Headstash

STS9 - Dec. 28 - "Artifact themed blast from the past."

Headstash Magazine will have daily coverage of Phish, STS9, The Disco Biscuits, Umphrey's McGee's New Year's Runs as well as SnowGlobe festival in California. We'll also have in-depth coverage of Lotus, The New Deal, moe. and Pretty Lights.

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STS9's New Year's Eve run will take them back to The Tabernacle in Atlanta, Georgia for five nights after a two-year hiatus from the venue. Stay tuned for coverage from all the nights.

December 27 - The Tabernacle - Atlanta, GA

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December 28 – The Tabernacle – Atlanta, GA

Set I: musical story, yes > By The Morning Sun, Peoples, Grow, Once Told, ReEmergence > EB, Music, Us, What Is Love?
Set II: Twilight, GLOgli, Somesing, Crystal Instrument, Luma Daylight > Tokyo, One A Day, Baraka
Encore: Today, Vibyl

Crowd Atmosphere: With promises of an "Artifact" themed night, expectations were high and the energy in the room was palpable. No one was quite sure what to expect and people were giddy right until the start of the show.

Best Song: Music, Us (As ethereal and rocking as ever, it was a great choice for the penultimate slot in the first set.)

Bustout of the Night: Today

Best Jam: GLOgli

Best Segue: ReEmergence > EB

Best Moment: Murph's demeanor during "Music, Us" was inspired

Sloppiest Moment: One A Day (Sloppy in terms of placement, not execution. Not necessarily the best spot for this song)

Lights Review: Saxton took control a bit more often tonight, though the LEDs were out in full force yet again. During "BTMS," the lights really accentuated the playing. Throughout the cans were dynamic and fast-moving and the colors were bright. No longer used for corny animations or amateur videos, the LEDs felt like they were conceptualized well albeit a bit overused.

Twitter Recap: 'Artifact' themed night with a few old-school songs thrown in for good measure.

Other Notes: After Murph yet again created hype via Facebook (how did we used to get excited about shows?) expectations were exceptionally high. Though the band didn't play "Artifact" all the way through as many (including myself) thought they would, they only left out a handful of songs and segues.

Opening with the expected first track of "musical story, yes," the band was silhouetted by images of people smoking blunts on the LED screens. A not-so-subtle but whimsical display not often seem with the band.

"By The Morning Sun" was a beautiful way to kick off the set and featured some excellent light work by Saxton. During the song, the lights really accentuated the playing and felt right at every impasse.

A pounding, emotional "Peoples" dropped next. Not often played early, it seemed necessary to get a harsher, dark song out of the way so people could release some aggression and get down.

It was around this time everyone realized Murph had chosen his words carefully when he said the night would have an "Artifact" theme. They wouldn't be playing it sequentially nor was each track a guarantee.

After a raging end section of "Peoples" that prompted Zach off his cushy stool to implore the crowd to make some noise, a jazzy "Grow" calmed the place down with its infectious guitar-led groove. Saxton stepped up big during this song - the guy really does know the feel of each note and what buttons to hit.

An elevating version of "Once Told" featured some inspired playing and dynamic lighting. The band played firmly as a unit throughout the show but it was especially highlighted here.

A "ReEmergence > EB" segue was smooth and clean. Both songs - like much of the setlist - have a similar uplifting feel. Though the theme was "Artifact," virtually all the songs played that didn't come from that album surely could have been.

The highlight of the first set and the evening was "Music, Us" with its gorgeous vocal sample and bumping bass layered with soaring keys and guitar. The song hits close to home for many STS9 fans and is one of the most eerily alluring in their catalog.

After "Twilight," "Somesing" and a particularly well played and dark "Crystal Instrument" began the second set, the band launched into the familiar "Luma Daylight > Tokyo" segment.

It's impossible not to get down during the peaks and valleys of "Luma." The heavy drum and bass and growling synth evokes dark imagery which seems to come full circle when paired with a menacing "Tokyo."

Ending the second set with "Baraka" was unexpected and a great cap to an awesome night.The familiar harmonics rang out as friends and strangers alike cheered and embraced.

Having been relegated mainly to the encore for special events and runs (see New Year's Eve 2010, Re:Generation, Colorado 2011 run), it was refreshing to see it close a show that felt like a celebration of all the best of STS9. "Artifact" is perhaps their most popular album and is certainly most celebrated. Fans had been itching for them to play it in its entirety for years and though last night wasn't exactly that, a "Baraka" show closer was meaningful and appropriate.

The disappointment from not hearing "Native End," "Better Day," "Possibilities" or "Trinocular" was certainly not uncommon, but the encore would quell some of those complaints.

