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Word by: Michael Akers | Images by: Susan J. Weiand
moe. :: 03.08.08 :: Calvin Theater :: Northampton, MA
moe.
moe.'s performance at the Calvin Theater was one for the ages. Out in support of Sticks and Stones, moe. sold out the historic theatre for the last night of their winter tour. Fighting a day and a half of heavy rain drenching the Northeast, moe-rons on the road got exactly what they needed to fuel the inner fire and keep dry.
By the time they finished opener "Seat of My Pants" the high energy tone was set and the audience began to shift into high gear. Starting with "S.O.M.P.," the crowd proved they were on board and gave the band positive reinforcement, their roars and the band's reaction to them growing stronger throughout the night. There wasn't one empty seat in the house, and our collective, vibrant pulse was enough to cause an earthquake in this legendary New England music haven.
With the band testing the loyalty of their fans by mixing it up from new to old material, the group seemed well aware there was a majority of seasoned veterans in attendance. "Blue Jeans Pizza," the opening track on 2007's The Conch, received an ovation. Thanking a plethora of influences in the rock n' roll heavy "Wicked Awesome," moe. paid tribute to everyone from Neil Young to The Cars to AC/DC. They wrapped up the opening set with the wholesome pair of "Buster" and "Spine of a Dog," which has to be one of the most entertaining combination moe. hold in their arsenal. Fusing metal guitar solos with groove heavy compositions, the group was on fire. When the band gave the floor to the crowd to repeat some lyrics, the spotlights high and bright, the fans responded proud and true: "I am a pinball machine/ I can't tell the difference between my bellybutton or navel/ Ping pong, pool cue or a foosball table."
Rob Derhak - moe.
Reopening the stage for the second set with most fans still tied up in busy beer lines, the theatre aisles quickly became a racetrack for moe-rons rushing for the pit as the band appropriately performed "The Pit." The steady groove of Jim Loughlin's MalletKAT gave the song away immediately, after which the band swung from groove friendly to the soulfully psychedelic to a strangely poppy "Kids Jam" that took the performance to a whole new level. The lighting director was also in full game mode, creating some crazy, tripped-out effects using various projections and high quality image display techniques. The jam naturally led into "Kids", which is a wonderfully written song with a keen sense of humor.
The highlight of the evening was a stellar reading of "Darkness" paired with the mega psychedelic jam "Meat." I was actually looking forward to hearing more from the new disc but have noticed recent setlists aren't heavy on that material. "Meat" is a wonderfully orchestrated half hour showcase for the band's unique style. The guitar presence on this particular version was eerily reminiscent of Duane Allman during the "Mountain Jam" era. Not only does it exhibit the influence of the Allman Brothers, there's also a heavy metal guitar shine similar to Slash or Dimebag Darrell.
The encore was interesting, with the band letting some lucky fans onstage for their Irish drinking song, "Raise A Glass" from the radio friendly gem Sticks and Stones. "Nebraska" ended the night and left the crowd worked over and thankful for yet another amazing experience.
03.08.08 :: Calvin Theater :: Northampton, MA
Set I: Seat Of My Pants > Sensory Deprivation Bank, Blue Jeans Pizza, Where Does the Time Go? > Wicked Awesome, Spine Of A Dog > Buster
Set II: The Pit > Kids, Lost Along the Way > Good Trip > Kyle's Song, Darkness > Meat
Encore: Raise A Glass, Nebraska
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