2023/04/16 - Live at Santa Barbara Bowl
SANTA BARBARA PRE-SALE STARTS WED 15 FEBRUARY 2023 @ 10 AM PST (Ticket Link (https://www.axs.com/events/471833/the-chemical-brothers-tickets))
w/ Overmono (DJ Set)
6:30pm start
They're playing another Bowl in SoCal. First it was Hollywood, then it was the Greek, now it's Santa Barbara. Early start which likely means community noise restrictions. At least TPPR encore may happen.
Venue looks wonderful with the exception it's mostly a seated venue. Is there anyone with experience here? How'd you guys enjoy the Greek and Hollywood bowl shows in the past?
I was shocked to see the driving distance to Seattle. Puts in perspective just how big California is.
I'm there!
I'm actually glad it's seating since I want to take my kid and that'll make it easier than GA. This is really exciting since I thought this was going to be the first tour I couldn't make any shows. I've been steady since '07!
fuck yeah! I'm there.
Santa Barbara bowl is a fantastic venue. I've gone out of my way to see Radiohead and Sigur Ros there in the past. Radiohead often make an effort to include it in their tours because they like it so much.
there's a GA pit up front. seats at the back have a view of the coast.
Quote from: Biff on Feb 14, 2023, 20:35I'm there!
I'm actually glad it's seating since I want to take my kid and that'll make it easier than GA. This is really exciting since I thought this was going to be the first tour I couldn't make any shows. I've been steady since '07!
This is adorable. I'm picturing a children's book made out of this experience. Maybe not use "You are all my children now" as a title.
Quote from: Bosco on Feb 14, 2023, 20:09Venue looks wonderful with the exception it's mostly a seated venue. Is there anyone with experience here? How'd you guys enjoy the Greek and Hollywood bowl shows in the past?
I was shocked to see the driving distance to Seattle. Puts in perspective just how big California is.
Greek Bowl - Alot of people dancing next to your seat! Great venue! Me and the chem peeps were nearby a few seats away but we gathered before and after the show.
Hollywood Bowl - Show was one of my best experiences in an open setting. Ed mentioned to get seats close to the stage cause of the decibel limit, but overall a memorable day. KDB live was godlike!
I've always went to Santa Barbara with my parents as a kid. Now I visit time to time and drive out there with my family and head out to the wharf to eat, then swing by State street.
its a smaller venue compared to the Hollywood bowl, but It gives me a personal feel and ambience to these types of shows.
Quote from: Biff on Feb 14, 2023, 20:35I'm there!
I'm actually glad it's seating since I want to take my kid and that'll make it easier than GA. This is really exciting since I thought this was going to be the first tour I couldn't make any shows. I've been steady since '07!
If memory serves me correct, I think the Hollywood Bowl show was the first time I met you Biff (or was it the second?)! Your like 6'2 right? The tallest of the bunch! You were close to Whirls and team slightly near the right (from the stage POV) Good to finally to see you again when we get there!
SB sounds like a perfect venue for air, weather, and some Chems for your son/daughter.
And who would've guess that the Chems would do Coachella, get a days rest, go to Santa Barbara for a gig, then go back to Coachella again.
Nice that they squeaked that show in!
Count me in!
Quote from: inchemwetrust on Feb 15, 2023, 03:35Greek Bowl - Alot of people dancing next to your seat! Great venue! Me and the chem peeps were nearby a few seats away but we gathered before and after the show.
Somehow Enjoyed (+1) and I got seats next to each other at the front of a section / on the rail right behind the soundbooth. We realized a seat behind us was empty, guessed eveyone would be standing / dancing, and got Whitenoise (+1) in there. It felt like a technical show where you could take in everything at once. Best part was that we could tell Errol was in the soundbooth in front of us. He came out to have a chat with the group for about ~10 minutes after the set.
Get a GA ticket if you can. If that doesn't work, get on the rail of a section.
Quote from: rynostar on Feb 14, 2023, 19:11Early start which likely means community noise restrictions. At least TPPR encore may happen.
Looks like it's cleared for darkness too. Sunset is at 7:31PM in Santa Barbara on the 16th, and Chemical Brothers will probably start at 8PM-8:30PM, so the tail end of twilight.
Edit: I think my hopes for a repeat Red Rocks show is kinda "pie in the sky" at this point, but from all the photos I've seen, the setting at Santa Barbara looks like the next best thing for amphitheater shows.
