Joe Russo’s Almost Dead

“Not only does this quintet play tight and vicious versions of some of the most complex songs in the Grateful Dead’s repertoire, but they play them with a rawness & energy absent from the stage since the ‘Live’ Dead era. More importantly, all of the jams are wild and incredibly adventurous. Russo’s a beast behind the kit who’s in the peak of his career. Metzger is a criminally underrated guitarist who has a chameleon-like ability to alter his sound to compliment any situation. Dreiwitz’s intensity is unmatched by anyone, while Benevento spouts these crazy tones and layers of sound that mix the best of what each keyboardist in GD history brought to the band. Finally, add Hamilton, whose voice and biting leads help push this ensemble over the top.” —Scott Bernstein, Jambase