The encore featured the biggest bust-out in "Artifact" track, "Today" which was airy and well-executed despite its time on the proverbial shelf. A funky "Vibyl" showcased the band's musicianship as night two was put in the books.

- Nick Rhodes

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Stay tuned as we continue to review STS9's New Year's Eve run and all your favorite bands as they countdown to 2012.

What did you think of the show? Let us know in the comments section.

STS9 - Dec. 27 - "The boys are back in town and it feels like 1999."

Headstash Magazine will have daily coverage of Phish, STS9, The Disco Biscuits, Umphrey's McGee's New Year's Runs as well as SnowGlobe festival in California. We'll also have in-depth coverage of Lotus, The New Deal, moe. and Pretty Lights.

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STS9's New Year's Eve run will take them back to The Tabernacle in Atlanta, Georgia for five nights after a two-year hiatus from the venue. Stay tuned for coverage from all the nights.

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December 27 – The Tabernacle – Atlanta, GA

Set I: Tap-In, Equinox, Mischief of a Sleepwalker, Dance > Inspire Strikes Back, Squares and Cubes, Ramone and Emiglio, Hubble
Set II: Four Year Puma > Kaya > Open E, And Some Are Angels, Evasive Maneuvers > Kamuy, Monkey Music, Moonsockets
Encore: STS9

Crowd Atmosphere: The balconies of The Tabby was literally shaking as anticipation built for the show to begin. The lights darkened and Thin Lizzy's "The Boys Are Back In Town" rang out as the house music, eventually giving way to Ray Charles' "Georgia On My Mind" as the band walked out on stage. As expected, the crowd erupted and continued to with every prompting. Everyone in attendance was amped for a special show and STS9 delivered.

Best Song: Open E (the "newest" song of the night was perfectly placed and brought the house down with its harsh breakdown)

Bustout of the Night: Kaya

Best Jam: "Kamuy" drum solo

Best Segue: Kaya > Open E

Best Moment: The walk-on to "Georgia On My Mind." The significance of The Tabernacle, this area and their fanbase is not lost on these guys at all.

Sloppiest Moment: Moonsockets

Lights Review: Saxton's lights were on point as always, but understated allowing the band as a collective to take center stage rather than overshadowing them (literally). The LED screens were bigger than ever and featured images of nature, space and old-timey ballroom dancing when appropriate. They never felt overwhelming or detracted from the music/lights.

Twitter Recap: The boys are back in town, and they left their computers backstage for the night. 'It felt like 1999.'

Other Notes: From the walk-on music, to Murph's pre-show Facebook hype promising no repeats for the run and no computers tonight, this show was meant to be a special event. It was a calculated move on the band's part and the only thing that didn't feel planned were the patient breakdowns and drawn-out jams. The show was a conceptual masterpiece.

Tycho live band was the perfect, mellow music to set the tone and ease everyone into the week of music. The introspective downtempo music evoked organic images hours before they would adorn the LED screens.

The Tabernacle was rocking as STS9 took the stage, opening with a pulsating "Tap-In" that felt just right for the moment. The always emotional song sounded more poignant than ever as all five members built up and dropped the beat with ease.

After a jazzy "Equinox" with picturesque images of flowers blooming during the lighter beginning and silhouetted, monochromatic images during the darker ending, the band launched into "Mischief of a Sleepwalker."

The LEDs featured a black and white film of ballroom dancing during "Dance" that sped up along with the accelerating build-up. The segue into "Inspire Strikes Back" was clean and fluid and had the crowd moving as one to each synth peak.

During Phipps' improv-heavy keys solo in "Ramone and Emiglio," Murph, Hunter and Zach were all mimicking his fingers as he tickled the ivories. It was a small gesture, but it showed just how much they were feeling the music and inspired by each other during this performance.

A long and soaring "Hubble" ended the first set and sent people to the bathrooms and bars with smiles on their faces.

At this point, every song played was pre-2002 - an old-school fan's dream setlist. The playing was contemporary STS9 and each version felt different than how it was usually played.

A funky "Four Year Puma" opened the second set and showcased Saxton's dynamic skills behind the lighting board. A dark and cacophonous "Kaya" - the bust-out of the night - followed and led to a grumbly segue into "Open E."

Perhaps the highlight of the night due to its excellent placement as the pick-me-up raging song the crowd was itching for, "Open E" was also the "newest" song played all night (2004). STS9 juxtaposes light and dark themes no better than in this song and the schizophrenic light work by Saxton only amplified the crowd's explosions as they released all their pent up energy.

