This was a last minute decision to go to this show and it wound up being one of my favorite shows to catch live. The energy inside the Hartford Civic Center was palpable from the start, and PYITE was the perfect opener to feed off of it. Poor Heart and AC/DC Bag that follow match the energy and the band was clearly on fire. The Bag is really interesting and contains a fun jam before the band launches into a well-played Foam that keeps the energy going. Much of the rest of the set is more solid stuff, with a nice mid-set Character Zero, and Theme and Antelope closing it out in fine form.

Brother to open the second set made the show right there for me. I love that song and it was only my second time catching it (I’d caught my first during my third show, on 5.17.92). This version is spectacular, with the band and Bob Gullotti (sitting in on drums for the set) clearly connecting here. This version is raging. The Ya Mar that follows is fantastic, leading into a short drum duet, before its conclusion.

Then comes the Tweezer that is the highlight of the show. This version is a monster and here the two drum combo really shines. The band is raging, resulting in a driving, energetic version that is full of pep. Things eventually calm down some as the jam gets more exploratory. Lizards is a nice follow-up, and then the energy returns with an awesome Llama. Following Suzy, the band launches into a beautiful Slave. I’ve coincidentally been listening to many shows that contain this tune lately but this version is up there with my favorites.

This show was a blast and Bob joining the band for the second set took it to the next level. The energy in that arena was electric and I recommend giving this show a whirl or two.