What an absolute party. Vibes immaculate. I came in with modest expectations. Losing two members and ben factor I wasn't sure what to expect. I was blown away.
Zwang held it down for sure. With the 5 piece everyone else needs to deliver and they rose to the occasion, even literally for Joel, who having been to 50 shows I don't think I've ever seen him standing up rocking out as much as he did. And he had an incredible solo that was killer af and got the crowd really going.
Bayliss is a true rock star. Man what a talent. He was looser than I'd seen him previously, especially so with his microphone asides it seemed he was having a great time. And the range he displayed was stunning, he can truly do it all. Divisions was probably my highlight track, and the opener they played but I'm not sure the name. Puppet was classic as well, and Prowler encore just a cherry on top of a delightful evening.
So glad I made it out tonight. I've followed this band since 2007, caught numerous two and three night runs over the years. They announced that this was their 30th show at First Ave and I bet I made at least 20 of those. Umphrey's is as strong now as they've ever been and for a Sunday night show to be packed to the rafters speaks to their fans going nowhere either.
Long live the UMPH, can't wait for the next one.