Two back to back shows are better than one, especially when the band is Sound Tribe Sector 9. The jamtronica quintet returned to Brooklyn Steel on September 14, 2024 for another round of their signature blend of EDM, rock, jazz and hip hop. They served up plenty of tasty older songs as well as newer tunes for an all out throw down, Big Apple style.
The show began with "This, Us," which contained a jazzy, hip hop vibe that started the show off perfectly. Incidentally, this song had not been played since December 30, 2023. Keyboardist David Phipp's ambient playing enveloped and brought all of the samples together.
The synth driven jam started to veer towards Nintendo like sounds, before bassist Alana Rocklin morphed into the bass line for the quintessential "Moon Socket." For a moment, it sounded like the band was diving into "Arigato," however Rocklin's thumping spurred the rest of the band to send the crowd on a funky journey to the moon. Drummer Zach Velmer crushed the drums during this very intricate and high speed song. Guitarist Hunter Brown sewed the song together with his guitar melodies.
New tune "Human Dream" followed that intense opening sequence, as percussionist Jeffree Lerner had nice touches. The song warmed up as the band played, and the bass became considerably more edgy. This lead into dance tune "World Go Round," from the Universe Inside, and consequentially, Rocklin shifted to a much funkier bass line. The epic jam that resulted coupled blues rock and trance.
The music took a turn back into hip hop and Artifact territory as the band slid into "Native End," which showcased Velmer's skills on the drums. Both Brown and Velmer alluded to the next song by dropping into the "Reemergence" guitar and drums for a short moment. They joined their band mates to finish out "Native End," before a proper ascent into "Reemergence." Brown really nailed the musical chorus, along with Phipps, which only elevated the complex percussive force.
The disco dance party kicked in with "Get Loud," another Universe Inside track. The set ended with a "Get Loud" that went in many directions. The bouncy beginning gave way to a funk fueled, synth explosion. This shifted into mind melting tension and release, and segued into a "Modular" jam to end this incredible set.
The band returned for set two, and began the festivities with more hip hop goodness via "Sky High," a cover by Goodie Mob. This flowed into the melodic, r&b song "Balancing Featuring Armanni Reign." "It's Alright" increased the intensity and sent the music back into a high energy dance space. This newer, synth friendly tune from 2023 is certainly a song with plenty of jam potential.
Another raging vintage tune made an appearance, and clocked in as the longest song in the second set at fourteen minutes and sixteen seconds. The honors go to none other than "Breathe In." Velmer had extra vigor in his arms as he ripped through this fancy tune. Phipp's keyboard playing was almost transcendent. This song can't help but put a smile on one's face.
The tone quickly went dark with the up tempo "Shock Doctrine" from Peaceblaster. Rocklin was front and center, and showed once again that she is a force to be reckoned with on the bass. A face melting transition ensued into another old school favorite, "Ramone and Emiglio." This launched into face melting tension and release, plus a vibrant build up courtesy of Velmer.
Phipps' elegant piano playing emerged once again during "Falling (Dnb mix)." This continued into "Click Lang Echo," and ended the set with a bang, albeit not without a quick segue into "Modular."
The band returned for an encore, starting with "Haze." This quickly migrated into "Peoples," which brought one final high intensity jam to send the Empire State fans home happy.
STS9 unfurled some serious heat in New York City. They are back in action this weekend at Red Rocks Ampitheater on September 29, 2024. Tickets are available via this link. Additionally, they will set sail on Jam Cruise in 2025 as one of the headliners, which is very enticing. Visit their tour page for more details on the rest of their fall tour.
Check out more photos from the show! Also, view our coverage of STS9 at Brooklyn Steel on September 13, 2024.
Band: Sound Tribe Sector Nine
Date: September 14, 2024
Venue: Brooklyn Steel
Set One: This, Us > Moon Socket, Human Dream > World Go Round, Native End > ReEmergence, Get Loud > Seed > Modular
Set Two: Sky High > Balancing Ft. Armanni Reign > It's Alright > Breathe In, Shock Doctrine > Ramone & Emiglio, Falling (Dnb mix), Click Lang Echo > Modular
Encore: Haze > Peoples
