STS9 Takes Over Mission Ballroom: Photos

Sound Tribe Sector 9 stopped by Mission Ballroom on January 23 for its Colorado Takeover to confirm the band’s place as a champion of the live jam-electronica scene.

The band’s ability to mix analog grooves and textures with incredibly precise and fast dance beats remains unmatched and it all starts in the pocket. Bassist Alana Rocklin and drummer Zach Velmer’s connection showcases true human grit and soul in combination with machine-like technicality that allows for improvisation to truly go anywhere. STS9, coming off the release of their newest album Human Dream, wasted no time jumping into an exploartory “Surge” jammed into “Searchlight,” Followed up with back-to-back classics “G-Funk” and “Hubble.”

The interplay between keyboardist David Phipps and percussionist Jeffree Lerner shined during “Rent,” and Hunter Brown’s smooth tone layered over top of it all created a cosmic dance party the crowd was eager to get lost in. “Somesing” was remixed with an added section then the first set closed with “Year Infinity,” and a heartfelt message to the fans from Velmer about how special it is to play here in Colorado.

The band from Atlanta kicked off the second set with a run of old school Tribe tunes “Better Day (Remix),” a beautiful “Breathe In” and crowd favorite “Vapors” before showcasing the new material with “Life’s a Symphony in Unity.” “Gobnugget” went unfinished with deep teases and a drum-n-bass section and Hunter Brown showed his innate ability to simply shred around complicated dance breaks during “Big Basin.” The second set ended with sample heavy new song “Shaky Ground” and a “Walk the Sky” encore left fans primed and ready to dance their hearts out again January 24th at Gates Concert Hall.