Time stood still when Sound Tribe Sector 9 rolled through Madison. Standing in the Orpheum as STS9 took the stage, it was impossible to tell whether is it was 2015, 3015 or 1969.
People don’t go see STS9 for their hits; it’s the time-transcending atmosphere that counts. The jamtronic icons instantly put the crowd into a music-induced trance, where almost everyone started swaying and absorbing the music Friday night.
There are three things that make a jamtronic concert complete: the lights, loving people and of course, the long jams. The changing colors and shapes behind STS9 were beautiful and truly conveyed the euphoria felt by the crowd. If shows like this couldn’t conduct these feelings, they wouldn’t have the super devoted fan bases that follow them night after night.
In the nomadic-like jam scene, there are no fights or feuds and making friends is the easiest thing anyone can do. For example, standing in the middle of the crowd there was a large bearded man yelling, “You shall not pass … until you give me a high five!”
There were so many high-fives and hugs going around it was impossible to not have fun with strangers at STS9.
Only true fans could name the individual STS9 songs out of their extensive jam collection, especially when the performance is loosely based on their recorded work. The only recognizable songs were the covers, which jam bands are so famously known for. When STS9 busted out the opening piano lick to The Who’s “Baba O’Riley,” the crowd went absolutely insane.
Their music might be super cool, but their playing styles are predictable. They start a jam strong, with ambient improvisations, and then follow up with heavy sections that most likely contain a sick guitar solo. Seeing another jamtronic giant such as The Disco Biscuits is no different; it’s the recipe for just about every jamtronic band out there.
The Oh Hello’s intertwine C.S. Lewis with folk-rock to create meaningful jams
STS9 may be a predictable band, but that shouldn’t hinder any potential concertgoer from seeing them. The group played awesome music for at least four hours straight — from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. — and it’s a ton of fun to experience the jam band scene. Fortunately for the isthmus, STS9 tends to come through here every few months, so the Sound Tribe will likely return soon.
