, attached to 2013-12-31

Review by JordanThePhisherman

JordanThePhisherman No doubt, the most memorable show that I've attended. I have never heard a crowd louder than last night. At some points during the show, the floor beneath us was maniacal, bouncing up and down. It actually felt like the place was going to collapse.

First set, like said before, was pedestrian. It was exactly what I was expecting for the first set, so I was pleased nonetheless.

The second set was really intimate. Something that was just pure bliss between the audience and the band. It reminded me a lot of the Wingsuit set, where something really golden was creviced between the band and the fans. It is a feeling that makes me keep going back to Phish. But this feeling peaked last night. Forbin's and the Lizards were my highlights. This set will always be the most memorable for me. I couldn't have asked for more.

The third set began with Character Zero, a really ripping version actually, probably since they were up against the clock, and had to keep driving the momentum until the clock hit 12. This felt like a really old fashioned NYE countdown. They stepped away from the broadway level productions of the last few years, and counted down with the crowd. Once again, intimate. Probably what they were aiming for. The confetti and the balloons were wonderful, as always, but the band's techs really should've laid off with popping the balloons. I mean, these guys are grown men, I'm pretty sure they could handle some balloons. This wasn't a big deal, but still, it definitely detracted from a bit of the NYE vibes.

Fuego followed, and this was were the set took flight. They had time to kill. Fuego was pretty exceptional, a good song to follow the countdown. Light brought out the type ii. After some struggling, the band reached several peaks that were pretty remarkable, and worthy of multiple relistens. The rest of the set was good, with the predictable YEM.

Something really clicked during the 30th year montage. I started seeing the band in 2012, so granted, I'm a 3.0 child. As a lot of .netters, I've invested my time in the band's history and past shows. It's our hobby. But seeing the montage made me witness something indescribable. Seeing the years in chronological order made me reflect on the bands history. I've only been around for them for two years, so seeing the montage made me realize all the history and memories this band has had, even though I was already aware of it, but it gave me a really new perspective. Hearing things like the Went Tweezer during the video only made it better. I'm having an incredibly difficult time explaining this, because it can't really be explained any further.

Show of Life encore was appropriate, but I'm not gonna lie, I was disappointed they left stage with it.

I think I covered everything I was hoping to say. Going to 3/4 shows will be some of the greatest memories I will ever have. For my first NYE, I was totally satisfied, even with the absence of a midnight gag, that may have been more fitting for someone's first NYE.

I realize that this NYE show was really meant for the vets to reflect, but it certainly pleased me.

Happy New Year,
Jordan


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