The biggest venue in town nearly burst at the seams last night when Sound Tribe Sector 9 played two sets for a sold-out crowd of roaring fans. The nationally reknowned electronic jam band has shown Lawrence a lot of love in the past, but this may have been one of their best shows ever, between the sound quality, satisfying set list and dazzling light show.
Liberty Hall was never so loud as when a full house of fans screamed and cheered in approval during STS9's two sets, the band threw down heavy, playing fan-favorites like the climactic "Metameme" and bass-banging "Arigato". The first set was a tough list to follow, but the second set began with an exciting instrumental cover of "Closer" by Nine Inch Nails that everyone adored.
Behind and above the band, bright beams of rainbow light flashed and swung across the musicians, crowd and venue, while screens played out images and graphics to suit each movement of the band's long, compelling songs. From the top row of the balcony to the front of the stage, the audience got a dazzling display throughout the show.
It was a relief to hear a lot of good songs being played with the same quality of sound as their best records. Still, despite all the cheering during and between every single song, Murph still had to raise a hand and demand more praise from the fans, like always. Maybe it is an ego problem, or just time-filler, but these guys always ask for more extra applause than any other musician to play a concert.
Following the encore "Circus," Sound Tribe called it a night around 12:30 a.m. There was an official after-party at the Granada, but for a lot less money and a smaller crowd, some folks took the party to the Jazzhaus, where 3 Son Green was getting into their second set.
3 Son Green has been growing into a reliable source of funky good times in Lawrence. Last night the four-piece jam band rocked out for a small crowd early on, but the bar quickly grew packed as people flooded in from Liberty Hall. The young musicians put on the perfect show to follow STS9 including their own dance party in front of the stage.
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