A Litha Resurrection.
Asphalt Flowers Reunite with the help of Squatch and Ficus. 2024.
(poster designed and created by Logan Belz)
In an effort to bring forth a celebration of the Summer Solstice it was quite fitting that Asphalt Flowers chose last night to reunite for the first time in years at The Old Miami in Detroit. What better way to celebrate the intertwined connection between humanity and nature than resurrecting the powerhouse that is Asphalt Flowers.
They brought in a couple of ringers from Grand Rapids to help usher in this momentous occasion. The billing was a certified heater, mirroring the thermostats hanging across the city.
The show kicked off with Squatch, a gaggle of long haired, wharf rats with a predilection for some of the finest progressive jazz fusion you can find. Their set was fluid, yet chock full of dissonance and chaos that filtered throughout the unrelenting grooves that stayed steady during their set. It kept the crowd dancing like they were extras on set of the classic Dave Chappelle sketch “white people dancing” they had a clean and tight sound and knew how to take the crowd on a strange trip. They have that summer time vibe that you might expect to hear at Chene Park. Top notch musicians that really jive together and create a perfect summer soundtrack. You can find them on Spotify here
Ficus was up next, I have been wanting to catch these guys for awhile, catching wind of them earlier this year, I have enjoyed jamming on the stuff that is available on Spotify. The stage showed did not disappoint, as the band has a way of bringing together a multitude of genres that melts onto a flattop of psychedelica that creates journeys for the listener to strap in and take a ride. It was easy to get lost in their soundscape. Leaving you guessing on what path this musical machine is going to take next. I was impressed with how well they sounded and am looking forward to catching them again very soon. You can find them on Instagram and Facebook as well as Spotify.
The night was waning and it was time for the stars of the slate to shine. Asphalt Flowers were ready to play the sun away as the night finally fell. The bar was packed and ready to let loose with Flowers. The set started off and it was a near hour of the soul lifting jams that Asphalt is known for, hearkening the sounds of the 60’s with a modern flair. They stayed upbeat, without journeying into much darkness, providing the harmonious atmosphere that is crucial for any quality mushroom trip. The band has a killer chemistry, and have orchestrated a sound that is reminiscent of the flower power days of decades ago, with a little seasoning and some flavor. A lot of times that hippie sound can fall flat and bland but Asphalt knows it’s way around a spice rack and utilizes all the tricks to offer up a delightful serving of quality artesian jams.
They having another gig coming up in July, follow them on Instagram and Facebook to stay abreast on all their upcoming gig info. Find them on Spotify as well.
The billing was curated with excellence, as it truly was an all out Jam Tasting. A great lineup to celebrate the Summer Solstice proper. Be sure to follow Squatch, Ficus, and Asphalt Flowers on all the socials and dig on them. Especially now with this weather, it’s the perfect soundtrack for long sun filled days.
The flyer was made by another talented fixture in the Detroit scene. Check out Logan Belz Art on Instagram for more killer art.