On Sunday September 1st Sound Tribe Sector 9 and Umphrey’s McGee took the stage at Wolf Trap as part of their 2013 joint summer tour. It was like a classic rock concert and electronic dance party all rolled into one. The reverberating jam groves and luminous display made for a gnarly focal point.
This was the last stop of their co-headlined tour, but last didn’t equal least. Wolf Trap being one of the largest venues on their tour thus far was the perfect host to a pair of psychedelic jam bands and a spectacular light show. The fact that Wolf Trap is a National Park really gave the concert a festival-like atmosphere.
At the start time 7pm, Umphrey’s McGee took the stage and as the sun set the lights shined brighter and brighter. Umphrey’s McGee’s style of playing really contributed to the atmosphere. A sort of Grateful Dead style sound with funky instrumentals and heavy rock. Tonight they were the opening band. They have been trading off headlining duties with STS9 throughout the tour. UM’s sets are so coordinated you might think their improvising, but it’s all a part of the concert. There were plenty of “Jimmy Stewarts” which is what the band refers to as time dedicated to improvisation, but the set still retained good form. They played songs like “Le Blitz” and “Bridgeless.” Their performance consisted of a lot of groove with heavy rock, but not too heavy. I only hope the light show didn’t overshadow just how good the band actually sounded.
What absolutely could not be overlooked was the light show! It was just as much a part of the act as the bands. I’ve seen plenty of lighting effects, LED screens, lasers, you name it, but nothing like this! The lights were almost like 3D paint. They created lush geometries, gorgeous gradients and at times formed to create what looked like cloud vortexes. A lot of credit goes out to Saxton Waller, Brown Note Productions and ECTO Productions. They really set themselves apart from any lighting effects I have ever seen on stage. There was plenty of variety as well, it never got boring and just when you thought you seen it all another dazzling effect formed.
STS9, the headliner for tonight, got things started fast! It was like there was a break in between bands and STS9 picked up right where the action left off with a flurry of upbeat rhythms. STS9’s progressive minded electronic music has really struck a chord. At times, they can sound like two completely different bands switching between hip hop and rock to an all out electronic DJ dance set. Guitarist Hunter Brown jammed and swayed with ease. We all caught a cool feeling. They have plenty of material to choose from my favorites being their Ad Explorata album and their latest release When The Dust Settles.
For the entire concert, everybody remained on their feet. It was hard not to stand up and move, the lawn section had their own light show going, twirling glow sticks and dancing. What I really like about STS9’s live set was their transitions. They would have these long, hollow effects that erupt into a dance beat frenzy. Or some really driving bass that just seems to rhythmically descend dropping deeper and deeper.
There was an element of enjoyment to this concert that was unmatched. Coupled with the fact it was a holiday weekend, everybody was in great spirits. The lights were amazing, but the sound was to match. This was a well put together production; I don’t know how anybody wouldn’t enjoy themselves. Umphrey’s McGee and STS9 are both fantastic bands and to have them on the same line-up was a treat. A really spectacular performance!
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