Headstash

STS9 Acoustic - Photo Credit: Nick Rhodes

The last day of Re:Generation – as is it with any other festival – was bittersweet. Everyone knew the experience was coming to an end but they also expected STS9 to play their most memorable music of the festival with both an acoustic set and a Sunday night two-setter to close it all out.

STS9 Acoustic - Photo Credit: Nick Rhodes

Decked out in formalwear, STS9 led things off with a special “Axe The Cables” acoustic performance. Since debuting it during the New Year’s Eve run in 2009, the band has taken the event to a select number of cities and festivals in recent years playing from the same cache of songs.

This show, however, would be mightily different. Even though I personally believe atmosphere is an integral part of the show experience, I don’t often like to say, “You had to be there.” But on this Sunday afternoon, you really had to be there. (Though I’m sure the soundboards will still be amazing.)

The energy was electric with all members of the band looking out at the audience, savoring every reaction and soaking it in. It seemed the band knew what the fans wanted and aimed to deliver.

STS9 Acoustic - Photo Credit: Nick Rhodes

After opening with a funky “Equinox” and powering through “From Now On,” “Moonsocket” and “South of Here” Murph took the microphone for one of the most heartfelt token of appreciation I’ve ever heard.

After all he’s been through in the past half-year, you could tell he especially felt honored to be playing at this festival.

Though they played with a passion and intensity you don’t often see from a band at 3:00 p.m. at a festival,  towards the end of the set is when the real fireworks began.

STS9 Acoustic - Photo Credit: Nick Rhodes

After a few seconds to make sure they were on the same page, the unmistakable opening notes of  “Circus” rained out and many who had been sitting down, relaxing on the hill perked up and ran to the stage.

During the stripped down version – the first ever – Murph pounced out of his chair and walked up to Zach, facing him and wailing away before the epic peak.

It was executed perfectly and the fans showed their appreciation through their wild cheering and uncontrollable dancing.

But it didn’t end there. Two more debuts, old favorites “Roygbiv > Dance” followed and the crowd only got wilder. The band smiled knowingly while playing these songs and the crowd responded as graciously as they could.

Break Science - Photo Credit: Nick Rhodes

A mini drum solo at the end of “Dance” gave everyone the release they needed as the band walked off stage to uproarious applause. Certainly the most applause I’ve ever heard while the sun was still out.

In between both STS9 shows, Break Science amped up the tension with a hard electronic set that gave everyone a chance to let loose after the intensity of the acoustic set.

On the Sawmill Stage, Brendan Angelides – under the stage name ESKMO – showed off his unique electronic looping stylings, utilizing random objects like a golden water bottle and a hammer and metal, to create odd sounds that translated into danceable music.

ESKMO - Photo Credit: Nick Rhodes

It was like nothing I’d seen before and I found myself dancing unknowingly while mystified by what he was doing and captivated waiting to see what he would do next.

But the day – and let’s face it, the festival – belonged to STS9.

After opening with a short jam, the band settled into a groove with “Really Wut?,” Kamuy” and “Crystal Instrument” highlighting the first set before the bust-out of the night – and possibly the weekend – in “Orbital.”

A truly beautiful rendition, “Orbital” was played patiently and thoroughly, as they had been doing all weekend.

STS9 - Photo Credit: Nick Rhodes

An extended, jammed-out “Hubble” that went to new heights and elicited a boisterous reaction from the crowd punctuated the second set.

The set closed with an absolute monster of an “EHM” with an ending that didn’t seem to want to end as the band stretched it out, hoping that in their moment would never end.

But for the second night in a row, it was the encore that was by far the best part of the show. After thanking the crowd, the organizers and anyone else involved in the festival with a sincerity that’s unparalleled in the scene, Murph began the first notes of “Baraka.”

STS9 - Photo Credit: Nick Rhodes

All weekend, every member had their chance to shine. Each one was spotlighted and allowed to take the lead at various points while the others sat back. So fitting was it that in “Baraka,” each member was an equal, creating a gorgeous soundscape that Sound Tribe fans revel in.

Just as they were the entire weekend, the band was extremely deliberate in their playing. No one rushed a note and not once did it seem like any member was giving less than everything they had.

As fans walked out of the bowl, many were embracing with tears welled up. Whether it was the emotional “Baraka,” the end of Re:Generation or the dusty trails of Horning’s Hideout, one thing was for certain: they would never forget the moment.

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Stay tuned for more coverage from Re:Generation and our festival wrap-up, review and complete photo gallery later this week.

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Break Science - Photo Credit: Nick Rhodes

ESKMO - Photo Credit: Nick Rhodes

STS9 - Photo Credit: Nick Rhodes

STS9 - Photo Credit: Nick Rhodes

STS9 - Photo Credit: Nick Rhodes

STS9 - Photo Credit: Nick Rhodes