Quote from: Bosco on Feb 15, 2023, 19:21Edit: I think my hopes for a repeat Red Rocks show is kinda "pie in the sky" at this point, but from all the photos I've seen, the setting at Santa Barbara looks like the next best thing for amphitheater shows.
red rocks is in a league of its own, but yeah santa barbara bowl is very nice.
I scored pit tickets this morning. stoked.
Quote from: shakermaker on Feb 15, 2023, 20:21I scored pit tickets this morning. stoked.
Did the same with hopes I make this one. More likely to do Seattle, but hoping to do both.
Now *this* is the one! :music I will be there with bells on. I CANNOT WAIT to see you there!
Whirly/Jim, tell Errol to put in a good word for us going to Seattle. Tell him we're coming. And tell him the Canadians are still doing the Justin Timberlake disappointed face (not going to post the full image this time).
Quote from: whirlygirl on Feb 17, 2023, 01:31Now *this* is the one! :music I will be there with bells on. I CANNOT WAIT to see you there!
WOOHOO!
I slept on presales but got my pit ticket finally!
Would've love to make this one, as the venue looks really special, but I'm selling my GA (pit) ticket.
Total after fees was, $111.15
If interested, DM me or email me which can be found in my profile.
4 more sleeps till Barbara!
Wow, Time really flies!
wheeee!
Quote from: inchemwetrust on Apr 12, 2023, 14:134 more sleeps till Barbara!
And then I assume this new version of UTI or EOD happens.
(https://i.gifer.com/BcWv.gif)
Tom and Ed reveal that George and Mildred were originally created to take down Mecha-Barbra.
I have small chance for success but I'll try.
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE
Play "PIKU" track at Santa Barbara Bowl :music
Quote from: PaGu on Apr 15, 2023, 03:11I have small chance for success but I'll try.
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE
Play "PIKU" track at Santa Barbara Bowl :music
I can hope that they do, but usually the chems doesn't do request!
@shakermaker @Biff Me and Whirls want to meet up you guys at the venue before the shows starts! Hit us up here or on my FB or insta of the same name!
Biff's other half and I have been chatting :) We will all be in touch! Cannot wait!!!
Have a ton of fun tonight. Crossing my fingers for a dazzling encore.
I cannot be more excited. I've missed you guys. It'll be fun that this will by my son's first concert, we missed a few we had tickets to due whatever thing was spreading around. He's gonna see this show and everything after will just be crap (until he sees the chems again).
So excited for you and your son, Biff! And for everyone else going tonight, enjoy!!
Quote from: Biff on Apr 16, 2023, 17:01I cannot be more excited. I've missed you guys. It'll be fun that this will by my son's first concert, we missed a few we had tickets to due whatever thing was spreading around. He's gonna see this show and everything after will just be crap (until he sees the chems again).
It has been a minute since I've seen you and the fam!! So excited to see you after all these years. See you all TONIGHT!!!
Cant wait to see all of you there! Gonna power nap for now!
Quote from: inchemwetrust on Apr 16, 2023, 18:32Cant wait to see all of you there! Gonna power nap for now!
Update us please!!! (Tell us about the encore too if there is one!)
6.30 Overmono DJ set
7.45 our boys
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid04v5GWyLzfW93ydRjw8EFfiCJLophPfpHLktyDb1srB9RaTbQKreekYoLoBhbnNBil&id=100044389360795&sfnsn=mo&mibextid=RUbZ1f
Have ball at the Bowl siblings, sisters, and brothers! Mind you, you're all probably meeting right now.
@whirlygirl, remember to tell Errol we're coming. Also, find out what the catering is and let us know if it's Jerk Chicken.
Oh my god that was incredible!! So many highlights are tumbling in my brain right now... what a night! And that gorgeous Snowy Psychedelic Reel of an encore brought a tear to my eye. Oh my god.
Quote from: whirlygirl on Apr 17, 2023, 07:12Oh my god that was incredible!! So many highlights are tumbling in my brain right now... what a night! And that gorgeous Snowy Psychedelic Reel of an encore brought a tear to my eye. Oh my god.
snowy as in snow/surface to air snowy? ;D
VERY GLAD YOU HAD FUN THOUGH!!!
