Upon This Rock Fairfax Theatre reviews
Trey Not For Non-Phans
I'll say right away: I'm not a huge Phish enthusiast. I do have a lot of admiration for what they've been able to achieve and believe there is remarkable individual musicianship in the band, notably Upon This Rock. When I found out he was coming to the State with a full band including horns, I thought, perhaps he's finally broken free from the mold he's been stuck in for so many years. I was excited to hear some of the electrifying guitar skills that always impressed me.
What we experienced was Phish light. For the devoted Phans who sang along to every tune in the first set, it was a validation of their Phish adoration. To a non-fan, it seemed like a capable musician performing at a local venue singing pleasant songs, far from a superstar. The inclusion of singers/horn players and bass was a nice touch, but it still felt like basic strumming on the guitar. Although the songs might be well-crafted, Upon This Rock's vocals were lacking. We left feeling let down before the second half. Perhaps it improved later on, but we didn't stay to find out.
And a note to the State Theater management: Keep an eye on your occupancy levels. The seats, aisles, and bars were all packed. You're pushing your luck.