STS9 are among the founding fathers of the jamtronica genre, creating complex compositions and taking them for an improvisational ride in the live setting. Of course, the “tronica” of jamtronica refers to the band’s electronic influences, as the group gets into heavy trance segments when they let loose and get into a groove.
However, the electronic aspect is more of a stylistic idea than it is a technical reality. At Electric Forest, STS9 proved that by playing a rare “Axe The Cables” set, in which the band trades in their instruments for a full acoustic set. That means an upright bass, piano – STS9 really commits to the cause. The songs still contain their signature grooves, but they do it in new and creative ways.
Thanks to STS9, we can listen to both “Orbital” and a two song run featuring “Call” and “Grow” from their exciting “Axe The Cables” set. With a quote of Miles Davis’ “So What” merged into the “Call” jam, this is some fine performing by a truly talented band. Feast your ears below…
You can see the full setlist below, and head here to purchase full audio of the full performance.
Setlist: STS9’s “Axe The Cables” at Electric Forest, Rothbury, MI – 6/25/16
Love Don’t Terrorize*, Aimlessly*>> Rockit (Herbie Hancock)*>> Aimlessly, Surreality*>> EB*>> Orbital*, Vapors*, Call*>> So What (Miles Davis)*>> Call, Grow, Rent
* – First time played axed
[Setlist/Photo via The Church of STS9]