I've seen a lot of visuals on Insta that i haven't seen at the Coachella stream. Except for the obvious Reel, did you peeps get Snow/Surface? Because visuals told me so
What was the encore? Just ppr? Interested to know if they've kept glint/catch me in the encore
Sounds like Snow Surface to Reel, no?
Spoiler
https://youtu.be/DI5Qxqz2hcU
:o
It's even the
Spoiler
iTunes festival
version!!! ::Y
Spoiler
https://youtu.be/CIqe5pMiD0s
vocals from TDTYF played at the beginning of the Reel! (video of that soon)
Excellent show last night! The set was the same but some minor differences I noticed from the Portola set sound wise! The venue was spacious and big, but no side screens for the visuals (not a deal breaker) I noticed a new way they put up the robots...upper body first, then hoist them up, then attach the legs, then hoist the whole robot!
Lot of friendly guests we bumped into as they told their story how they got into the Chems music!
We were near the railing on the right side and we got a great chunk of sound that was so good that I forgot to use my earplugs.
From the looks of it, it was pretty much sold out!
I kind of got there late but arrived around 7ish, and caught the warm up DJ for a while. I parked right next to Whirls and Stash in the pit( we couldn't get a hold of Shakermaker but I'm sure he was rocking it out in the pit) for the whole show, then met up with Biff ( this guy hasn't aged at all!) at the end of the show and all 4 of us chatted to the late hours. I love you all tonight and thanks for being there at the shows with me after all these years.
Team Chemical Santa Barbara represented tonight, and I felt that this was show was similar to the Hollywood Bowl show, but with better audience participation (Cheers, yelling, screaming the lyrics, etc)
Will have more as soon as I wake up later today!
Quote from: inchemwetrust on Apr 17, 2023, 11:07but no side screens for the visuals (not a deal breaker)
But then you haven't seen the No Reason guys playing the HBHG-drums on their drums
Still buzzing and have that afterglow thingie one gets after a show. ;D I will post more when I can get my thoughts in order. Shakermaker so sorry we were unable to connect before they came on. Next time!!
I posted some clips on insta and my FB, but this one is courtesy of inchemswetrust :D Merry band of fuckwits we are, haha - me, stash, and inchemswetrust!
IMG_0573.jpeg
Quote from: whirlygirl on Apr 17, 2023, 17:47Still buzzing and have that afterglow thingie one gets after a show. ;D I will post more when I can get my thoughts in order. Shakermaker so sorry we were unable to connect before they came on. Next time!!
I posted some clips on insta and my FB, but this one is courtesy of inchemswetrust :D Merry band of fuckwits we are, haha - me, stash, and inchemswetrust!
[url="https://forum.thechembase.com/index.php?action=dlattach;attach=1924;type=preview;file"]IMG_0573.jpeg[/url]
Awesome! Was it cold lol?
Quote from: whirlygirl on Apr 17, 2023, 17:47[url="https://forum.thechembase.com/index.php?action=dlattach;attach=1924;type=preview;file"]IMG_0573.jpeg[/url]
Messaged inchem this last night but it needs repeating. Stash's hoodie looks amazing! And Warm! I just want to give him a hug (again).
What an awesome show! We had a lot of fun and my kid was pretty amped. I'm pretty sure he's reeling just as much from hanging out with Uncle Toomuchstash.
It was a really great venue and the set was pretty wild. Lots of fun live synth action for those of us really into that stuff 🤓 I missed Portola, so I was pretty happy to still have the chance to hear the current set list live.
There were, erm, quite a few human fog machines near us. He later reversed his hoodie for covering his face. George was not so lucky.
(https://i.ibb.co/7CLXGjh/A178-E549-86-AD-4-EE6-88-E4-55-E1-CA301785.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/L0DTgPY/05-B3-AD70-1-F54-4807-9-B7-E-0-DA93771-C69-B.jpg)
Quote from: Foxboy on Apr 17, 2023, 17:59Awesome! Was it cold lol?
Quote from: rynostar on Apr 17, 2023, 18:21Messaged inchem this last night but it needs repeating. Stash's hoodie looks amazing! And Warm! I just want to give him a hug (again).
The hoodie (which has a ridiculous backstory) and the vintage orange pants have seen their fair share of shenanigans over the years - so why not go all orange? For the hell of it. :)) But yearh about the weather, hah It was nice and cool outside. Perfect for dancing under an open sky. Though it was only chilly if you weren't moving. Which meant the hoodie came off shortly after the music started!
