Headstash

REVIEW: Sector 9 In New Orleans

Photo Credit: Jim Shepherd

Only one other time in recent history had jamtronica act STS9 billed themselves as “Sector 9,” the moniker the band used in their early years before a copyright controversy with the similarly named longboard company, and expectations were undoubtedly high.

The first post-cease-and-desist Sector 9 show was an impromptu New Year’s Day performance at Belly Up! In Aspen, Colorado in 2011 and featured a bevy of old-school bust-outs.

The vibe was fresh and the crowd was getting real irie at the River City Ballroom in The Big Easy as reggae act SOJA (Soldiers of Jah Army) began the night. After a chilled out set from fan-favorite and perennial STS9 opener, Emancipator, anticipation filled the room.

Photo Credit: Jim Shepherd

As the lights dimmed and the boys took the stage sans computers, the crowd howled with raucous applause hoping that their longtime devotion would be rewarded. For the better part of the next two and a half hours, they were.

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

“Simulator” – debuted at Red Rocks last year and has been heralded by many fans as a return to the band’s roots – kicked off the evening. Although the track feels as if it starts right in the middle of the bridge of another tune before finding its groove, it’s a fun song nonetheless.

It was a bit of a head-scratcher for many in attendance, as most were expecting something from much farther back in the catalogue.

After a fairly sloppy and ironically uninspired version of “Inspire Strikes Back,” Sector 9 started to find their groove, segueing into a monster “Evasive Maneuvers > Kamuy,” the perfect choice for JazzFest Opening Weekend.

The contrast between the swirling, spaced-out “Evasive” coupled with the sultry sexiness of “Kamuy” creates the quintessential STS9 vibe. The crowd was all smiles as they danced to Hunter Brown’s chill guitar licks and got down to the percussion jam that erupted between drummer Zach Velmer and percussionist Jeffree Lerner midway through the tune.

Photo Credit: Jim Shepherd

A fast and furious, “EB” followed before dropping back into the funk with a masterfully played “Equinox.” STS9 has been playing this track with some frequency over the past few shows and seem to be enjoying playing it just as much as fans new and old enjoy hearing it.

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“Moon Socket,” was next before the boys unleashed the bust-out of the evening in “T.W.E.L.V.E.” For the second time in three shows (and it should be noted the second time in five years), “Time Within An Evolving Living Vehicle Earth,” a song sought after by fans for years since it last made an appearance at the famed Boulder Theater five-night stand in 2007, was back.

This one sounded even funkier and tighter than the version from the week before in Oakland and the joy that it brought from fans was tangible. Hugs abounded, laughter ensued and dancing commenced. “T.W.E.L.V.E.” was back.

The “Lo Swaga” and “Rent” that followed were well played and got the crowd moving, but were curiously places and seemed like odd follow-ups.

After a short break, the second set started off with the “Peaceblaster” track, “Hidden Hand, Hidden Fist.” Though the new-school, electronic-inspired song was a shock for those expecting exclusively older songs, the track still went over well with the crowd.

[FIND complete lineups, ticketing information and analysis in our 2012 Festival Guide.]

Photo Credit: Jim Shepherd

Some purists may gripe about the song selection, but it’s a testament to the band’s storied and illustrious career that shows no signs of slowing down. As they progress, the new songs become old and the unfamiliar become classics. The fact that for over a decade, this band has continued to reinvent itself (for better or worse) is beyond admirable.

The subsequent tracks signaled a turning point in the show as if a direct response to the grumblings– the kind that keeps jaded vets coming back every time.

The opening notes of “Grow” rang throughout the ballroom as the breeze rolled in off the river, sending the show into an appropriately light and airy jam session. The beauty of this tune lies in its simplicity.

From Hunter’s rhythmic guitar picking to Murph’s walking bass, “Grow” elicits an infectious smile every time. After a thumping “Kaya,” the band launched into the “Frequencies Suite.”

“Frequencies DnB” got things started – a portion that is seldom played but showcases Sector 9’s roots. A great choice for JazzFest, “Freq 2 > 3” continued with David Phipps improvising during his keys solo and keeping things fresh while the boys tailored their tune to the looser side of things in the spirit of New Orleans.

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Photo Credit: Jim Shepherd

Thunderous bass filled the room for a rowdy “Gobnugget” and had the crowd stepping like their feet were in molasses. An inspiring and powerful “What is Love?” closed the second set.

After a brief stint off-stage, Murph returned and thanked the crowd for coming out and relayed how fun it was to, “Get up [here] with no computers and rock out for everyone,” much to the delight of the eager STS9 faithful.

As Murph plucked the telltale intro notes to “Wika Chikana” the crowd roared with appreciation and commenced what was to be the final get-down of the evening. It was a perfect selection for the encore and closed a killer second set.

STS9 is, like everything, constantly evolving. Some nights it’s STS9 who shows up, other nights it’s Sound Tribe and on those rare dates, it’s Sector 9. One thing is constant: it’s always a good time.

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04.27.2012 – River City Ballroom – New Orleans, LA

Set I: Simulator, Inspire Strikes Back > Evasive Maneuvers > Kamuy, EB, Equinox, Moon Socket
T.W.E.L.V.E, Lo Swaga, Rent
Set II: Hidden Hand Hidden Fist, Grow, Kaya > Frequencies DnB > 2 > 3, Gobnugget, What is Love?
Encore: Wika Chikana

 

 

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STS9 has a busy summer with stops at The Hangout, Red Rocks, Electric Forest, High Sierra, Gathering of the Vibes and their own Re:Generation Festival in Oregon. For a complete list of tour dates, check out their official website.