow them down. Boston Lepetit, from the band Rukkus, stepped in to lend his vocals for a few tracks, and Matt Dooley from the previous band, Old Skin, also pitched in, keeping the momentum going. Their sound was as heavy, aggressive, and brutal as ever—a perfect fit for the lineup. The crowd's response was electric, with the pit erupting into a frenzy of activity as fans continued to mosh and rage relentlessly.
At last, the moment arrived for Bonginator to kick off their set. Faces melted as they unleashed their distinct brand of old-school death metal, or as they like to call it, "two-stepping neon weed death." With harsh rhythms and fast-paced guitar riffs that complemented tracks inspired by '80s horror and action movies, creating a unique mix of aggression and humor. I initially discovered these guys on TikTok, where they post entertaining and informative videos about band and tour life. Over the past year, I've followed them closely, anticipating their return to Colorado. So, I was eager to see what these guys could do live. One of the first things I noticed was drummer Joseph McNamara, who appeared to be radiating pure joy as he assaulted his drum kit, looking like the happiest person in the room. The vibe was infectious. On guitar, Ben Cummings was the epitome of focus, balancing the band's lighter side with a more intense demeanor, while Erik Thorstenn riffed away on his distorted guitar, belting out deep, growling vocals. The crowd loved every moment as they were encouraged to two-step, crowd kill, push pit, and stage jump. Bonginator killed it live. These guys are genuine, approachable, and immensely entertaining, and their time on stage was just flat-out— fun. After their set wrapped up, amid the cheers, someone shouted, "Will you sign my chest!" The band members mingled with the audience without missing a beat, signing body parts and snapping photos, surpassing all my expectations.
Finally, it was BRAT's turn to take the stage. Although I was already a fan, this was my first time seeing them live, and Liz announced that it was their first time playing in Colorado, which made the night even more epic, especially after my earlier encounter with them. Their style is often dubbed death grind/hardcore, or what some might call Barbiecore or Barbie grind, given Liz’s long bleach blond hair. These guys have been touring almost non-stop for the past three years, and their experience was evident. I had initially discovered BRAT in my quest to find female vocalists who embrace a more extreme vocal style. Traditional singing has its place, but there’s something compelling about using the voice as a raw, powerful instrument without trying to sound pretty, that lights me up.
Seeing BRAT perform was a thrill—Liz seamlessly blends beauty with brutality, a rare quality that’s difficult to replicate with her level of authenticity. On stage, she’s mesmerizing, starting each song dancing as if she were alone in her room to a poppy sample like Britney Spears or Cascada, then suddenly diving into deep, guttural vocals. Her dynamic presence is complemented by a group of skilled musicians who elevate the aggressive vocal style with brutal riffs, blast beats, and a heavy bass tone. Experiencing BRAT live is essential, and fortunately, with their rigorous touring schedule, they’re not hard to find.
As the night wound down, people lingered to snap pictures, grab merch, and chat before heading home. It was a memorable night for me—full of unexpected moments I won’t forget anytime soon. This night also showed me that all-ages shows play an underrated but vital role in the music scene. The younger fans, undistracted and enthusiastic, inject vital energy that seems to elevate the performances. Being part of a crowd focused solely on the music was refreshing. I’m eager to attend more shows like this, where the music truly takes center stage. The evening surpassed all my expectations, leaving me with memories of a night that couldn’t have gone much better.
BRAT and Bonginator are currently on tour along the West Coast. Click HERE for dates and locations.
Photos by Bre Sheridan and Ashley Parrish
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