❤️ I will ensure he brings out the Snuggie Huggie hoodie for when he sees you next!
Quote from: Biff on Apr 17, 2023, 23:44What an awesome show! We had a lot of fun and my kid was pretty amped. I'm pretty sure he's reeling just as much from hanging out with Uncle Toomuchstash.
It was a really great venue and the set was pretty wild. Lots of fun live synth action for those of us really into that stuff 🤓 I missed Portola, so I was pretty happy to still have the chance to hear the current set list live.
There were, erm, quite a few human fog machines near us. He later reversed his hoodie for covering his face. George was not so lucky.
(https://i.ibb.co/7CLXGjh/A178-E549-86-AD-4-EE6-88-E4-55-E1-CA301785.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/L0DTgPY/05-B3-AD70-1-F54-4807-9-B7-E-0-DA93771-C69-B.jpg)
Biff!! It was SO good to see you and your family again after so long! And your son is too awesome, it is so cute how he took a shine to Uncle Stash, heheh ❤️
That set was wild and the crowd were so up for it! Ages across the spectrum. I noticed there were a lot of people that had their kids with them! There was a guy in front of me in GA who was there with his two sons, maybe 14 or 15 yrs and they were going all out, they were so into it! So good to see!!
But yeah, contact high is a high possibility :)) I mean, poor George!
aaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhyhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
Quote from: shakermaker on Apr 18, 2023, 02:12aaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhyhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
https://youtu.be/vQmaRNWcqrs?t=6
Happy to hear about the great show! And awesome photo, you all look great!
Biff, good to see you around! Many lolz at the perfectly timed George photo.
Mini Review because the same thoughts and experience from the last show apply here since the set list is the same with one exception :)
Fantastic show! Sold out show with friendly guests as if everyone was forumites! The sound on this show was probably the best bass heavy I've been to, We got up close and personal near the railing with Whirls and Stash! Haven't been front row in years so was very happy to see the visuals so clean and bright! I was looking at Tom to make sure he did not touch the octave kitten at the end of Galvanize. If he didn't, that means we get the encore. If not, then it's good bye!
Spoiler
But Tom ignored it and left the booth with Ed and clapped and exited stage left. I then told Whirls 'YES! were getting a encore. But I was thinking maybe a new track (space gospel perhaps or maybe TDTYF) but we were freaking out when the first notes of STA were played, but some damn onions passed by me when I heard 'YOUR LOVE KEEPS LIFTING ME' tears of joy I tell you. Then the Reel started to creep slowly, but then these robot vocals with some weird effect on them were singing 'let your heart sing the colors all around you' for maybe for like 20 sec
Minor differences that I were to make out was that EVE had some wild echoing with the vocals (gonna find a friend) and I wasn't sure if that was on purpose but it sounded like the effect got stuck, the SG piano keys were much more clear to hear than the Coachella stream. The transition into CB was improved and the track didn't feel like it was dropped out of nowhere, and the transition into Swoon still kind of feels rough when coming into the mix. Besides these fixable details. The Chemical Brothers played a better show that reminded me of the Hollywood Bowl show from years back. The only difference between that show and this one was that the fans that made it out here in SB were way more enthusiastic. I personally never saw so many peeps wear chemical t shirts than any other show. Saw alot of them wear the black T with the green logo, so I thought 'Hmm its almost like its St Patricks Day!
' MAH, Free Yourself EML/ Hoops, UTI , are my standout faves from the current setlist (even though it's the same) and never bored me at all! I hopped and danced the most on GTKO and SG, but I felt I had alot more energy to give off than Portola SF. We were very lucky to have Tom and Ed for coming out between weekends at Coachella but also very fortunate to be with some forum veterans again. Biff, it was a pleasure meeting you again, including your wife, which I also had the distinct pleasure to talk to. ( I accidently geeked out to her about everything chems related after the show) I'm happy your son got to witness his first Chems concert, so that was a highlight to see. He should be wearing your Chem shirts pretty soon ! Whirls and Stash, I know I sound like a broken record but thanks, thanks, and big thanks for whooping it up with me in the pit and sharing this wonderful chemical experience again, and especially for helping me get my car out of the parking lot when the gates were closed (we contacted SB Bowl security when this happened and guy from the venue had a key so he drove me down there to get my car out! That was a close one! lol!
