Show Review

High Energy…that’s about the best way to describe Particle. If there is such a thing, maybe almost a bit too high energy. The ambient compositions the four-piece take time to create establish a transcendental tone, and are then propelled by surplus energy jams. And though they thoroughly stir crowds into a frenzy at 5 a.m., it can be too much to handle for a neighborhood bar before midnight.

The newest band to claim the coveted late night throne, Particle has become more than well known for marathon sets, festival making sessions and high intensity blowouts rising up well into the dawn hours. But when it comes to playing a rather humble club residing in a strip mall on a lowly Tuesday night, a little less peak time, and a bit more song-crafting may be called for from this talented quartet. The keyboard work of Steve Molitz and the power playing of guitarist Charlie Hitchcock seemed a constant combatant, pushing the envelope and subsequent jams further and further past the breaking point. And as the tension wrapped itself around the spacious audience, the release was unfortunately lost on the relatively social drinking crowd.

With an upcoming debut album aptly titled, Launchpad, it’s apparent they’re going at it full steam during each performance, but it seems Particle has found their true calling in those sweaty, muddy, late night tents surrounded by equally energized crowds and lacking physical and chronological boundaries. Bars with pool tables and dart boards are inevitably unable to handle the peak levels the band can reach. Perhaps when the Launchpad tour dates are announced, they’ll keep doing what they do best…rock the house late night and keep the party going well past bedtime.

Read Glide's indepth interview with Particle from Spring 2003 here.

Photographs by Robert Massie. For more of his work, please visit jampics.com.