A satisfying "And Some Are Angels" came before a full-blown "Evasive Maneuvers" into another complete song in "Kamuy." Jeffree's percussion solo was long and skillfully performed. Zach flashed a glowing smile as he joined in.

A sultry and smooth unique-sounding "Monkey Music" followed and Murph wryly announced "It feels like 1999 up here."

"Moonsockets" ended the first set and an "STS9" encore sent people to their hotels and apartments fully buying into the hype.

The entire show felt rehearsed, but not at all in a bad way and the music was fresher than ever. Murph has already intimated that tonight's show will be an "Artifact" show, so stay tuned for more coverage of this special run.

- Nick Rhodes

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Stay tuned as we continue to review STS9's New Year's Eve run and all your favorite bands as they countdown to 2012.

What did you think of the show? Let us know in the comments section.

STS9 - New Year's Eve Preview 2011

AREA INFORMATION

Closest Hotel To Venue:
Centennial Inn
111 Cone Street - 0.1 miles from the venue
(404) 524-7000 
 Plenty of hotels near the venue, though this is one of the rowdier spots to stay. 

Local Food Choice:
Ted's Montana Grill
133 Luckie Street - 0.1 miles from the venue
(877) 762-4766
Great food and really close. Also some good stuff at the CNN mall food court. Yelp is your best bet here.

Local Bar and Liquor Choice:
Ale Yeah!
906 W. College Avenue - 5.6 miles from the venue
(404) 371-4331

Local Transportation:
In my experiences in Atlanta, calling a taxi doesn't usually work too well. You should be able to find them outside the venue.

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NEW YEAR'S EVE 2010

The Fillmore Auditorium - Denver, CO
 Set I: Equinox, Inspire Strikes Back, Really Wut?, Abcees, Grizzly, What Is Love?, EHM, When The Dust Settles
Set II: New New 4 U U, Uptight, Firewall, F. Word, The Unquestionable Supremacy of Nature, Instantly, Evasive Maneuvers, Rent
Encore: Hi-Key, Oil and Water, Baraka

Song That Rang In 2011: Uptight > Countdown > Firewall

Special Moment From Last Year: Opening the run with a cover of "Shakedown Street" and reprising it in the encore.

Headstash's Coverage: http://www.headstash.com/news-nugs/sts9/654-review-sts9s-four-night-new-years-eve-run-in-colorado

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ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION:

I’m expecting the first couple of nights to be really old-school shows, showing a lot of love to the older fans and the fans who have supported this band for so long.

Lots of bust-outs on this run as it is the first five-night stint since the infamous Boulder Theater one in 2007. Expect no repeats at all and probably a couple of new tracks, maybe even a new cover.

New Year’s Eve’s setlist will be very similar to what this band had been doing last tour – lots of new songs and lots of bangers as STS9 tries to throw the biggest party going down on December 31.

This run will have the most variety seen out of STS9 in awhile and with five nights at The Tabernacle in Atlanta (where they are originally from) expectations have never been higher. The rumors are swirling.

Song Predicted To Ring In 2012: T.W.E.L.V.E. > Countdown > 20-12

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Jump To Other New Year's Eve Previews: 

PHISH
THE DISCO BISCUITS
UMPHREY'S MCGEE
MOE.
LOTUS

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RETURN TO TOP

STS9 Announces Support Acts For New Year's Run

If five nights of melodic jamtronica goodness from STS9 is not enough to excite you, the deal just got even sweeter. STS9 has just announced their full support lineup for the five-night run and it is quite tasty. 

Starting things off right on December 27 will be ambient downtempo producer Tycho with a live band, who made an appearance at this summer's Re:Generation Festival as a late-night act. Having witnessed it firsthand I can say with certainty it is not to be missed.

The next night has Machinedrum opening up followed on December 29 with our favorite jumpsuit-donning beat-crushing emcee, The Polish Ambassador.

December 30 features recent Pretty Lights Music signee Gramatik, who is sure to get a swet groove going with his jazzy beats. New Year's Eve showcases Jay Murphy aka Up Until Now, the brother of STS9 bass player David Murphy - a Murph sit-in is almost certain to occur.

Tickets are still available for the 27th to 30th but New Year's Eve is sold out. Grab tickets for the remaining nights via STS9.com. See ya in Hotlanta!

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Source: STS9

STS9 Announces "The Great Cycle Spectacles: Chicago"

Yesterday we received the details for the first installment of STS9's "Great Cycle Spectacles," occuring January 13 to 14 in Denver, CO. Luckily, we didn't have to wait long for the jamtronica act to release next set of dates on their much anticipated tour, revolving around the beginning and end of the Mayan calendar. 

