Evolution Fest

We pulled an all-nighter driving from Switzerland to Florence. Sean was at the wheel, and I remember lying on the back bed peering out a tiny portion of window, taking in these epic vistas of forests, mountains, bodies of water and clouds as the sun rose...a truly breathtaking landscape. I highly recommend the road trip!

At the next gas fill up, Sean needed rest so Chris took over driving duties. We arrived into the city and nearly got lost again (like London) on it's tiny roads. Our big blue sprinter was not meant for these streets either. Chris parked us in front of a pizza shop, and the boys helped themselves to some food. Mike and I walked down a narrow little road eventually opening up to a busy village with an endless array of stunning renaissance and classical architecture. Goth and Romanesque structures are like temples to me. I'm a fan of modern architecture too, but it's just a joy to take in these old buildings and cathedrals that were so painstakingly built like works of art. There's also many beautiful sculptures that embody the human form around the city. The artistic shakti in Florence is potent! This is the town where the great Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo studied. I occasionally rent a gigantic book on the work of da Vinci from the local library and just spend days absorbing the images...always in a da Vinci phase..he was truly a citizen of the universe. The streets of Florence are filled with all kinds of aesthetic archetypes that are just standards in the collective human psyche. Forms and shapes that have been permanently woven into the gigantic fabric that embodies the Western world's plethora of classical designs. Firenze feels unmistakably European with an artistic cred that rivals nearly all the cities of Europe.

We finally made our way to the venue from the center and were amazed at the absolute freedom and randomness with which people drive. Scooters and cars everywhere; there are no lanes, it's literally a free for all most of the time, and you either join the club and go with the flow of the madness, or you have an accident. I sensed that Sean (who was back at the wheel) immediately tuned into the fearless driving ethic needed and took hold of the road. We approached a circle where we had to make a quick turn and bumped a racing biker with our rear view window. He was jarred, but not harmed. As we braked at the next intersection he rode up to our window and began yelling at us in Italian. When we drove off, Brett brilliantly remarked, "I think he said have a good show". We had a nice laugh. The perfect positive statement to lighten the tension and healthily put our minds on what was most important: our approaching performance.

We eventually made it to the outdoor Evolution Festival grounds and immediately began preparations for stage time. The Italians are voracious, determined and passionate souls. A first Italy show for Cynic! We thankfully performed a solid set for these tremendously loving and appreciative fans. I noticed that Italians in particular like contact. They want to look in your eyes and connect. I appreciate that kind of intense directness from people. Nothing hidden. Contest winner Giaccomo joined us onstage for Uroboric Forms and belted some wicked brutals, grazie! After the show, the band sat down on a picnic bench near the side of the stage and we signed autographs and took pictures with hundreds of kind fans. Much love to Evolution Festival for another amazingly memorable afternoon. We look forward to coming back and performing again. Please send in your photos to our web pages.

Great to finally meet you Tiziano and thanks to all the nice people who helped with our gear and getting everything setup before and after the show. Also thank you for the two excellent interviews. Much love to Italia for the support and the memories. I leave with three quotes from Leonardo da Vinci.

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For once you have tasted flight you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skywards, for there you have been and there you will long to return.

I love those who can smile in trouble, who can gather strength from distress, and grow brave by reflection. 'Tis the business of little minds to shrink, but they whose heart is firm, and whose conscience approves their conduct, will pursue their principles unto death.

Life is pretty simple: You do some stuff. Most fails. Some works. You do more of what works. If it works big, others quickly copy it. Then you do something else. The trick is the doing something else.

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Paul

Evolution Fest set list

Veil Of Maya

Celestial Voyage

The Eagle Nature

Sentiment

I'm But A Wave To...
Evolutionary Sleeper

Textures

Uroboric Forms

Cosmos

How Could I