Highlights of this strong 1st set include the rockin’ opening trio and a twilight Swept Away > Steep to follow Divided Sky in absolutely perfect-for-The-Gorge fashion.

The 2nd set is well-balanced but perhaps doesn’t exceed the sum of its parts. As with Friday’s Set II, there’s a light-and-dark dynamic here, with Mountains in the Mist and Bug providing reflective counterpoints to the up-tempo excursions. Both tunes share some DNA with Lifeboy (perfectly placed on Friday), so there seems to be a continued theme, though I think Friday’s was a much more successful (read: remarkable) set. Saturday’s centerpiece is a nearly 18-minute Scents and Subtle Sounds (complete with intro), which expands to welcome in The Gorge’s spacious landscape. About 10 minutes in, Trey deploys a certain electronic effect that dominates the sonic palette for several minutes, and while I recall enjoying it live, it strikes me an odd choice that doesn’t work so well on re-listen. Still, the jam soars again before a measured slide into Bug. Set-closer Possum rips in fine marsupial style.

It was nice to hear rarity Bittersweet Motel, but the encore made for a somewhat odd jumble of tunes. Overall average-great Phish on this fine Saturday night at The Gorge.