Perpetual Groove Kicks Off Terminal West Run In Fine Form December 30, 2016 17:00

Words and Photos by Jordan Kirkland: Live & Listen

Georgia-born jam rockers Perpetual Groove returned to Atlanta's Terminal West on Thursday night for the first of a big three-night New Year's run.  Several weeks ago, the band revealed that they would be accepting setlist submissions from it's rabid fan base for night one, but there was one rule involved.  The submissions could not include any songs from the LiveLoveDie album, as they will be playing it in it's entirety on Friday night.

The show kicked off with a "Life," which ultimately segued into "All This Everything Pt.1."  As the set continued with "All This Everything Pt. 2," it became apparent that the band was working it's way through the entire All This Everything album.  "53 More Things To Do In Zero Gravity" was up next, a mellow instrumental tune that always takes you on a journey.  One of my personal favorites, "Andromeda," would follow, and if that song doesn't make you smile, I don't know what will.  Some of the most uplifting lyrics I've ever heard, accompanied by some powerful, uplifting jamming.  

The set continued with "Long Past Settled In," before Adam Perry (bass) led us straight into "Crocket and Tubbs." Next up was "The Universe," which slowed the pace a bit before Albert Suttle (drums) kicked in super nostalgic into to "Stealy Man."  This tune features some of Brock Butler's (guitar/vocals) finest, most melodic playing (in my personal opinion), accompanied by some heavy notes from Matt McDonald (keys).  The band then worked its way through "Left To Drifting," "Scooter," and "Gone Round The Twist."  The raging "Occam's Blazer" came next and sent the entire room into a frenzy.  Butler was taking his solos to another level, and the spacey effects from McDonald's synth had everyone moving.  This red hot set would ultimately end with the final tow tracks from All This Everything, "For Now Forget" and "...and Everything.  

After a brief exit, the band returned to the stage for a scorching two song encore which featured "Space Paranoids," the opening track from the Honey Cuts album (2010).  The boys would then call on guitarist Damien Perry for a raging cover of Led Zeppelin's "When The Levee Breaks" to close out the show.  If you're in the Atlanta area, or within driving distance, you might want to go ahead and secure your tickets for tonight's show, as well as the New Year's Eve show which will feature three sets of P-Groove.  Something truly special is in the works this weekend at Terminal West, and I can't wait to see how it plays out.

Perpetual Groove - Terminal West - Atlanta, GA - 12.29.16

Setlist: Life > All This Everything Pt. 1, All This Everything Pt. 2, 53 More Things to Do In Zero Gravity, Andromeda, Long Past Settled In, Crockett & Tubbs, The Universe, Stealy Man, Left to Drifting, Scooter, Gone Round The Twist, Occams Blazer, For Now Forget, …and Everything

Encore: Space Paranoids, When the Levee Breaks*