April 11, 2003

Sheesh this is a good one.

First of all, Haleakala always grabs my attention. They didn't play this one all that often, and yet it's one of their better songs. It delivers that mystic and magical atmosphere that's one unique aspect of bisco - really mesmerizing and moving stuff. Of course the lyrics brilliantly add to the effect; it's the whole package. And here, they segue their way into it, and it works really well.

In truth everything from the first note through the end of I-Man is above average to top notch (throw in Story as well). What really makes this show memorable is that they're INSPIRED. I mean, my goodness, what got into Magner this night? He's playing with an impressive level of originality - especially in set 2. But it's not just him... many parts of this show are reminiscent of 2001-03-31 in that at times the whole band is intent on pushing the envelope. They take risks and it pays off. There are so many twists and turns in the jams and, as happens on their very best nights, even some of the composed sections feel really fresh. Sometimes it takes them a few moments to find their footing, but 95% of the playing is really nimble and locked in.

The result is it doesn't feel like the typical '03 show at all, it's next level shit. I fully agree with tpace that the show is just missing one more heady jam... One more heady jam and I've give it 5 stars.

((<< This IS a psychedelic show. Please act accordingly >>)) "All I need my plant provides"

1 - PyTwy ~> !! (nice and clean guitar jams/solos that creep underneath Marc and Sam's exceptional rising attack towards the Helix ending; a feel good ending.) / Vassillios ~> JigsawJam ~> Haleakala (favorite version)

2 - Triumph ~> (Is it live or is it Memorex?) one of the better versions from that era, yes, that good :) very original and happy (IMO) / ~> I-Man (It has it all; terrific keyboard pedals and effects used here like DJ scratching) (around 5 different themes...all good and peppy, yes, peppy. Magner is on fire during this version)(the jam starting at around 9:30 is tremendous "This is just a test" segment takes off to never ever land) / -e- SotW (very solid version)

rating: 7.5 / 10 one long jam away from an 8 or 8.5 sound: 8 / 10 SBD ; "clean sound" but the usual suspects from this time...a little hollow, soundstage and instrumental spacing is a little narrow and bunched. also, the CD from D-Logic was ripped TAO and not DAO from the wav files so the mini-pauses in between songs are there. If you have a clean rip, please lmk.

There are a couple of perfect strains for this show. In the spirit of 'Triumph", ecstasy, euphoria and focused relaxed energy:
[Exodus Cheese] (indica leaning hybrid) & [Platinum Bubba Kush] (indica leaning hybrid ; won 4 cup awards between 2011 & 2014)

There are gems in this spring tour, real fun.
Peace.