Punch Brothers - 'Familiarity' (Live)

March 6, 2015 - Brooklyn-based, Punch Brothers, performed live in front of a sold-out crowd at Boston’s House of Blues. The all-star quintet performed a number of tracks from their fourth full-length album, The Phosphorescent Blues (released earlier this year), as well as fan-favorites ("Rye Whiskey”) and outstanding covers (Radiohead’s "Kid A”).
WATCH the full Punch Brothers set at HOB here: • Punch Brothers - Live ...
“Familiarity" is from The Phosphorescent Blues.
Chris Thile (mandolin)
Gabe Witcher (violin)
Chris Eldridge (guitar)
Paul Kowert (bass)
Noam Pikelny (banjo)
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Video Credits:
Greg Shea - Producer/Director/Camera/Editor
Kegan Harrington - Producer
David Sinko - Sound Mix
Alan Mattes - Audio Mastering
Mike Kligerman - Camera
Steven Davy - Camera
Andrea Wolanin - Camera
Annie Shreffler - Camera
Kyle Werder - Camera

[@KyleHurd]

this is the greatest and most talented band to ever walk the face of this planet....I mean that, you can't find a more gifted group of 5 individuals anywhere, ever.

[@willowwisp5784]

I saw them for the first time last night. I had that feeling when I walked out as well. speechless, in love with the human experience all over again, musically speaking it was probably the most spectacular concert of my life.

[@joshuakirkwood6680]

You are a talented critic. And amen

[@manitou1954]

I have listened to this song at least one hundred times and I am still stunned by its complexity and beauty.

[@WGBHMusic]

Colorado Paul here, here! Couldn't agree more

[@JustinLeatherwood]

Colorado Paul Alone, Amen, Amon, Amen!

[@marktyson118]

+Justin Leatherwood I saw this comment months ago and thought those were the lyrics. I finally looked them up after I saw them in concert and now it makes sense. :) Alone, a man among Amens.

[@dclarkmusic]

What's so neat about it is that it's complex, but it doesn't feel busy. There are hundreds of 10 minute songs that feel extremely cluttered and busy (I.e. Dream theater, or almost any 70s progressive epic.) few have ever matched this when it comes to really long songs!

[@ortezac.5339]

It's on, again. And this song counts as a beautiful exception.

[@LANA.backwards]

all yall are my most favorite people to listen too!!!! favorites tracks :) keep up the amazing work ! amen

[@Jeff_cn]

Don't miss out on a chat with Binance's CEO about the future - exclusive interview

[@jackdoan1984]

I got an ad at the best part of the song, youtube has some explaining to do

[@notesleb]

Worst ad placement ever

[@sunnyday5877]

Same here. I may as well not listen to this channel and just sit around. Totally ruined the mood.

[@BitterLad]

I'm almost convinced that these guys are all vampires with over a century of musical experience.

[@cortadoforhere]

^ This explains everything

[@xMrJanuaryx]

This is comment copyright infringement.

[@youngtoonfish6891]

Nah, just 40hrs practice a day #lingling40hrs

[@jessicanorris3437]

100% this is true

[@TwinMomKlein1212]

I might be a few years late to this video but OMG that comment in everything!! And 1000% true!!! I mean, it totally explains it! 😂 Lol.

[@stevezolis4696]

The fact that they can execute a fade out LIVE is just outrageous.

[@greyleaf]

A lot of that was on the sound engineering. A few of the mics/instruments were turned down for the fade. But still, it's a really cool and unusual thing to see happen live, for sure.

[@braidensutton8193]

As a live sound engineer, I appreciate the cred, but that wasn’t an engineer, these guys are professional at a level us mere mortals cannot comprehend. I’ve seen them live 3 times and know a guy who has mixed them. They are or were, one of the easiest groups to mix because of how perfect they sound already. Which is very rare. They have mastered dynamic control as a whole group.

[@braidensutton8193]

And on a side note, listen to the fade out. At the end of it you can hear Chris Thile drop a pretty clear “sss” if the mics were turned down something like that with him backing away from the mic wouldn’t have come through louder than the point they ended the fade. Especially with vocal compression and a high pass filter on the channel.

[@derako1980]

I still can't believe this song exists. This has made my year.

[@martinet1985]

it has made my ear!