Finally Thanks to T and E, still working it out! Superb show on all levels....11/11 Can they pull off a 12/12 in Indio?
(https://i.imgur.com/SfEvzxF.jpg)
Neons of 'Go'
(https://i.imgur.com/6Ue5YPG.jpg)
Zapped
(https://i.imgur.com/InFV6jO.jpg)
Looks like a video game boss
(https://i.imgur.com/xoJI9Xp.jpg)
EVE
(https://i.imgur.com/AIRCy4s.jpg)
Need more power
(https://i.imgur.com/0R9W3oR.jpg)
Ed cheering!
(https://i.imgur.com/DlygsfF.jpg)
George and Mildred
(https://i.imgur.com/lz8FG72.jpg)
Can't hold any tighter!
(https://i.imgur.com/V7Y4Bej.jpg)
The crowd made out after this
Spoiler
(https://i.imgur.com/taBh9Wo.jpg)
Church of chemicals
(https://i.imgur.com/O93C0Rh.jpg)
Are you not entertained?
(https://i.imgur.com/yIWmksJ.jpg)
Don't take my robots away!
Thanks a lot for all the reports and glad that you all had such a wonderful time! Makes me all the more hyped for the UK shows, even though they're a long way off :)
that was SO DAMN FUN.
going in I was wondering if it might be over the top, having seen this show twice last year (+ the webcast just two days earlier), to fly out of town to see it yet again. 3 times in under 12 months! but I was already committed, and I kept reminding myself of my regret over not seeing more of their 2019 NA dates.
then the show itself absolutely justified it all. this was the best of the three shows I've seen this era, and I'm so damn glad I went. I was less concerned about absorbing every detail and just let myself go. it was a beautiful day in santa barbara, and the slightly cool outdoor atmosphere felt amazing.
although I failed to meet up with you fine folk (thanks again for trying, whirlygirl) I did meet up with several friends with whom I've had many chemical brother experiences in the past, and it was a delight to share another concert with them, particularly those who had not seen this tour yet.
and THAT ENCORE. holy crap. what a way to end it.
There is an encore spoiler, but eventually the cat is gonna be out of the bag.
Ok, so after every Chems show I *always* say: "oh my god, I don't know how they could top last time at blah-blah-blah, but the show I just saw might be my favorite show of theirs, like, ever!!" And by George (and Mildred), I think Santa Barbara may be the one...? I don't know. Maybe time will tell - but this one is for the books and ranks pretty damn high up in the Fave Show Ever category.
First of all, the venue. This was my first time at the Santa Barbara Bowl and I can see why this is a highly regarded place! It's nestled away in the hills, in a beautiful residential area with its vintage homes and tree lined streets. The staff, accommodating and welcoming. The bathrooms (sorry but this is very important for so.many.reasons), clean and well lit. And I have to respect the Bowl's commitment to being a plastic-free venue. Nice not hearing the dreaded crunch of a discarded water bottle under your boot!
During Overmono's set, my husband and I hung out near the entrance of GA to catch up with Biff and the fam, and soak up all the delightful people-watching as the crowd started to pack in. There were ages across the spectrum and a healthy amount of kids! Parenting done right! Shortly before 7:30, we wandered into GA and met up with inchemswetrust, then secured our spot. We were further to our right, but really close. In terms of screaming fanboy/fangirl closeness, pretty dang close. Close enough to see some the guys at work, and the mad facial expressions made when the sounds are tweaked juuuussst right. I guess if you know, you know? :D
The set list - if you're just reading song titles only - looks the same. But looks can be deceiving and now there's the Portola experience to stack it up to, the Santa Barbara show felt different. It was a different, more intimate setting for sure. A different view absolutely. We danced in the cloudy fog at Portola but this time we got stars in a clear dark sky. It was definitely a different vibe. A different kind of good party. And it was a really, really good party!
Personally, I like the set list a lot. I really like the visual set list as it is, too. Everything is timed just so - it works. This set list has the hits and crowd pleasers, and enough sounds (and visuals!) plucked from other songs and eras to keep the seasoned fans at attention. This set is reaching a lot of new eyes and ears, bolstered by Coachella. This is the way, for now. The best part is, it's a great set list. We know new songs will be released as the months march on and it'll be interesting to see what (and if) new stuff is added to the set along the way.
[All right. Show time stuff, highlights and babbling and such.
