Screaming Through Space
Hersheypark Stadium [Rene Huemer via Phish]
The show kicked off with the high-energy couplet of “First Tube” and “Axilla,” a pairing that was promptly followed up by the improvisational highlight of the first set in “Fuego.” The band built a slow and ominous jam from the song that lasted just long enough to satisfy before leading into “Runaway Jim.” The first set as a whole was highly enjoyable and flowed quite well with great song selection. I particularly dug the version of “Death Don’t Hurt Very Long” which featured more improv than usual and which set up a groovy, albeit brief, set-closing “Antelope.”
The second set featured two standout jams that had markedly different feels to them. The set opening “No Man’s” expanded into an impressionistic experiment in soundscapes laced with a heavy amount of effects and tonal colors. Fishman’s drumming stood out in this excursion, as his driving rhythms anchored the direction of the band while Page and Trey used wide brush strokes to create varying textures over top. The subsequent jam in “Soul Planet,” my favorite of the night, had a much more directional quality. Led by Trey’s stellar lead playing, this piece was plot-driven with a clear progression of mini-movements that brought the listener on a complete journey before concluding with a seamless segue into “NICU.” Both of these jams were ultimately successful, but represented two very different improvisational approaches.
A mid-set version of “Joy” felt like it would bisect the stanza’s improvisational jaunts, but following the ballad, Trey, instead, decided to take the show on a song-based route. Everything was certainly well-played, but there was nothing of note to write home about. Many years ago, this type of turn in the second set might have soured me on the show, but I have reached a point in my Phish-going life where I simply enjoy whatever is presented each night to the fullest. As a wise man once said, “Ain’t no time to hate, barely time to wait…”
Throughout their history, Phish has always had a penchant for crushing shows that directly precede hyped destination weekends. They also have had propensity to follow up lighter shows with far heavier affairs. So considering both of these factors, be on the lookout for a heater tomorrow!
I. First Tube, Axilla, Fuego -> Runaway Jim, Gumbo, Sample in a Jar, Steam, Sugar Shack, Llama, Death Don’t Hurt Very Long > Run Like an Antelope
II. No Men In No Man’s Land > Soul Planet -> NICU, Joy, Scent of a Mule, Golden Age > Prince Caspian > Backwards Down the Number Line, The Lizards, Character Zero
E. Rock and Roll
I love how the intent is there. It seems like they move through the composed sections cleanly, and then dive right in. Tonight the extension of the jams fell short, similar to Mercury from the other night. It had so much potential. Definitely had a chance in Soul Planet and Golden Age.
I did think No Men’s was super tight.
They need to do more with Gumbo, enough already.
I love how the intent is there. It seems like they move through the composed sections cleanly, and then dive right in. Tonight the extension of the jams fell short, similar to Mercury from the other night. It had so much potential. Definitely had a chance in Soul Planet and Golden Age.
I did think No Men’s was super tight.
They need to do more with Gumbo, enough already.
Great review. Had a lot of fun last night. Went with my old roommate from college who I hadn’t seen in 20 years. He isn’t a huge Phan and he loved it. There was a huge thunderstorm right before the show started that cleared up and gave way to a rainbow that lasted through first tube. Looking forward to a heater tonight!
Another great review. And what a night! Younger me would also have destroyed the second set simply based on songs picked. And yet I thoroughly enjoyed last nights effort. Willowed you are spot on, the NMINML was one super tight Phish moment. Worth the price of admission to be sure.
See y’all for Miner’s predicted heater tonight. Get out the golf towel. 99 degrees this afternoon in Hershey is what the weatherman is saying
-A-
First tube was extra fire. First show for me with a large chunk of my core group of friends at the back of the floor throwing down for dirt set. So that was fun. This summer has been weird for the noticeable lack of friends for me due to covid.
Second set moved up into the corner Mike’s side and while not as many familiar faces up there (or maybe so just didn’t recognize with masks), everyone was pretty locked in and throwing down.
I’m probably the worst ripcord of the summer that Caspian really hurt. But as soon as it started up ran into two great friends that I haven’t seen in too long. Great reunion that turned into Numberline (“All my friends…”), Lizards and the RnR. Yes please. Great show. Great vibe all night. Looking forward to tonight.
great to see the reviews back up again!
This new found energy in the band has forced me to abandon responsibility and go to AC Saturday. Can’t not see any shows this summer.
I can’t believe how far they have come from pre covid.