Some shows have IT and some shows don’t. And last night’s show never even came close. Aside from standout, but structured, versions of “Stash” in the first set and “Bowie” in the second set, there was no improvisation to speak of in Amherst’s second show, leaving many fans scratching their head trying to figure out what happened Sunday night and why. After a song-driven effort on Saturday evening, Phish came out with zero intent last night, seemingly happy to play a benign list of singles with almost zero creativity. Every tour has a speed bump – a low-point – and without question there won’t be a less engaging show this fall than Amherst’s Sunday night finale.

After what felt like a rocking set-up show on Saturday, Phish’s homecoming to New England never truly came to fruition. After a week of cutting edge playing, starting on Charleston’s second night and ending on Friday in Providence, the band significantly reeled in their improvisation for the college town. And on Sunday, they never allowed themselves to get into any flow, playing a show that fell as flat as a pancake. The night seemed so divergent in music and tone than any this tour, the entire show seemed wholly out of place. Midway through the second set, the show had lost any semblance of momentum, stumbling to an uneventful finish. Phish continued their precise playing, but by choosing to not bring their music anywhere interesting, they sealed the fate of the evening.

Let’s start with what matters most. Amidst an old-school setlist, including the long-time bust-out of “Ride Captain Ride” since Philly ’99, Phish innocently dropped into “Stash” as the first piece of improvisation of the evening. A song that hasn’t received much love in this era finally got a moment to shine last night, albeit still stuffed in the middle of the opening set. Drifting into the jam with delicacy, Trey’s licks began out of the gate with an intricate intention as Page’s piano chased his melodies over a subtle pocket. T