The critically acclaimed Brooklyn instrumental improv band TAUK kicked off their Winter Squad Tour Thursday night with a headlining performance at the Westcott Theater in Syracuse, NY. Boasting an impressive light show, futuristic tease-filled jamming, new songs and a tasty “Eleanor Rigby” cover, fans who made the trip to Syracuse walked away with a couple new friends and plenty to talk about.

Opening the show early was the intriguing new project dubbed RCA, featuring Rob Compa of Dopapod, Chris DeAngelis and Adrian Tramontano of Kung Fu/The Breakfast. The strong but short set primarily consisted of songs off Rob Compa’s debut solo album, ‘Same Damn Thing’ and was highlighted by a gorgeous, jammed out cover of the Beatles song “Flying,” which saw a monstrous bass solo from DeAngelis.

After a brief intermission, the members of TAUK, Matt Jalbert (Guitar), Charlie Dolan (Bass), Alric “A.C.” Carter (Keyboards/Organ) and Isaac Teel (Drums) swaggered out to the stage to the tune of the Ruff Ryders’ Anthem, a clear sign the guys meant business. Kicking off the set, a near 12 minute rendition of “Dead Signal” that saw the band go off deep into type two territory. “Not Your Nemesis” and “Times Up” came next, followed by the always groovy jam “Dirty Mouth” that had a huge peak guitar solo from Jalbert and his gorgeous Gibson. After the band worked their way through “Cocoa Butter” and the relatively new song “Translation,” the undisputed MVP of the show came next, a massive, extended cover of the Beatles classic “Eleanor Rigby” which seamlessly segued into one of the bands most raucous numbers, the set closing “In the Basement of the Alamo.” With time for just one more, TAUK returned to the stage for an “Upside Down” encore.

While many in attendance were hoping for a two set show, it was not to be the case on this night, as the gig wrapped right around 11, Up next for the band, dates in Buffalo, Cleveland and Michigan. The massive Squad Tour will keep the band on the road for the rest of Winter and all the way into the spring. For a full list of dates, head to the official TAUK website for more information.

Setlist:

Dead Signal, Not Your Nemesis, Times Up, Dirty Mouth, FLOL, Cocoa Butter, Translation, Eleanor Rigby (The Beatles), In the Basement of the Alamo, Upside Down

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