The call-out C-H-E-M-I-C-A-L and the crowd catching on and singing along. The crowd's getting warmed up!
The madness that is Mad As Hell, the enthusiastic party people behind me screaming "I ain't gonna take it no more!!" Hundreds of hands going up in the air right as the lasers shoot out of unsettling masked MAH guy's fingertips. The bass was doing that funny thing again where it rumbles from the earth's core through the soles of your shoes and up your calves, like jolts of electricity. How? HOW?
...I wonder what the folks living in that big house up there overlooking the Bowl think of all this? Is Nextdoor going off complaining about the ruckus? I wonder...
The rollercoaster that is Hey Boy Hey Girl. This song always has been and always will be the essential crowd pleaser of any Chemical Brothers set. The crowd response and frenzy is undeniable!
No Reason. Am I the only one that likes the longer intro? I love the build in it. I love how it's contrast with the rest of the song, heavy on the bass. The Woo's!! Someone from behind shouted out Woo! and it was so infectious, we all started doing it! It felt so good!! Since the song is out now, I feel it was much better received at Santa Barbara than at Coachella. And the eye candy is such a treat. If you weren't dancing, your gaze was on the marching band. Kinda hard not to pay attention!!
Oh, Chemical Beats! Crowd pleasing participation here too - UH!! UH!! - And I can never unhear the fucking animals in Eric's house thing. Sorry, not sorry. :P
It Feels Like I'm Dreaming. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. So much yes! The road we were on felt like it was getting a little bit darker and more twisty when this song played out. I adore the ritualistic, vivid and over-the-top imagery. This had me in a headspace at Portola, and it kind of felt very dark in retrospect. This time, it felt intense but not quite as sinister. I dunno. I can't put my finger on it - do I really need to?
The robots during Under The Influence How they were assembled and pulled up and presented. It was so cool to see that up close and in action! Oh, and that bass, and how it tingles in your spine as it drops.
Escape Velocity and Golden Path. This was my god moment at Portola and is always a highlight, and Santa Barbara was no exception. Thank goodness for those giant ballon balls. That was a lot of fun and lightened the intensity of The Golden Path.
Swoon is for the lovers, lots of lovey dovey-ness smoochie smoochie going down during this. Not quite a full blown love-in (that would be awkward) but really sweet to see that kind of effect the music had on the lovers out there.
Temptation and Star Guitar - was missing my son here.
The encore, hands all the way down THE BEST and my most absolute favorite I've experienced to date. I couldn't believe my ears when Snow started. I thought, nooooo it cannot possibly be? Your love keeps lifting me... higher... I think inchems' jaw may have been on the ground at that moment. I'm pretty sure mine was. This drifted seamlessly and flawlessly to Surface To Air... and sure enough, the Reel. In all of its fantastical, magical, tripped out, kaleidoscopic glory. The stained glass imagery, the final frenzy, the part where I lose my marbles. The part where everyone is losing it. The part where you know it's going to be over and you want that moment to last forever. I may have chopped an onion right there in the pit. Truth be told, I'm still getting my brain around it all.
Then... it was over.
Notable mentions. Getting a chance to be up close was unbelievably cool. The visuals were so bright and crisp and clear. And huge!! And those fluttering starling visuals - I don't know if I'll ever get tired of seeing those! The wild enthusiasm of the crowd, the revealers behind me calling out every lyric. The dude in front of us who was barefoot - I was so relieved when he finally put his shoes back on, haha!! The two awesome kids by us that were SO INTO IT. And so was their dad!
And and and!!
This show really hit the spot in so many ways. It was like being part of a communal soul cleansing, a baptismal of light and sound and goodwill. I can't stop thinking about it!
Thank you so much Tom and Ed and Errol and the crew and the forum people (it was so amazing to reunite for the show) and crowd - and anyone who might actually have read all of this and gotten this far. Seriously. What a fabulous night!
Thank you all for your vivid reviews
@inchemwetrust: your photos are fantastic! Btw, what's that guy doing on stage in picture 5?
@Biff : Glad Junior enjoyed the show! I hope his ears didn't ring too much afterwards.
@shakermaker: 3 shows in 12 months?! Damn you!!! I had 1 show in 7 years!!
@whirlygirl: I hope you took advantage of the new "drafts" feature for your juggernaut of a review! So happy for you guys that you had a great time there.
