Live Review - Atoms For Peace - Santa Barbara, CA

Atoms For Peace. At the Santa Barbara Bowl. California. 

The sun is blushing pink and dipping below the horizon as we make our way up an earthy staircase into the natural amphitheatre. The Pacific Ocean is on the horizon, scarred but not diminished by evidence of industry. The Santa Ynez mountains are gentle giants, providing shelter against the cooling autumnal breeze. Uniform lines of green hint at New World noir.

A man is casually but competently playing piano in the trees. The moon is full and luminescent and powered by anticipation. 

The snaking crowd begin from as far away as the eye can see, flowing like tributaries to converge as a great river in reverse; flowing upwards and chattering in the only way that middle class America can - politely and positively. Scented clouds drift across the skyline; the West Coast's overt liberalism direct to the nostrils. 

Surf hair and theatre chic sit hand in hand. Fleece lined hats and gloves seem unnecessary but not unexpected. Under the stars it's less than 15C for the first time in 10 months. 

It feels a million miles from home. 
A hush descends. And then the band start.