And it rocked.
The first set offered note-perfect renditions of “My Ashes,” “Sentimental,” “Way Out of Here,” “Sleep Together” and the epic “Anesthetize,” which clocked in at an even-handed 18-minutes. Wilson alternated between guitar and keyboards, sharing the vocal duties a few times with Wesley – a chap who is basically “adjunct faculty” for the band, but proves time and again that he is far more. Wesley’s guitar solo on “Anesthetize” was filled with shimmering sonics. And the Edwin/Harrison connection underpinned the entire creation with focused poise.
After a 5-minute break, the band returned with the title track from Lightbulb Sun, and a run of “hits” from their more recent history including “Open Car,” “Gravity Eyelids,” “Blackest Eyes,” “Trains” and an encore rendition of “Halo.” Rounding out the set were “Half Light,” a gorgeous “Drown with Me” and “Sever” – all which featured lush layering by the always-inconspicuous Barbieri – and the wickedly delightful “Mother and Child Divided.” In all, it was hard not to be completely engrossed by the performance, imagining what else Wilson is capable of, and wondering when the band would return.
And frankly, that seldom happens to this reviewer with rock concerts these days.
Opening act 3 (not to be confused with that 80s prog offshoot of Emerson, Lake and Palmer) was a stellar surprise. The Woodstock, New York quintet is audio equivalent of Superman ice cream – a swirling blend of progressive metal styles punctuated with singer/guitarist Joey Eppard’s proficient and remarkable “flamenco/slap” guitar technique. They look like that bunch of dudes who jam out in your neighbor’s basement, but rest assured, they sure don’t sound like them. Odds are good that big things will happen for this Metal Blade Records outfit.
Article comments
1 - Paul Roy
Excellent review Peter. I caught their show at Ram's Head Live in Baltimore last night and it was amazing to say the least. They mixed in all of the new songs throughout the set, instead of playing the whole album at once. I don't know which way I would have preferred. The Fear of a Blank Planet material sounded incredible live, and gave me a new appreciation for the album, and the band.