And don't you leave us in the dark about the "ridiculous backstory" of Jim's orange long hoodie!
Quote from: inchemwetrust on Apr 18, 2023, 06:29Mini Review because the same thoughts and experience from the last show apply here since the set list is the same with one exception :)
Fantastic show! Sold out show with friendly guests as if everyone was forumites! The sound on this show was probably the best bass heavy I've been to, We got up close and personal near the railing with Whirls and Stash! Haven't been front row in years so was very happy to see the visuals so clean and bright! I was looking at Tom to make sure he did not touch the octave kitten at the end of Galvanize. If he didn't, that means we get the encore. If not, then it's good bye!
Spoiler
But Tom ignored it and left the booth with Ed and clapped and exited stage left. I then told Whirls 'YES! were getting a encore. But I was thinking maybe a new track (space gospel perhaps or maybe TDTYF) but we were freaking out when the first notes of STA were played, but some damn onions passed by me when I heard 'YOUR LOVE KEEPS LIFTING ME' tears of joy I tell you. Then the Reel started to creep slowly, but then these robot vocals with some weird effect on them were singing 'let your heart sing the colors all around you' for maybe for like 20 sec
Minor differences that I were to make out was that EVE had some wild echoing with the vocals (gonna find a friend) and I wasn't sure if that was on purpose but it sounded like the effect got stuck, the SG piano keys were much more clear to hear than the Coachella stream. The transition into CB was improved and the track didn't feel like it was dropped out of nowhere, and the transition into Swoon still kind of feels rough when coming into the mix. Besides these fixable details. The Chemical Brothers played a better show that reminded me of the Hollywood Bowl show from years back. The only difference between that show and this one was that the fans that made it out here in SB were way more enthusiastic. I personally never saw so many peeps wear chemical t shirts than any other show. Saw alot of them wear the black T with the green logo, so I thought 'Hmm its almost like its St Patricks Day!
' MAH, Free Yourself EML/ Hoops, UTI , are my standout faves from the current setlist (even though it's the same) and never bored me at all! I hopped and danced the most on GTKO and SG, but I felt I had alot more energy to give off than Portola SF. We were very lucky to have Tom and Ed for coming out between weekends at Coachella but also very fortunate to be with some forum veterans again. Biff, it was a pleasure meeting you again, including your wife, which I also had the distinct pleasure to talk to. ( I accidently geeked out to her about everything chems related after the show) I'm happy your son got to witness his first Chems concert, so that was a highlight to see. He should be wearing your Chem shirts pretty soon ! Whirls and Stash, I know I sound like a broken record but thanks, thanks, and big thanks for whooping it up with me in the pit and sharing this wonderful chemical experience again, and especially for helping me get my car out of the parking lot when the gates were closed (we contacted SB Bowl security when this happened and guy from the venue had a key so he drove me down there to get my car out! That was a close one! lol!
Finally Thanks to T and E, still working it out! Superb show on all levels....11/11 Can they pull off a 12/12 in Indio?
Thank you for posting this and for the videos you've shared. I have been thinking a lot about this show - still a bit to wrap my head around! Portola feels like it just happened last month and here we are again reeling from having our faces melted by the Chemical Brothers.
Your standout tracks (from Santa Barbara) were very intense for me, in hindsight. Especially EML with its dizzying visual, Free Yourself, Do It Again. Those put me in a zoned-out headspace at Portola. Santa Barbara was certainly intense, but felt less... sinister maybe? Though in the end, both were equally fantastic experiences!
It would be cool to hit replay on the experiences with the current set list (from later last year to now), to hear the things we didn't hear before. Or to hear new things that are added that make the shows *feel* different. I am babbling and don't think I'm making any sense now so never mind :))
Anywho I am so glad the car drama got sorted out! I was worried about you, thank goodness for the wonderful staff at the SB Bowl!
Looking forward to your thoughts once the Coachella dust settles a bit!!
Quote from: whirlygirl on Apr 19, 2023, 08:15There is an encore spoiler, but eventually the cat is gonna be out of the bag.
Ok, so after every Chems show I *always* say: "oh my god, I don't know how they could top last time at blah-blah-blah, but the show I just saw might be my favorite show of theirs, like, ever!!" And by George (and Mildred), I think Santa Barbara may be the one...? I don't know.
