Perpetual Groove Performs 'LiveLoveDie' Album In Its Entirety December 31, 2016 14:30

Perpetual Groove continued its three-night New Year's stand at Terminal West on Friday night, and the anticipation amongst the band's faithful was apparent from the moment you walked in the door.  On this night, the band was scheduled to perform the LiveLoveDie album in it's entirety.  This seems to be a bit of a growing New Year's tradition for the band, as they performed the Sweet Oblivious Antidote album during last year's run.  The lights went down just before 11:00 PM, and we were ready for another rockin' night of PGroove originals.

As expected, the set began with the heavy hitting "Save For One," which was followed by "Two Shores," a song that strikes a nerve in me that very few are capable of.  The pace slowed a bit with the peaceful "To Shed Light Or Cast Shadows," before special guest Damien Perry would make his first of many appearances for a scorching take on "Mayday."  Perhaps the most well known track on the album, "It Starts Where It Ends," was up next, and what a powerful performance it was.  I don't think there was a person in the room who's arms weren't in the air, shouting every word to the classic ballad.  "Crapshoot" sent the set back into heavy form, before Brock Butler (guitar/vocals) led us through the always catchy "Dust." 

The sing-along vibes would continue with "So Much As Goodbye," which might have contained the most extensive improv jamming of the evening.  The more rare "Legends of Preston" was next on the list, featuring some heavy synth from Matt McDonald (keys) and truly raw emotion from Butler.  Damien Perry returned to the stage to lend a hand on a red hot take on "Speed Queen," and I can't imagine there has been a much more powerful performance of this song in the past.  Watching Butler and the Perry brothers trade licks and continuously build up such a powerful tune was easily one of the highlights of the night. 

Just when we thought we were finished with "Speed Queen," Butler ripped into the opening notes of Black Sabbath's "War Pigs," which would be the first time the band has ever played the classic rock hit.  This ultimately led back into "Speed Queen," before another ultimate sing-a-long, "Only Always," would bring this wild set to a close.  Friday night's encore was one which I'll never forget, as the band kicked into "Breeze" before making it's way it's way through a killer version of The Butthole Surfers' "Pepper" with special guest John Hruby on keys.  The decision to follow with the classic "Walking In Place" couldn't have more perfect, and Butler even managed to take a moment to recognize our fallen brother Andrew McConnell (Live Music Daily) mid-way through the song. 

Fortunately, we have one more night and three more sets of Perpetual Groove ahead of us this evening.  With an acoustic set to start the night, and two full electric sets to follow, there's no telling what these guys have in store for us.  Many of the most well-known, classic PGroove tunes are still on the table, and one would have to imagine that there are some killer cover tunes coming as well.  One thing is for certain, Perpetual Groove is playing the best music of its long standing career, and those heading to Terminal West tonight are in for an absolute treat.

Perpetual Groove - Terminal West - Atlanta, GA - 12.30.16

Setlist: Save For One, Two Shores, To Shed Light or Cast Shadows, Mayday*, It Starts Where it Ends, Crapshoot, Dust, So Much As Goodbye, Legends of Preston, Speed Queen* > War Pigs*# > Speed Queen > Only Always 

Encore: Breeze%>, Pepper%*> Breeze%, Walkin in Place

Notes: LiveLoveDie album was played in its entirety, * w/ Damien Perry (guitar), % w/ John Hruby on keys, # First time Play