Writer: EmilyVanderWiel
Photographer: Jim Houle

Umphrey’s McGee returned to the stage at The Palace Theatre for the fourth time on February 1^st.  The second stop on a 3-night New England run, the band delivered two heavy, whiplash inducing sets with an impressive extended encore.  Known for their impeccable on-stage communication, Brendan Bayliss [guitar, vocals], Jake Cinninger [guitar, vocals], Joel Cummins [keyboards, piano, vocals], Andy Farag [percussion], Kris Myers [drums, vocals], and Ryan Stasik [bass] really know how to work together to create a sound that will never be duplicated.   Watching an Umphrey’s McGee show is much like watching an insanely beautiful showing of wizardry and magic.  Complex, technical and always on point.  Jefferson Waful [lighting director] amps up the experience with his colorful lighting architecture that accentuates the UM adventure, creating a visual imprint in fans’ memories.

(Photo: Jim Houle)

Set one began with a bust-out of “Domino Theory,” from 2011’s Death By Stereo, followed by an Ali Baba’s Tahini (Cinninger’s former band) song “Got Your Milk Right Here.”  Keyboardist Robert Walter came out to join the band on “Whistle Kids,” followed by “The Linear” and “White Man’s Moccasins.”  “Resolutions” was up next with a with “Norwegian Wood” (The Beatles) tease, leading into a stylistically smooth “Upward.”   The set closer was a delight as moe.’s drummer Vinnie Amico replaced Kris Meyers for a fun cover of ZZ Top’s “Cheap Sunglasses.”  Hardcore fans look forward to the surprising twists and turns that UM work into cover songs and this one did not disappoint.

(Photo: Jim Houle)

The first few chords of set two rang out and the crowd went wild.  Fan-favorite “Miss Tinkle’s Overture” opens set two followed by an enchanting edition of “Walletsworth.”  The band then busted into a heavy cover of Fugazi’s “Waiting Room,” showcasing Cinninger’s deep, expressive guitar tone.   The highly anticipated “1348” segues nicely into “Eat,” “Maybe Someday,” “The Floor,” and back into “1348” for a satisfying second set closer.  After a short jaunt off stage the band returns and plays an extended encore of “Puppet String>Soul Food>Puppet String.”

Umphrey’s McGee is headed to Brooklyn, NY next on their Wax On, Wax Off Tour for a 4-night run.  Three nights at Brooklyn Steel and a final night at Brooklyn Bowl.  That run kicks off on February 14.  More information about upcoming tour dates can be found on the band’s website.  Full show available for stream with subscription at nugs.net.

Setlist:

Set 1: Domino Theory, Got Your Milk (Right Here) > Whistle Kids[1], The Linear > White Man’s Moccasins, Resolution[2] > Upward, Cheap Sunglasses[3]

Set 2: Miss Tinkle’s Overture, Walletsworth, Waiting Room, 1348 > Eat, Maybe Someday, The Floor > 1348

Encore: Puppet String > Soul Food I > Puppet String

[1] with Robert Walter on keys
[2] with Norwegian Wood (The Beatles) tease
[3] with Vinnie Amico on drums

Gallery:

Photos courtesy of Jim Houle: