Fire and Flow
With night two tee’d up higher than an eight year olds perfect at bat, Phish came out and hit for the cycle. From the dance groove of TITC deep into the cavernous Walls of the Cave, set one started fuego and stayed fuego. Moma had a little gusto and gave way to a KDF that straight raged. Solid band interplay ensued during Yarmouth Road and set the stage for the remainder of the show as the band locked in early and never looked back. What struck me, from the couch, was finding joy in the little moments like Beauty and the Birds. Watching the band gel in 4K is captivating.

Coming out hot, Carini sparked an all out dance party that had me rearranging furniture to my wife’s dismay. Kuroda had MSG rigged like some pyro on the Fourth of July. The chaotic elegance of the lights truly captured the bands intentions and watching the ring run circles around the floor from the ceiling of the garden, was like watching an artist create a masterpiece. As Carini touched down in BOTT, the reverential and giddy nature of the band was so palpable. I feel like Trey had to remind Fish twice that he wanted BOTT and not Possum; hilarious. The Gin->Golden Age->2001->Sally was so fluid. At points in each I was so lost in the groove I feel like I slipped back in some space time continuum curvature rolling back upon sonic themes, versus the song reprisal the band recently showcased. While both types are welcomed and point to the playful nature of the band, these Thematic reprisals feel like they carry more credence. I continued to be amazed at where lights were situated that CK5 controlled. It seemed like every where possible there was a light with a switch that connected back to that monster control panel and The mastery of such a massive undertaking is beyond words.

The fourth quarter continued the high energy showcase. Hood went the distance, conjuring the themes explored throughout the evening and the one two punch of Show of Life/Antelope closer was like wax being bled, as this evening was stamped sealed and delivered into the pantheon of top rated Phish shows.

Night Two thanked Night One for the solid set up and put night three in notice. WTF is New Years gonna have in store!!