There is an upper-echelon of bands that have a rabid following. Bands that come to mind are Phish, Gov’t. Mule, Dave Matthews Band, and The Grateful Dead… But I think it’s pretty safe to say this six-piece hailing from South Bend and Chicago has joined those ranks. You only have to to start talking to the concert-goers around you to hear the same stories over and over again; “This my 7th year in a row seeing them,” or “This is the 7th show I’ve seen this tour.” And it only takes about 30 seconds of watching to realize why this following is such an epidemic. Umphrey’s is a live band. Period. Sure you can buy their albums, and you can learn the lyrics, and enjoy the melodic hooks, but you won’t get the immersion. The 15-minute long jams that incorporate everything from reggae to techno to metal. And the light show. Oh boy, the light show. You don’t get one of those in your car or living room.
