Phish - February 22nd, 2024

Even before the ten minute mark, the jam has already produced a big, hosy peak drenched in sheets of fluid trills, but what follows is an adventurous outro featuring wild space and tense, thematic exploration that defies conventional notions of "type", builds in rhythmic intensity, and finally climaxes with a satisfying return and attack.

After the initial onset of the typical outro jam, the music begins to gradually descend toward the depths with Trey's delay-drenched whammy sirens and Fishman’s samples setting up a dense soundscape. The form then fractures, dissipates and melts down into a dark, hypnagogic ambient goo before vanishing from whence it came.

Opening a second set for the first time since the 2017 Mexico shows, this "ASIHTOS" features a swirling, grimy intro that indicates the band may be ready to deliver the goods. The jam begins as a laid-back affair, an apt soundtrack for oceanside listening. The tempo picks up gradually; Trey's riffing and Page's play stand out. The jam slowly dissolves and > into a huge, must-hear "Wave of Hope."

This tidal "Wave of Hope" raises the bar for one of the era's most consistent jam vehicles with a free-flowing marathon of improvisation. The opening 10 minutes are worthy in their own right, but the signature moment comes at 14:25 when the band in unison dives into deep-sea exploration of hard-edged rock. Relentlessly forging ahead with siren synths and wailing guitar over thunderous percussion and bass, the intensity remains at a fever pitch until the soothing exhale begins at 26:00, ushering the jam back to shore after the abyssal proceedings and > "Oblivion".