Maybe its safe to say that this show was in your top 5 perhaps? Now im considering where to put this show in my top 5 shows, but I do know this was better than the Hollywood bowl for starters.
Quote from: whirlygirl on Apr 19, 2023, 08:15Escape Velocity and Golden Path. This was my god moment at Portola and is always a highlight, and Santa Barbara was no exception. Thank goodness for those giant ballon balls. That was a lot of fun and lightened the intensity of The Golden Path.
BALLS!BALLS! EVERYWHERE BALLS! EVEN ON MY FACE! WHY ARE THSE BALLS IN MY FACE!
(to those who dont know, Coachella WK 1 didnt have balls on EV!)
Quote from: whirlygirl on Apr 19, 2023, 08:15The encore, hands all the way down THE BEST and my most absolute favorite I've experienced to date. I couldn't believe my ears when Snow started. I thought, nooooo it cannot possibly be? Your love keeps lifting me... higher... I think inchems' jaw may have been on the ground at that moment. I'm pretty sure mine was. This drifted seamlessly and flawlessly to Surface To Air... and sure enough, the Reel. In all of its fantastical, magical, tripped out, kaleidoscopic glory. The stained glass imagery, the final frenzy, the part where I lose my marbles. The part where everyone is losing it. The part where you know it's going to be over and you want that moment to last forever. I may have chopped an onion right there in the pit. Truth be told, I'm still getting my brain around it all.
It was so.....what's the word i'm looking for...aw yes....INVIGORATING.
t took forever just for the intro to end, but I was engulfed in its sheer glory and presence. STA has a unique feeling on its own just like SG has a unique feeling. The experience you felt Whirls (the music, the visual, and the fellowship of fans around us) is what keeps me going to these shows to get more of it. I kind of glanced at you and Stash and both of you were like 2 feet off the floor.
Quote from: whirlygirl on Apr 19, 2023, 08:15Thank you so much Tom and Ed and Errol and the crew and the forum people (it was so amazing to reunite for the show) and crowd - and anyone who might actually have read all of this and gotten this far. Seriously. What a fabulous night!
Happy to read your review Whirls and how much the show pulled you in. I was playing the Snow/STA vid during the read and got me reminiscing about that night and how possible could it be to get any better at the next show. The answer...Yes!
Quote from: shakermaker on Apr 19, 2023, 01:39that was SO DAMN FUN.
going in I was wondering if it might be over the top, having seen this show twice last year (+ the webcast just two days earlier), to fly out of town to see it yet again. 3 times in under 12 months! but I was already committed, and I kept reminding myself of my regret over not seeing more of their 2019 NA dates.
then the show itself absolutely justified it all. this was the best of the three shows I've seen this era, and I'm so damn glad I went. I was less concerned about absorbing every detail and just let myself go. it was a beautiful day in santa barbara, and the slightly cool outdoor atmosphere felt amazing.
although I failed to meet up with you fine folk (thanks again for trying, whirlygirl) I did meet up with several friends with whom I've had many chemical brother experiences in the past, and it was a delight to share another concert with them, particularly those who had not seen this tour yet.
and THAT ENCORE. holy crap. what a way to end it.
3 times in 12 months is a great streak to catch them on the road. Its always fun during the journey, and the people that you meet that were once complete strangers are now part of your brotherhood ( as we like to call it when us forumites have new members to this forum. I too like to live in the moment and just let the show guide me and not focus too much on the details, but I also like to recall some moments that struck a chord and resonated with me personally. That's why I like doing these long ass reviews (Hard fest, the 2019 shows, Portola, etc)
There will always be more shows to go to in the future so always remember were always down for a party in the house of chems. Hopefully will meet and rave together in the near future.
a fun and glowing review about the show, here:
https://dailynexus.com/2023-05-02/the-chemical-brothers-erupt-santa-barbara-bowl-with-electrifying-opening-to-2023-show-season/
QuoteIt also included lighthearted and whimsical scenes, like a group of disco-dancing, sliced pepperoni-like figures grooving to the upbeat rhythm of "Got To Keep On."
lol, that's a new one!
(https://i.imgflip.com/7kezgd.jpg)
Quote from: inchemwetrust on Apr 21, 2023, 04:57BALLS!BALLS! EVERYWHERE BALLS! EVEN ON MY FACE! WHY ARE THSE BALLS IN MY FACE!
Is it all over my face?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uWPahLc-j5w