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Amfibian |
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State Theatre
Falls Church, Virginia
01.06.01 |
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review
With touring sensations Phish on hiatus, the jam band market has been left with a significant void. The group's absence presents an opportunity for many similar bands to step up and gain recognition, as tour junkies look for music worthy of their time and money. A new group has surfaced to help fill the void—Amfibian. Founded by Phish lyricist Tom Marshall, the new band carries the same spirit of unity and entertainment that made the scene surrounding Phish so popular. Amfibian's music differs from Phish's in its lethargic, ominous feel. Despite this melancholy approach, the group still maintains the same extended groove element that has attracted so many to this style of music over the years.
Kicking off its winter mini-tour, Amfibian unveiled its new line-up, consisting of members of the groups F-Hole, Rana, and The Chris Harford Project (all friends and musical associates of Tom Marshall). Artists from Marshall's own Furry Thugs label, the Saras, opened the evening. As the Saras ran through a short set of original tunes (played on guitar, bass, and two drum kits), the theatre began to fill with people from all walks of life. Children danced around in front of the stage, while others flocked around the two bars on either side of the room, trying to relax under the psychedelic mood lighting and eagerly anticipating the show to come.
By the time the headliners took the stage, the theatre was about three-quarters full and rising. It wasn't long before the floor in front of the stage was filled with those fervent to dance. Amfibian jumped into an extended version of the Phish classic "The Wedge," which made the obviously intrigued audience "bounce around the room," until the band slowed down its pace with more relaxed, melodic, original tunes. Tom Marshall took more of a background role on stage, playing minimalist keyboard accompaniment to the three guitarists, bassist, and two drummers creating the bulk of the sound. The highlight of the evening was near flawless guitar soloing by Scott Metzger; his ability to leap in and out of the zone at will, combined with the charisma of Chris Harford, only added to the group's already tight stage presence.
Amfibian played late into the evening, alternating from upbeat to down tempo songs. On the slower jams, people were able to sit in the balcony or at the rear of the dance floor, whereas the faster, funkier tunes emptied chairs and brought people closer to the stage. All in all, the vibe was reminiscent of a Phish show, with everyone there for quality music and good company. Even those who seemed disappointed the group didn't sound more like Phish left knowing that at any Amfibian show, a good time is bound to happen. Smiles were abundant and cheer ran rampant through the State Theatre that night. If Amfibian's aim was to create that sort of atmosphere…mission accomplished.
by Damani
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