[@__tof____3304]

This has to be one of the greatest songs in the history pf music

[@KyleHurd]

The timing of the ad was unbelievably uncalled for and offensive, honestly

[@ghsdrummer14]

This song is the reason I went out and spent $400 on a mandolin that I don’t know how to play 🙃

[@milk9720]

Chandler McCoy the way Thile plays changing arpeggios at that speed while singing complex melodies is... almost impossible. Good luck learning it! I tried and gave up almost immediately

[@Leviwf]

I am so close to dropping $2000 on a double bass because of this track too.

[@Esrom_music]

For me it was a different song from the snow concert.

[@tescheurich]

You won't be the last.

[@Lunchstuffstudio]

It’s sacrilegious to put an ad break in the middle of this song

[@speedrocketstudios5168]

I was so offended

[@pjw2000]

Seriously!

[@KyleHurd]

Infuriating

[@creeks-and-peaks]

I heard this for the first time while hallucinating on a high fever. When the ending began, I thought I had died and was being welcomed into heaven. Turns out I'm still alive, but this song remains intensely beautiful--a rollercoaster of emotion.

[@jadenwaz9585]

wow… that had to be a wild experience. this is the song i’d want to hear if i was dying of a fever! lol

[@joshuakirkwood6680]

I totally relate and sympathize

[@64samm]

First time I heard this song I was listening to it on headphones at work. I had to rush myself to the toilet and locked myself up there crying for at least 10 minutes. Still moves me every time I listen to it. Absolutely amazing.

[@weavarepfours]

It's so beautiful...I don't blame you

[@jeremyalm9006]

The first time I saw them in concert, I just absolutely wept. They walked out on stage and immediately went into "My Oh My" and the waterworks began...

[@chrisbruemmer3249]

This song didn't get stuck in my head, pretty sure it's stuck in my soul. That said, having an ad pop up at 9 minutes in interrupting one of the most beautiful parts of a song I've ever heard should be punishable by law. Especially one as obnoxious as a rice krispie treats ad. Sorry kids, you're cut off. We'll make cookies instead.

[@CGiordano464]

is anyone else thinking...how he fuck does he play that and sing at the same time?!?!?!?!

[@brianbf1986]

Charlie Giordano Yes, sir. I'm right there with ya.

[@martinet1985]

he's a professional musician.

[@jeremyphelps5140]

Zany Jim oh really? I thought they were just jamming for the fun of it. /s

[@martinet1985]

Clearly, you were wrong.

[@KyleHurd]

Marcin this dude's sarcasm detector is BROKE!

[@invantix]

Every minute of this song is awesome. Each of the movements are positioned perfectly. The ending is superbly emotive. You really need to listen to it on good speakers.

[@secondcousincurly]

I attended this show and only recently learned that WGBH had posted it online. Thank you for preserving this magical evening. I don't make a habit of rating art (best movie, best composition), but walking out of the House of Blues that night, I couldn't shake the feeling that I had just heard the most perfect concert of my life. More than a year later, I still feel that way.

[@KyleHurd]

secondcousincurly wow, glad to hear you say that. They really as good as I think!

[@joshkirkwood8945]

I don't know how it could be better. I envy you for being there. This band is the most magical thing since Rush and 90s video game music. Yes I said video games. Don't believe me, check out Sonic and Castlevania soundtracks

[@joshuakirkwood6680]

I am greener than grass, and thanks to whoever recorded this so perfectly, l too know how you felt, feel, and will always feel, for this was perfect.

[@grantmartin6094]

I always knew they were good players, but I saw them live recently. They’re really in a league of their own.

[@reesechamberlain]

Props to whomever mixed this. Sounds amazing!

[@WGBHMusic]

reesechamberlain That would be Dave Sinko. Appreciate you saying so!

[@alex0589]

WGBH Music Dave just knows.

[@maddieheward7573]

🤭🤭🤭😬🤣🤣🤣 have you heard/seen them in person tho! I laugh bc if you haven’t...just do it!!! If you ever get the chance. They are the best thing ever happening in music.

[@dandan5928]

This is the song the Punch Brothers were born to write and play. So incredible

[@jonathanmedford4255]

How the hell can he play such a complex arpeggio, and then still manage to sing the lyrics? I swear Chris sold his soul to the devil. That's the only logical explanation.

