Phish showcased their flare for the dramatic last night during their first Halloween show since 2010’s stand that saw the Vermont quartet cover Little Feat’s Waiting For Columbus. This time, while returning to the same venue, the band changed the album, choosing to debut their own forthcoming release Wingsuit.

Before Phish would get to their newest music, they played a set full of songs that didn’t produce much improv, but still demanded Phish’s virtuosity. Compositions like “The Moma Dance,” “Mound,” “Free” and “Kill Devil Falls” all compiled the first set. “Bathtub Gin” and “Stash” included moments of improv and soaring peaks before the band broke for set break.

The moment finally arrived for Phish at the start of their second set as they donned their own costume, performing their new album Wingsuit. In the playbill, it was announced that the band will work with producer Bob Ezrin (Pink Floyd, Peter Gabriel) on Wingsuit in three days, finalizing the recording process.

While still not sure what the album title means, Phish opened with the title track, a methodical ballad of sorts. “Fuego” brought the rock to the album, topping out at over eleven minutes. “Winterqueen” may be familiar to fans of Trey Anastasio Band, as the solo outfit of Phish’s guitarist has performed the tune before. Phish’s composition-heavy new material also included an appearance by actor Abe Vigoda and dancers during the song “Wombat,” which references Vigoda.

Phish certainly delivered a third set that proved worthy of the price of admission, opening with another standout version of “Ghost.” Building on the momentum it gained from earlier this tour, “Carini” got spacey, funky and brought out some downright rock and roll in a nearly twenty minute version. Phish brought the six-song third set to a close with versions of “Harry Hood” and “Run Like an Antelope” that featured high energy peaks. “Quinn the Eskimo” served as the only cover on a night that normally features dozens of covers.

Phish returns to Atlantic City, NJ tonight for another show at Boardwalk Hall.

Here’s a look at the setlist from last night:

Phish, October 31, 2013, Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City, NJ

Set One: Heavy Things, The Moma Dance > Poor Heart > Back on the Train, Silent in the Morning, Kill Devil Falls, Mound, Free > Camel Walk, Stash, Golgi Apparatus, Bathtub Gin

Set Two: Wingsuit$this->footnoteID(‘1’,’‘), Fuego$this->footnoteID(‘1’,’‘), The Line$this->footnoteID(‘1’,’‘), Monica$this->footnoteID(‘2’,’‘), Waiting All Night$this->footnoteID(‘1’,’‘), Wombat$this->footnoteID(‘3’,’‘), Snow$this->footnoteID(‘2’,’‘), Devotion To A Dream$this->footnoteID(‘1’,’‘), 555$this->footnoteID(‘1’,’‘), Winterqueen$this->footnoteID(‘4’,’‘), Amidst The Pearls Of Laughter$this->footnoteID(‘2’,’‘), You Never Know$this->footnoteID(‘1’,’‘)

Set Three: Ghost > Carini, Birds of a Feather, Harry Hood, Bug, Run Like an Antelope$this->footnoteID(‘5’,’‘)

Encore: Quinn the Eskimo

Notes:

[1] Debut.
[2] Debut; Acoustic.
[3] Debut; with Abe Vigoda and the Abe Vigoda Dancers.
[4] Phish Debut.
[5] Alternate lyrics referencing the Abe Vigoda Dancers.