Flash Mountain Flood | 2019-05-24 | The Fox Theatre, Boulder, CO [SBD/AUD Matrix]

I heard a tune I thought I knew but then I realized it was just Flash Mountain Flood headlining The Fox Theatre!

The Fox was packed full of vibrant life last Friday, as Flash Mountain Flood celebrated the release of their new LP “Speak Of Heaven” in front of a receptive hometown crowd filled with friends, family, and fans alike, all ready to celebrate the bands triumphant accomplishment.

The band took the stage with a calm swagger, slowly meandering around the opening notes of their set before sliding into the beginning chords of “Any Place” and taking full command of their moment. The song served as a solid opener, showcasing the band’s signature couplets and talent for excursion, as the mid-section drifted into a fervent jam that found its peak several times while dipping in-and-out of valleys. Next up the band kicked into the southern-rocker “Timeless”, which provided a raucous dance number for a crowd itching to dance. The band then performed their oft-paired combination of “Stumblin’ > 1936”, a match that contrasts the upbeat roots-rock rhythm and psychedelic expedition of the former with the solemn Americana verses and building attack of the latter.

The set kept a solid experimental component throughout, but the real improv centerpiece of the evening was the most consistent jam vehicle in the band’s repertoire, the Paul Copoulos penned “White Lightning”. This particular rendition benefited from the talents of Kevin Supina (Envy Alo) who sat-in for the entirety of the 15+ minute jam. Supina’s contribution to the improv moments of the song cannot be overstated, as he accented the deepest and most riveting moments with a punched-up intensity that elevated the entire performance. The band took the song deep, completely breaking down the structure with an avant-garde flair that was fearless. It is an entrancing journey through the psychedelic prism in which Flash Mountain Flood crafts their sound, and one of the most compelling renditions of the tune I’ve ever seen them perform.

The band then invited up singer Halle Tomlinson (who auditioned for The Voice last year!) to lend her beautiful vocal talents to a rocking version of The Rolling Stones‘ epic ode to the effervescent junky, “Can’t You Hear Me Knockin'”. The jam at the end paid appropriate tribute to the Stones’ studio version, which was performed in one-take and never intended to have the extended outro that it did. The jam was another fiery jaunt, once again featuring the frantically on-point saxophone playing of Kevin Supina intermingling with the pointed licks of Logan Green and Wes Rather. The set then closed out with the debut live performance of “If I Could Only Hope”, which was off the new record, “Speak Of Heaven”. The song featured an outro solo that was one of the most inspired of the evening, finding fresh heights to carry the tune through the end. After briefly introducing the band, they then melted into the final tune of the evening, “Long Jaw”. A somber yet hopeful tune with an ethereal cadence that drifted listeners through its embrace as if cruising through the final moments of a dream.

Flash Mountain Flood is a band that will sneak up on you. Their jams layer these minute details that patiently build large improv moments where the air is thick, the mood is frantic and the peaks are extremely cathartic. An attention to detail that leans both on the psychedelic and melodic elements, presented through the lens of pure roots and Americana rock. Their celebration is well deserved. Congrats to the Flash Mountain Flood boys on an incredible record, which you should all go buy ASAP. I’d especially suggest the vinyl format, as the band recorded the entire album to tape, which translates beautifully to the pressing.

Flash Mountain Flood | 2019-05-24 | The Fox Theatre, Boulder, CO

-= One Set =-
01. Any Place[1]
02. (Banter)
03. Timeless
04. Stumblin’ ->
05. 1936
06. White Lightning[2]
07. Can’t You Hear Me Knockin’ (Rolling Stones cover)[3]
08. If I Could Only Hope[4] >
09. (Banter / Band Introductions) >
10. Long Jaw

Show Notes: This was a headlining set to celebrate the release of their new album “Speak Of Heaven”. Extra Gold opened the show followed by Kind Hearted Strangers.
[1] Logan broke a string during “Any Place” and played the rest of the set on Kevin Hinder’s (Kind Hearted Strangers) blue PRS guitar.
[2] “White Lightning” featured Kevin Supina (Envy Alo) on saxophone.
[3] “Can’t You Hear Me Knockin'” featured Halle Tomlinson on vocals and Kevin Supina (Envy Alo) on saxophone.
[4] “If I Could Only Hope” was a debut performance.

Taper Notes: DFC directly behind the soundboard, mics raised around 8′ PAS.

Thank you to Flash Mountain Flood and The Fox Theatre for being cool with taping/sharing shows. Go see live music and tip your bartenders! #spacetapes