[@morganghetti]

Because while you and I were watching KZbin videos chris was practicing.

[@paulandjenng1623]

@@morganghetti lol! Accurate

[@awahpahpow7735]

@@morganghetti this comment hits so so fucking hard...........

[@mike-0451]

No. He gave his soul to God. That is how he does it.

[@amberflora2]

I hope not! I need this music in the afterlife.

[@corbensutherland3062]

I would like to thank WGBH Music for putting this entire performance on KZbin, it is simply amazing. I would also love to give a huge shout to the most innovative and intriguing band of the 21st century, the amazing wonderful extraordinar beautiful and inspiring..... THE PUNCH BROTHERS

[@WGBHMusic]

+Corben Sutherland Thanks, appreciate that!

[@josanj222]

+Corben Sutherland I second this. I've seen this concert about 5 times all the way through and it is stunning. So much to discover each listen/watch.

[@dclarkmusic]

One of the only bands doing something truly new today.

[@jasminecoxjc]

The ending to this song makes me cry like a baby. There is so much emotion in it.

[@jeremyalm9006]

My wife and I performed the "second act" of the song at a local music festival. Just my six-string uke and our vocals -- one mic. (I simplified it, obviously.) We had to practice it to death because it was so hard to keep my emotions in check.

[@joshuakirkwood6680]

Did I mention: this song saved my life once. At a time dark and foreboding, this brought me light and life. Hail to the saving power and art of sound

[@ExtraFancy96]

I come back to this performance from time to time, expecting 100M views. Simply a stunning piece of musicianship

[@wobblynoggin]

The Dream Theater of bluegrass.

[@troubleclef]

Here comes another night where I can't get a song out of my head! first time i heard this (which was this morning) I thought "oh, I've always loved this song"

[@TylerRJenkinsMusic]

Wow, the live version sounds just as full as the original track, very impressive.

[@alex0589]

Im clapping, in case you cant hear me.

[@ecomediacompass1273]

Perhaps the most beautiful song I've ever heard.

[@starali16]

Chris Thile is a super star.

[@10kscoedsk]

This is a masterpiece of a song. I have never seen talent and expertise showcased like this before. I searched this video out after hearing the studio version, and this live version never misses a note. Mind blowing

[@catwalks1201]

Thank God, these guys came together somehow! I can not express, how touching this music is. I´ve always been looking for bands that are as creative, as virtuoso, as open-minded to any kind of music style, as inventive and demanding concerning composition or arrangement and so good at playing together and creating atmospheres you can not withdraw from - like one big creature with five arms :-D They really fill a gap in the music landscape. They also prove that the more a musician listens to several music styles, the more inspired they are. They´re a real alternative to people who are tired of the radio...at least, the one in my area doesn´t offer any versatility.

[@dclarkmusic]

The part around 3:40 slams harder than a meshuggah breakdown. It's absolutely disgusting live.

[@JakeMartinWallace]

Dude. Somebody who loves Punch Brothers AND Meshuggah. We need to be internet friends.

[@demoncleaner80]

Hey I do too!

[@alexderoche1861]

Omg there are more of us

[@SeanStephensen]

@@alexderoche1861 just checking in for the Punchshuggah meeting

[@sparksfan0208]

Me me me! I’ve raved to both of them live! Let’s all be friends!

[@JonahSonner]

I saw them perform this acoustically in the Mondavi center at UC Davis. It was one of the most captivating performances I've ever witnessed, instead of a drum set, Chris just jumped on the stage. These guys are just plain phenomenal musicians.

[@npringle1]

Heavy, heavy rotation for the 3 songs in one.....love the movement, the climax and the anticlimax.....I go on the roller coaster with them over and over again. Probably have listened to this over 100+ times now.... it has played in my house and or car none stop since about a week ago.

[@gravityfreaksmusic]

What the fuck did I just watch and why the hell didn't I watch it earlier?!?

[@milk9720]

There are no words. This is just amazing

[@jacobanteau6020]

Ya'll may want to consider turning off midroll ads on this one

[@kardewvalley]

If you haven't had the chance to see them live, you're missing out big-time. I went for the first time in May of 2015 and it changed my taste in music altogether. There's really nothing like it, and describing it to the best of my ability still wouldn't do it justice. I'm seeing them again in June 2017 and I am counting down the days!

