Phish - September 2nd, 2023

Regardless of your preferred moniker for the current era of Phish, in 2023 one need look no further than these charts to find a handful of technically clean and improvisational modern versions of "Fluffhead". Here the post Arrival jam inaugurated by Mike forcing a modulation takes us to spaces that are in turn contemplative and celebratory. An excellent melodic back and forth between Page and Trey eventually leads to a return to "Fluff" and a show opening peak that set the tone for a special night at Dick's.

Breaking the straightforward confines of "Bag" proper, the band launches into a peppy, candy-coated groove in G. This steady platform stays the course, with Trey's inspired melodic phrasing occasionally abstracting into more effects-colored textures. A brief wind-down concludes the affair, which then leads to a swift -> "Chalk Dust Torture". "

A surprising but smooth segue out of new song "Ether Edge" begins this wild version of the perennial Dick's favorite. Fishman's heavy attack provides the base on which the band bangs out a percussive stomp of rhythmic interplay. Trey engages with snarl early on, setting an aggressive tone before lightening things up, turning on the melody machine, and leading the band over a groove laden double-peak that > to "The Howling". Exceptional.

Transcends the song's always crowd-pleasing funky dance-party mode to become an uplifting hymn with Trey intoning "The Howling" like an affirming chant. > "Piper".

Set closing shot of pure serotonin. The band sustains serious momentum, propelling themselves melodically over Fishman's driven play, tacking only briefly to gather steam before opening the hose and unleashing a spray of blissful, Trey led peaks.