Words by Andrew Madden

Wow! What a night, show and performance! As a Gizzard newbie (only started listening in the last week) but avid concert goer (26th concert of 2024), I wasn't sure what the vibe would be like. Also, the Armory is a large barn (not the best acoustics). From what I had heard of the band, I loved their wide variety and influences. As far as genres go, their newest album speaks to my usual tastes as I'm not much of a heavy metal guy.

To begin with, these guys blended various genres throughout the night with such seeming ease. Not something I was sure was possible but wow! The crowd also was a highlight. Such a friendly and easy crowd to gel with. Friendliest mosh pit mix from a non mosh pit guy (10 ft from the pit).

From the jump, they came out firing with "Pleura" and "O.N.E." They really set the stage energy wise. The show got really rolling when they brought Joe up for the beginning of "Nuclear Fusion." The guy had some pipes.

The progression into "Reticent," "Lord of Lightning" and "Cellophane." The pit really got rolling then. Not my favorite part of the set but definitely heard a lot of folks around me pumped to get them.

Really appreciated "Mystery Jack" as it transitioned into more recent albums including "Antarctica" (the song I was most hoping for on the night). Such a fun jam. Really appreciate the vocal harmonizing of it. Gives me feels of old Doors albums.

"Ambergris" and "Hypertension" were fun easier jams with fun light effects. Really mellowed out the vibe leading into "Flight b74" and another new album favorite of mine "Le Risque" which I know is poppier song of theirs but I love the bass line. (Cue my brother making a joke that "Stomp and Holler" comes on my Spotify genres).

Really enjoyed "Theia" and "Silver Chord" next to each other. They blend well. Never heard a DJ set break put mid concert but it definitely allowed for a nice change of pace. The percussion section really held their own throughout this section.

The transition into the biggest surprise fun song of the night for me was "Grim Reaper." Their ability to blend Beastie Boys 'Intergalactic' blew me away. Usually that type of thing feels forced. Also hell of a flute solo! Woah!

"Plastic Boogie" and "This Thing" brought back the funky vibe and rhythms. "Plastic Boogie" was a true dance party tune, too.

"Am in Heaven," "Supercell," and "Motor Spirit" took it back to the metal roots. Wildly talented solos in this section. The rhythm guitar was seemingly flawless live.

The only downside of the night was the fact that they couldn't pull off "Magenta Mountain." From reading it looks like a synthesizer issue. Would have loved that tune but they did make up for it with awkward jamming while singing about the issue.

I came away from the night in absolute awe of their musical abilities instrumentally but also their ability to build a well rounded and flowing set list.

This was my first and definitely not my last Gizz show! Definitely a favorite of the 26 shows so far this year!