[@kardewvalley]

aww - im still here watching this video 5 years later, by the way :)

[@joshuakirkwood6680]

I don't know how to describe the theory. They make that look pedantic. Theory without practice is futile. They give us a full delivery of pure, raw essence. It defies theory. This might be the most beautiful thing I ever heard.

[@HouKill5525]

A friend introduced me to this band a few years ago but never gave them a proper listen (Tbf I used to be an horrible metal elitist and refused to listen to anything but old school metal). Years later, only a couple of days ago I stumbled across this video and decided to finally give them a listen, especially since I outgrew my metal elitist phase 3 years ago and I love discovering all sorts of new music. I love this! It blew my mind, especially the final part of the song, it's so beautiful. I can't believe I missed on this for the last few years.

[@joshuakirkwood6680]

It is an amazing feat to sing and play any lead on any instrument. I'm really not sure how Chris trained himself to do what he did here. It's utterly...(????) mind boggling

[@alex0589]

The girl holding her head in her hands: we get you, we are you.

[@MikeGervasi]

This album is so stunning I can't begin to express how much I love it. But it moves me every time.

[@clefmom]

Saw them live in Raleigh last week and was totally blown away by their talent! So glad to find this phenomenal performance on YT! Thanks for posting.

[@WGBHMusic]

Jose Visser Kreuk Glad you found us! The full set from this show is avail on YT as well. Amazing band

[@N8ori0us]

This is legitimately one of the greatest songs ever. There's so much going on it's wild. The lyrics are just as heavy as the tune. Epic!

[@davebalo]

I find this unbelievable, this can't be true. This is IA, black magic or something.

[@guitardadsinc]

Still my favorite song and I listen to death metal lmao… amazing band this is

[@fgazel86]

I can die now. thank you.

[@FractalTrades]

The end just brings tears to my eyes "I see an end where I dont love you like I can, cause Ive forgotten how it feels, amen" fuck man cmon where you gotts hit my feels so hard

[@Tomgood1984]

Thank you to Josh the barman in Inverness who put me onto this..... WOW!!!

[@shadowd151]

This is honestly one of my two favorite songs ever. It never gets old-- the more I listen to it, the more of it I can appreciate!

[@TheAdventuresofBandR]

What's the other one?

[@FlorianFlorian573]

@@TheAdventuresofBandR probably toxic by Britney Spears

[@herherje]

I´ve just known that group today... and it´s ¡¡wonderful!!. At last some light among so much musical vulgarity. I declare myself from today as an unconditional fan of Punch Brothers... it´s never too late...

[@KyleHurd]

at around 5:10 when it goes from critters voice to Chris's voice is absolute perfectin-schlag....

[@KalebPeters99]

Good God these guys are incredible. I know for a fact that if I ever get to see them live this song won't fail to bring the tears. 😭😭

[@ktrob2495]

Kaleb Peters I just saw them live for the first time and yes....there were tears 😢

[@PeteD]

ow my heart

[@die_schlechtere_Milch]

They sing "God help us ' feel it" - I guess the wish got granted.

[@kat2025]

Had the chance to see this live in houston at the house of blues...absolutely amazing musicians. They brought me to joyful tears many times that night

[@vickireed9478]

I can't even tell you just how excited I am to be seeing them in Toronto when they come in a couple of months.. I have listened to this several times and it moves me every single time I do. They are incredible musicians. Every one of them.

[@joshuakirkwood6680]

The single most exhilarating musical experience of my life. I cannot express their degree of mastery of this moment in time. Pure unadulterated bliss, and l am grateful

[@shaynegreen]

uh...wow

[@jadenwaz9585]

this is one of those art pieces that feels like it slipped out of a higher meta-reality into our conscious experience

[@Opalidol]

that singer looks like a combination of stan laurel and robert pattinson xD amazingly skilled band though

[@MikeKobb]

Got to see them last night (with Brittany Haas now on the violin). What a fantastic experience. They are just unbelievably good. This was their encore.

[@jadenwaz9585]

god this is just so powerful. unlike anything i’ve ever heard.

