BALTHVS brought hypnotic grooves and psychedelic energy to a sold-out night at The Holding Company in Ocean Beach, with support from Richard Houghten.

BALTHVS makes music that’s easy to get lost in. Mixing psychedelic rock with funk, disco, dub, and Latin rhythms, the Colombian trio has a sound that invites you to move while giving you plenty to listen to. Their October 22 show at The Holding Company brought that mix to the heart of Ocean Beach.

The band features Balthazar Aguirre on guitar, Johanna Mercuriana on bass, and Santiago Lizcano on drums. Each brings something important to the mix. Aguirre’s guitar melodies drift through the music, while Mercuriana’s bass adds warmth and a groove you can follow. Lizcano holds it all together on drums, giving the songs a steady pulse and room to breathe.

What makes their music so appealing is how naturally those parts fit together. There’s a lot going on, but it never feels like you have to figure it out. You can pay attention to the little details or just enjoy the rhythm. Vocals become part of the mix, often letting the instruments do the talking.

Opening for BALTHVS, Richard Houghten brought his warm, dreamy guitar sound to the stage. His laid-back instrumental melodies created an intimate atmosphere, inviting listeners to slow down and get lost in the music.

An evening of hypnotic rhythms and dreamy melodies at The Holding Company. Richard Houghten opened with his warm, atmospheric guitar sound, setting the mood before BALTHVS took the stage with their infectious blend of psychedelic rock, funk, and Latin grooves, turning the night into a celebration of music without borders.

Photos and Review by Alexandra Schroeder