Thank You Scientist - 3/11/23 Syracuse NY

We in Syracuse, NY were treated to the following:

This was my 2nd time seeing TYS; the first time was in Buffalo NY back in 2016 opening for Haken on the latter's 'Affinity' tour.  That night back in 2016, I arrived at the show a Haken fan and left as a devoted TYS fan.  They absolutely, completely blew Haken off the stage that night.  (Keep in mind this was well BEFORE Haken began its steady decline we have witnessed these past few years.  ANYWAY, back to last night....)

The band was in absolute top-notch form throughout the evening.  This material cannot be easy to perform night after night, but their energy and presence never lets up despite the complexity of the arrangements.  Opening with the flawless instrumental "Gigglebutton", the band rolled right into "FXMLDR" which perhaps has the most 'catchy' hook from their most recent full-album release ('Terraformer').   Fan favorite "Blood On the Radio" followed, with much interplay from the audience.  This was followed by "Mr. Invisible" which is likely the most well-known track from 'Stranger Heads Prevail'.   Next up was "Everyday Ghosts" which is a personal favorite -- lyrically one of the band's best IMHO.  Was greatly pleased to get an 'unnamed' new song in the set - I had been hoping for this since the band released their 2021 EP ('Plague Accommodations').  Closing out with "My Famed Disappearing Act", the band left with us all wanting more.

I am surprised TYS continues to be in the Crossover Prog category.  No disrespect to that sub-genre, but I really think this band needs consideration for 'admission' to either the Eclectic Prog category or the RIO/Avant Prog category due to their unusual arrangements, time signatures, turnarounds....and let's not forget their mini-horn section and electric violinist!      10/10 for the performance, flawless from start to finish.  My only complaint is they didn't play another 2 hours....