[@lindsaytoussaint]

Thanks so much for this! Ya gotta love Punch Brothers. This collection is completely changing my day. Lovely.

[@WGBHMusic]

Lindsay Toussaint Thanks for watching, Lindsay. Appreciate the comment!

[@knodwon4746]

Who the hell would ever thumbs down this? They must have evil in their hearts.

[@ArkentMusic]

Brilliance like this is so rare, it is such a relief to find.

[@johncobalt4163]

Gotta love the mood-killing commercials right in the middle of the song. Thanks KZbin ❤️

[@mikehailer9353]

I keep coming back to this and it knocks me out every time. Masterful.

[@alexderoche1861]

Pardon my French, but who the FUCK disliked this?

[@stals523]

I’ve made up my mind... I’m going to try and do an electrical version of this. With guitars and bass. This is awesome !!

[@HaystacksSumo]

Hows it coming along man?

[@stals523]

How are you

[@MikeGervasi]

I'll never tire of this song. It takes you so many places.

[@barretferre9258]

This is absolutely beautiful.....deep.

[@Esrom_music]

You have to be kidding me. An ad mid song? Fuck

[@ktrob2495]

For me, the Ad kicked in right in the middle of the third section where Gabe is about to work his magic 🤬

[@marcschonbrun585]

This is one of the greatest things - and we’re alive to hear it.

[@jrrd997]

This song is incredible, and it happened in our lifetime.

[@youpeopl_music3220]

WHO THE F*** PICKED THUMBS DOWN???

[@BTBAM819]

I discovered this band because Gabe worked with Gustavo Santaolalla (a nice musician from my country) and Chris worked with Sarah Jarosz (my fav female singer ever). When I knew this two were in the same band I rushed into the Phosphorecent album (which has a Magritte artwork, and I love that artist). What a suprise this band was! This is one of the most original songs I've heard in a while. Such talented musicians!

[@ktrob2495]

Please point me in the direction of a Gabe and Gustavo collaboration. That sounds like heaven to my ears 🤩

[@BTBAM819]

@@ktrob2495 they played together in various songs off movies Brokeback Mountain's and Babel's soundtracks and Gustavo invited Gabe to play fiddle in one song of his album "Camino"

[@ktrob2495]

@@BTBAM819 Thanks. I'll revisit both of these soundtracks with that in mind. Seeing your comment sent me on a KZbin journey and currently listening to his soundtrack for Motorcycle Diaries.

[@BTBAM819]

@@ktrob2495 that's nice to hear! Gustavo is such an amazing musician. So glad you can enjoy his work

[@yourstruly8429]

Does anyone know where I can find the non-live version of this song? I like this version but am just curious.

[@JimmyKip]

Yeah, what you wanna do is buy this thing called an "album" ;-)

[@kiyo2951]

such masterpiece

[@vladimir.osolinski]

SO DAMN BEATIFUL :')

[@turnright1131]

Sigh fuckin beautiful

[@adams565]

Just take a moment and try to tap out with your hands the strumming pattern. That in and of itself is no small feat. Truly just an astounding piece of music and performance.

[@MisterstereoOso]

How the fcuk can you interrupt this beauty with an effing Ad three quarters of the way through ? 😡😡😡😡😡

[@Esrom_music]

Im not one to complain about ads on free content... But that ad snuck in the middle of the most tender section of the song was a bit much.

[@qwut9544]

2:02 those audience screams are so awkward. There are times to scream during a Punch Brothers live show. Mark me, this is not one of them. Thank you.

[@rafaelodon]

They have Messi on violin.

[@JabezGill]

Rafael Odon They have a Messi on every instrument. 😂

[@rafaelodon]

@@JabezGill True! LOL, but I mean the facial resemblance

[@TheKjennings1]

Heck yeah

[@benabel]

haunting

[@Azamra18]

This is amazing

[@farkenhorn]

So good.

[@manders76]

I just realized that Gabe plays the drums on this--holy hell, what can't these guys do

[@anothergirl157]

“We’ve come together…” that section has to be an homage to the Beach Boys 🤔

[@TheGumbyGuy]

I love how the crowd is just totally silent through that last part.

[@scarver]

Can someone explain to me why there was an ad in the middle of this song?

[@lucyfoster4082]

Why does the camera never settle on Noam while he's being ridiculous?