Opening the night up, Ty Segall hit the stage with his garage/indie rock sound that blends top-notch songwriting with impressive instrumentals, all culminating into a new and fresh sonic approach to the indie rock genre. An entire set that can be described as “a vibe”, Ty Segall put on full display their musicianship with layered guitar moments and rhythm sections next to almost jam session moments that pair perfectly alongside an act like Primus. Ty Segall is a notable name in modern indie rock for good reason as he brings to the table something new and fresh for a genre that is extremely dense and overcrowded.
One of those artists where you’re not quite 100% where to place them, Primus are as much metal as they are funk as they are psychedelic rock. Even just writing this review, I find myself struggling with the exact perfect words to use, which I think is right on point for what Primus aims for with their style and sound. A high energy crowd, even as the show was outside with potentially dodgy weather, the band’s quirky and eccentric style still shined through as they ran through the greatest Primus hits, deep cuts, and then some keeping everyone on their toes throughout the night as they deliver that unique, one-of-a-kind set that only Primus can deliver.
At times, it often feels like one giant jam session as Primus would often take interlude breaks to comment on something or someone in the audience, or whatever was happening around them at that given moment. Sometimes built into their routine, often spontaneous, Primus utilizes these moments of candidness to create memorable, interpersonal connections with those around them. Every band ever shouts out the respective city they’re in with maybe a story they’ve told a hundred times. Primus creates that extra special, one-of-a-kind memory by being so off-the-cuff and spontaneous in how they engage with fans, among each other, and within their live performance. You’ll never get the same Primus show twice, as they seemingly tailor each live experience according to that tour and city.
I’ve never seen Primus before so as a first-time Primus viewer, I enjoyed the quirkiness, whimsy, and spontaneity throughout the night. Some may feel this style of showmanship, coupled with their already out-of-the-box musical style, creates whiplash for fans, but I think that’s exactly what fans enjoy. They want to feel pulled in multiple directions not knowing what was going to happen next. A performance that felt more akin to a freeform jazz session, you could tell someone who didn’t know any better that they’re completely freestyling parts of their performance, and they’d probably believe you. All of this pairs perfectly alongside their equally spontaneous and multi-layered music, creating an engaging experience that is as impressive visually as it is audibly.
Primus
Ty Segall
