When Pink Talking Fish settled into the first of their 3 show residency at Reggie’s Rock Club in Chicago for their “Pink Talking Fish Are Dead” concept produced by Live For Live Music, nobody could have possibly known what they were in for; not even the musicians themselves.

What PTF did this weekend surrounding the Grateful Dead Fare Thee Well shows provided the backdrop for all in attendance to go home with an “I remember when…” moment. The band elevated their craft beyond any bar that could have been set, and effortlessly transcended previous musical achievements to arrive at a level of artistic expression that’s in a word; sublime.

The inherent structure of PTF is “egoless” in and of itself. You simply cannot pay homage to Pink Floyd, The Talking Heads, and Phish without a completely selfless, dedicated pursuit. When juxtaposed against the sheer talent of the musicians in the band, all the elements combine to form a concoction with incendiary potential. Fortunately for us, the mad-scientists were able to stabilize the formula.

The band opened the weekend with an up-tempo galactic groove in “2001”. Zack Burwick held down the groove proper, with cowbell accentuations that would have made “The Bruce Dickinson” blush. Strong, sultry vocals from keyboardist, Richard James lead us through “Run Like Hell”. They managed some greasy transitions and slick timing between their songs, reminiscent of The Swampers and Motown backing bands that exemplified what it means to be “tight” during loose feeling transitions.

A funky “Shakedown Street” locked-in to a decidedly funkadelic groove. The energy was increasing as if the floodgates had been released and then “This Must Be The Place” laid down the good-feels and got the place centered. This ease-back refresher jam was a testament to the manner in which these set-lists are created and how they demonstrate an immense amount of forethought, and consideration.

“Divided Sky” opened up with surprising synchronicity as Eric Gould tore off into the ether with a passionate presentation of the composed bass section in the opening parts. Dave Brunyak seems to characteristically exceed expectations with each new show. His technique and tonal presentation have always been there, but you can tell the effort he puts into working out the jams and it really pays off in his performance.

The improvisation got deeper and more compelling as the show went on. The absolute best part of witnessing an up-and-coming act take hold of the scene is the groundbreaking moments that inspire feelings of witnessing something truly special. This seems to be the new comfort zone for PTF as they continue down the path of exceeding expectations and selling out shows!

“I Need A Miracle” came out crackling with energy. A late 80’s GD electricity was evident in the tonality of the music. Dave’s lead lines were searing and intense against Richard James’ powerful vocals. This tune hit hard as they inspired the SOLD OUT crowd to get fired up with anticipation for the upcoming shows. “I Need A Miracle” artfully slowed down to a half-time/swing feel (courtesy of the polished syncopation of team Gould/Burwick) and descended into a travelin’ groove that featured an engaging improvised section. Lyrical motifs flew back and forth between keys (James) and guitars (Gould/Brunyak) before settling into Pink Floyd’s “Fearless”, which blended in parts of Phish’s “Prince Caspian” at the peak of the composition.

Back into “Divided Sky” to finish the improvised section that featured soaring major lines from Brunyak’s semi-hollow axe of choice.  The dance party continued with the calypso inspired “Nothing But Flowers” by The Talking Heads and then a glorious “Quinn The Eskimo” closed out the first set to wide-acclaim. Just as I was thinking how these guys seriously came to play this weekend, I heard the passionate expression of an audience member who confirmed my suspicions as he said “That dude on bass is UNREAL”.

The set break was marked by confusing looks in an altogether comical sense for all who have come to know PTF and their gut-punching, face-melting antics as of late. It seemed like many there had, “What in the *$*#% did I just see!?” tattooed on their forehead.

The second set came out with “Punch You In The Eye”. The synchronization between both guitarists on “PYITE” was absolutely phenomenal. Meandering around one another with exciting, inspired playing that lead into the deeply provocative energies of “Young Lust”. After a foray into the sultry groove, the brow-furling, lip-curling funk of “West L.A. Fadeaway” was beautifully transitioned from the like-structured “Young Lust” in another example of inspired set-list creation. PTF took it deep, and explored a more rhythmic based approach to improvisation as the Earth (drum/bass) and Sky (keys/guitar) sections locked in and explored the space.

“Making Flippy Floppy > China Cat > Cities” during the second set featured the more inspired Talking Heads/Grateful Dead mashups of the first show. Rounding out the set with “Pigs (3 Different Ones) > I Know You Rider > Run Like An Antelope > Run Like Hell” gave all the bands featured in PTF some love, as they interlaced the Dead material amongst their more familiar tonal tapestries.

The first show featured some high energy moments, culminating (perhaps) when Dave popped a couple balloons with his guitar that made their way onstage, much in the same way that Trey did on the “Bittersweet Motel” DVD. There were apparently many people who were privy to this information as the roof nearly tore off the place when the plastic pustule exploded into nothingness from Dave’s severed guitar string.

You can catch “Pink Talking Fish Are Dead” aboard a concert cruise in NYC this Friday at 7 PM and with Todd Stoops at 11 PM. More details here.

Setlist: Pink Talking Fish @ Reggie’s Rock Club, Chicago, IL – 7/4/15 Early Show

Set 1:
2001>
Run Like Hell>
Shakedown Street>
2001>
This Must Be The Place (Naive Melody)
Divided Sky>
I Need A Miracle>
Fearless*>
Divided Sky
Nothing But Flowers
Quinn The Eskimo

Set 2:
Love – Building On Fire>
Punch You In The Eye>
Young Lust>
West LA Fadeaway
Bathtub Gin>
Making Flippy Floppy**>
China Cat Sunflower>
Cities***
Pigs (3 Different Ones)%>
I Know You Rider>
Run Like An Antelope%%>
Run Like Hell

*w/ Prince Caspian tease
**w/ Rift tease
*** “Did I forget to mention Chicago? Home of the Grateful Dead and Da Bears”
%Dave Brunyak got miracled to the Dead show during the jam
%%w/ Simpsons Secret Langua

– Words by John Mikeska, Photos by Chad Anderson. Full gallery below.