Photos and Review by Jolene Rheault
CHARLOTTE, NC — Fresh off a heavy-hitting run at Mental Awakening in Atlanta, you’d forgive a band for hitting the stage with a bit of “tour brain.” But as Sqwerv rolled into Charlotte’s The Rabbit Hole on Friday night, exhaustion was nowhere to be found. Instead, the Denver-based quartet delivered a high-octane, non-stop dance party that proved exactly why they are one of the most formidable forces currently rising in the jam-fusion scene.
From the first note of “Drivin’,” the energy in Plaza Midwood shifted. Sqwerv doesn’t just play a set; they build an environment. Their sound is a refreshingly original cocktail of indie-psych and soulful classic rock, anchored by an improvisational virtuosity that feels both dangerous and disciplined. The floor was packed with a mix of die-hard fans and curious locals who were on their feet from the very first beat. There wasn’t a “warm-up” period for this crowd—everyone was up and moving from the jump, and they didn’t sit down for a single second of the performance.
The musicianship on display was nothing short of elite. Guy Frydenlund and Jack Marty traded melodic licks that felt telepathic, while the rhythm section of Caden Kramer and Zach Bulgarelli locked into deep pockets. The first set leaned into their technical prowess, featuring a massive 12-minute exploration of “Is It Right, Is It Wrong” and a heavy, 12-minute “King George” to close the half. Even the shorter tracks like the punchy “No Peaches” kept the momentum at a fever pitch.
What truly elevated the night from a “club gig” to a full-blown “experience” was the production. The lighting and videography were synchronized with the band’s peaks and valleys, creating a psychedelic visual tapestry that left the audience wide-eyed. It was a collaborative triumph of sight and sound—a rare moment where the technical precision of the music met its match in the atmosphere of the room. This is undoubtedly one of those shows that fans will be kicking themselves for missing in the years to come; it was small, intimate, and packed with the kind of unique, “you had to be there” moments that set a performance apart from the rest of a tour.
The second set took the “transcendent space” Sqwerv is known for and blew the doors off. They showcased their ability to weave disparate sounds together with a seamless “When the Dust Settles” sandwich that featured a rowdy “Wellerman” in the middle. They leaned into the dark, the beautiful, and the funky, refusing to let the energy dip for even a second. By the time they closed the night with a nearly 11-minute “Nothing Left To Say” followed by a triumphant return to “Looky Lou,” the room was buzzing with that specific post-jam glow.
Sqwerv is a band that thrives on connection, and Friday night was a masterclass in how to build it. They are fiercely driven, wildly talented, and—based on the sweat-drenched, smiling faces leaving the venue—absolutely essential viewing for anyone who craves the magic of live improvisation. If you have the chance to catch them as they continue this current tour—with upcoming stops including Philadelphia, Asbury Park, Baltimore, and a three-night run in Virginia Beach —do not miss it. We weren’t ready for the music to end, and honestly? We’re already counting down the days until they swing back through the Queen City.
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