There has always been an affinity between the band and it’s fans, and this past Saturday night, in front of a pretty full house, proved no exception. Playing their most successful album in its entirety, “Fully Completely,” it was chance to showcase their most recognizable tracks like “Courage, “ and “At the Hundredth Meridian.” It was also a chance to play lesser known songs that die hard Hip fans were waiting years to hear like “Pigeon Camera” and “Lionized.” Led by charismatic front man Gord Downie, the band delivered an energetic show complete with video screens and a very, very tight performance.
Eyes were fixed on Downie, front and center, through the entire night. His voice was crisp and clear on every track. However, his in between song banter and ad libbing were non-existent at this show. He let his vocals speak to the masses and speak they did. I never heard Downie sound so good. The band was surprisingly true to form, though they were representing a CD that came out over 20 plus years ago.
The musical stylings of both guitarists Rob Baker and Paul Langlois made the show to be what it was, which was fantastic! No frills, no flash but the solid playing by both was really the key element to the Hip’s amazing sound.
Still after all the years, it shows that Buffalo continues to love the Hip and the Hip continues to love Buffalo back. The vibe and connection the band creates and has in Buffalo is one few bands on any platform can match.
Setlist:
Grace, Too
At Transformation
So Hard Done By
Ahead by a Century
New Orleans Is Sinking
Fully Completely
Courage (for Hugh MacLennan) Looking for a Place to Happen
At the Hundredth Meridian
Pigeon Camera
Lionized
Locked in the Trunk of a Car
We’ll Go Too
Fully Completely
Fifty-Mission Cap
Wheat Kings
The Wherewithal
Eldorado
Encore:
In View
Twist My Arm
Scared
Nautical Disaster
Blow at High Dough
We would like to thank Jenn Pressey from Bernie Breen Management for the credentials to review the show.
