For the Brave, This is long.

Set 1

Although this show happened before I was born the energy at the start of the show is so powerful I could feel it. The band then launches into a tight and powerful version of “Punch You in the Eye (PYITE)” followed immediately by “The Sloth.” This was the first time this infamous couple had ever opened a show. Wasting minimal remains of the year 1995 they then proceeded to play, one of my favorite songs “Reba.” This Reba is in mine and many others opinions’ AMONG THE BEST. Played at a very quick tempo trey slightly botches the “composed” section, however he more then makes up for it with his soaring solo. But I’ll start from the top. The jam quickly starts and breaks into great Trey and Mike interplay, it is gorgeous. Changing ever so slightly Mike and Page drop out and Trey and Fish are all that remain for about 30 seconds. They then slowly begin to build, Mike consistently laying down gorgeous basslines. The next four minutes are absolutely brilliant. Page going nuts behind the ivories. Trey then starts firing off licks reaching an insane climax. Where there is a palpable energy so great it can rarely be matched ever. The Squirming Coil then provides a much needed breather and a beautiful one at that. Which leaves the audience gleeful before encountering a demented “Maze”, like many similar 1995 versions this version is ripping and tension filled. For about a minute or so this Maze traps itself in foreign territory and creates a slightly major feel, lastly “bo bo do do bo do.” Then the slightly less rare Forbins > Mockingbird makes an appearance, as well as “Tom Marshall” who briefly sings “Shine” (a hit song from 1994). This narration tells the tale of how time passes and that thought as a whole, before explaining that they are also the proud workers of the “Gamehendge Time Phactory” (trademark). The set concludes with some laughter, falling apart’ (Sparkle) and then rockin out more to a killer quick rendition of Chalk dust.
All in all a miraculous set of music, one of my favorite first sets ever.

Set 2
Its a tie 1-1. Drowned kicks it off the first of two who covers tonight. Mike absolutely nails the vocals. THATS RIGHT PHISH CAN SING. The jam is just great Page just slaying at the start. Then Fishman changes the groove to something slightly more pulsing as page moves to the Clav. Then Trey builds the jam to some good ole fashion Rock and Roll prior to trading bars with Fishman in the final minute. This brings us to the FOTM tease and I don’t hear, Im sorry. Then a fan favorite Lizards takes its place as the second song. Like any of the version it is great. I mean its lizards its catchy, and great, whats not to like. Axilla (part 2) follows next, this song is just got such an awesome guitar lick so I am happy where it is and love seeing it in setlists. The mid set song is Runaway Jim and to be blunt it is amazing. Around the 7:00 minute mark it goes type two and never returns muwahahaha (until the end). This monster is just a Fishman showcase he just destroys it. Then the final 5 minutes are so powerful and weird before a great return to Jim formal. Strange design then finds a nice spot after jim, then Hello my Baby. Now for the best part of this set a massive mike's song. Arguably the greatest version ever, a true testament to how good this is. The typical Mike's jam is just short and stellar its badass, but the "F" jam is what is truly amazing. After the jam finds the groove it latches on a trey starts throwing down great funk rock licks. Then Mike and Fish find each and just start layin it down. After some more epic face melting the jam dissolves into a digital delay jam. Which they then walk off the stage and end the set with the music still playing. They know they just melted our faces so they are just gonna let us soak in it.