From STS9's website: 

"The second stop for STS9′s “Great Cycle Spectacles” of 20-12 hits Chicago for two nights at the Congress Theater Friday and Saturday January 20 and 21, 2012. The weekend promises to feature a one of a kind performance celebrating a spectacle of music, art and imagination. Come let go, live free and enjoy the mysteries and pleasures of life with us in one of our favorite cities. “The Great Cycle Spectacles” will be coming to a limited number of locales in 20-12, and we hope each and every one is as near to you as we can make it. Be prepared to take a journey like no other this coming year. Fan Club ticketing goes on sale 11/11/11 at 11AM local time."

Get your tickets this Friday, 11/11/11, at 11:00 a.m., and take part in what is sure to be a special celebration.

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Source: STS9

STS9 Announces Denver "The Great Cycle Spectacles"

From STS9's Facebook:

"STS9 is pleased to announce their first stop for  20-12′s “The Great Cycle  Spectacles”. The series will kick off with two nights in Colorado at Denver’s Fillmore Auditorium on Friday and Saturday January 13 and 14, 2012. The weekend will feature one of a kind performances celebrating the end  and beginning of the Mayan calendar cycle.  “The Great Cycle  Spectacles” will be coming to a limited number of locales in 20-12, and  we hope each and every one is as near to you as we can make it.  Come  let go, live free and enjoy the mysteries and pleasures of life with us.   Be prepared to take a journey like no other this coming year starting  in Colorado!  Fan Club tickets go on-sale 11/11/11 at 11AM."

Get your tickets through STS9's official website. We'll keep you abreast with more updates as they become available.

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Source: STS9's Facebook

“The Great Cycle Spectacles” of 20-12 (Cryptic STS9 Announcement)

STS9 posted a cryptic announcement on their official website and Facebook that has already begun to spark some intense discussion among fans. Here it is in its entirety:

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"STS9 is proud to present “The Great Cycle Spectacles” of 20-12.  A series of one of a kind performances celebrating the end and beginning of the Mayan calendar cycle.  We ask that you indulge your senses into a spectacle of music, art and imagination through out the year.  Come let go, live free and enjoy the mysteries and pleasures of life with us.  “The Great Cycle Spectacles” will be coming to a limited number of locales in 20-12, and we hope each and every one is as near to you as we can make it.  Be prepared to take a journey like no other this coming year.  We are.

In Lakesh… I am another yourself…

Stay tuned for the first two “Great Cycle Spectacles” to be announced in the coming days!"

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Since its inception, the band has always had an affinity for Mayan culture and it seems as 2012 approaches, they are revisiting their roots. Over the summer they even debuted a song entitled "20-12." STS9 is no stranger to cryptic announcements, having released a very interesting story before the release of their last full-length album, "Ad Explorata."

In 2010, the band took their "Axe The Cables" acoustic shows to select cities, could this be something similar? Or could it be like their New Year's Day 2011 Aspen show billed as "An Evening With Sector 9" where they busted out old-school songs in an intimate venue?

We'll keep you posted in the coming days as more information becomes available. In the mean time, check Headstash Magazine's review of the Northeast run and pictures from the Silver Spring show.

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Source: STS9

GALLERY: STS9 In Silver Spring, Maryland

Back on the touring grind for the first time since bassist and front-man David Murphy's cancer diagnosis and subsequent winning battle in early 2011, STS9 returned to the D.C. area at the newly opened Fillmore in Silver Spring, Maryland for an epic show filled with old-school bust-outs and new-school favorites.

[FIND news, tour dates and downloads on STS9's official website]

Photographer Jordan August captured the band's awesome light show (courtesy of longtime lighting designer Saxton Waller) as well as the excitement of the fresh venue and enthralled fans.

[CHECK out more of Jordan August's photographs on his Flickr.]

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STS9 - October 27, 2011 - The Fillmore - Silver Spring, MD

Set I: Arigato, 20-12, Kamuy, Golden Gate > Freq. 3, Metameme, What is Love?
Set II: Scheme, Instantly, Simulator, Somesing, Squares and Cubes, Tooth, Moonsocket, When The Dust Settles
Encore: This, Us > Monkey Music

Complete gallery below:

[Photographs by Jordan August.]

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See all of Jordan August's amazing photographs from concerts and festivals all around the country on his Flickr.

Catch STS9 as they wrap up their fall tour this week starting with a Halloween performance Monday night at the famed Georgia Theatre. For a complete list of dates, check out their official website.