Thursday September 12th, 2024 – Man, what a trip! STS9 just graced us with their incomparable vibes at Brooklyn Bowl Philly, and it was a cosmic journey like no other. The energy was electric, and the crowd was buzzing with that familiar, deep-rooted excitement. It’s been a minute since STS9 last played Philly—the band hasn’t visited the City of Brotherly Love since 2017 (if you can believe it), —and the return was nothing short of celestial.
Photos + Article by @a.j.kinney
The first set was an absolute mind-bender. They kicked things off with “March,” setting a steady, entrancing groove that made it clear this night was going to be something special. “Rent” followed, with its funky undertones that just begged you to get up and dance.
Then came the deep, rich textures of “Dusk > Tap-In,” leading us smoothly into the ethereal realms of “Real & Imagined.” The ambient magic of “Dreamstate Patrol” had everyone floating, and the uplifting “Lift You Up > 20-12” had the whole room in a blissful state of euphoria.
When the band returned for their second set, it was as if the whole place was dipped in stardust. They dove into “Menacer > Strange Games > Monkey Music,” weaving a hypnotic tapestry of sound that pulled us all into a collective trance. “G-Funk > Hubble” was a funky, space journey through the universe, and “Like I Do” brought the vibes back to earth with its soulful rhythms.
The crescendo of the night came with “The Rabble,” a sonic explosion that left everyone in awe, and they closed out with “Kamuy,” a perfect encore that left us all feeling like we’d been on a stellar adventure.
The night was a vivid reminder of why STS9 is such a cherished gem in the live music scene. Their ability to craft a musical experience that feels both expansive and intimate is truly a gift. Thanks for the stellar ride, STS9.
Here’s hoping we don’t have to wait another seven years for this cosmic experience to land back in Philly!
