By Oscar Flood
After an absence of over three years, Hepcat Dilemma returned to the stage on Saturday night with an inspired performance at Millvale’s Poetry Lounge. While there were a few obvious signs of rust, the band played an inspired set that leaned heavily on the material destined for their new album and were buoyed by the enthusiastic response.
Hepcat bassist Chris Colpo opened the show with an acoustic set which displayed his remarkably nimble guitar playing and impassioned vocals. His performance set the tone for the evening as there was great anticipation for Hepcat Dilemma’s set and the band was determined not to disappoint.
Opening with a brand-new instrumental “Behind the Crystal Waterfall” the band launched into a 17-song set that featured a first ever acoustic segment half way through. There were a few shaky moments as the band got reacquainted with the stage and fought to hold their place on the tiny stage. By the time they launched into fan favorite, “The Chauffeur Will Have the Last Word” Hepcat Dilemma was firing on all cylinders.
After a rousing version of “The Romper Room” the band played two new acoustic songs before transitioning back to the full band with a semi-acoustic version of “The Slide”. Then it was time to hold on to your hats as they played stepped on the gas and ripped their way through songs new and old before finishing the night with a rousing “Milty Henk’s Immortality”.
The band was clearly energized by the performance and will be playing more shows soon.
Setlist:
Behind the Crystal Waterfall (live debut)
Bouncy Song
Word War
Miss Jane Takes a Trip
The Chauffeur Will Have the Last Word
Lansberry’s Mail (live debut)
The Romper Room
(acoustic)
Cincinnati
Attack of the Monster Plants (live debut)
The Slide
All the Beautiful Ships (live debut)
Persian Monkey Treatment
Cowboy Song
Ahoy Mr. Pge
In the Court of Popson Johnson
Three Card Monty (live debut)
Milty Henk’s Immortality