Live review: Atmosphere with Sage Francis and Mr Dibbs live at Starland Ballroom

Sayreville, NJ – 16 February 2025

You Can’t Imagine How Much Fun We’re (still) Having

There was a moment in history when Epitaph Records was a punk rock label, it was indisputable as bands like NoFX, Bad Religion, Rancid and Millencolin were showing up on the various PunkORama compilations.  Then there was a more brief moment in history where Epitaph Records opened itself up a bit, and brought in some hip-hop punks; Atmosphere, Sage Francis, Eyedea & Abilities and The Coup.  It was a huge shift in sound, but not in content as these performers lived that punk ethos even when they had two turntables and a microphone.  Warped audiences had gotten glimpses of hip hop acts before this, we didn’t forget Eminem or Black Eyed Peas having their runs on the Lyman Express, but Atmosphere and Epitaph solidified the rap game as part of the punk scene, and we were better for it.  

In 2005 Atmosphere had already left Epitaph but had put out the phenomenal record, You Can’t Imagine How Much Fun We’re Having. In 2025, Atmosphere is touring in celebration of that record with support from Mr Dibbs and Sage Francis (who recently celebrated the 20th anniversary of A Healthy Distrust, released by… you guessed it, Epitaph Records). 20 years later, Imagine still connects just as well with the punk and hip-hop crowds as it ever did, even if the pairing left some with a bit of consternation, some like myself.  

I’ve been writing reviews of live shows with a fair amount of frequency the last few years, 27 show reviews in the last 365 days, to be exact.  That doesn’t mean I do it well, just that I do it enough to be comfortable… but those are almost always punk rock shows, and this may be punk as fuck, but it is not rock. So whilst I am quite comfortable writing about the crunchy guitars noodly bass and pulsing drums I’m a little less confident discussing beats, blips and live production.

Opener Mr Dibbs was a clear sign that I was far outside my comfort zone. He’s a turntablist with a smorgasborg of samples and a multimedia twist. My experience with turntablists starts and ends with… welp, I guess I don’t really have any experience on solo turntablists.  I never actively avoided any performances or records, but then again, I guess its fair to say I never sought it out either.  Mr Dibbs may have changed that as the sparse stage and lack of vocals did its job and got my heart rate rising and my head bobbing to open the show. I may not be chasing the genre anytime soon, but I’m definitely going to be chasing Dibbs at his next performance local to me.

Sage Francis came out with a mission and let me be the first to say Mission Accomplished (but like for real not like when that war criminal dipshit landed on an aircraft carrier 20ish years back). Known for his thought-provoking lyrics and innovative beats, Sage has been a significant force in the underground hip-hop scene for decades. Opened with classic “Crack Pipes” before his true introduction to the audience with fan-favorite “Best Of Times.” Sage was engaging with the audience, combining sincere appreciation for his fans, made the concert more than just a performance – it was genuine community building. 

He played peekaboo behind his Strange Famous flag/cape during “Escape Artist,” changed up the lyrics just enough to slightly modernize “Slow Down Gandhi” and introduced “Sea Lion” with an anecdote, maybe true maybe not, of how Bon Jovi got his start in Starland, Bon Jovi is in the movie Cry Wolf. “Sea Lion” is playing in a janitor’s earphones during that movie, I watched the film once, it sucked, I’m not going to fact check this one, “Sea Lion” is a killer cut and should be included in more films and other media. Sage slowed things down for a bit with “Jah Didn’t Kill Johnny” before picking it all back up with “Bridle” closing things out with a two-pack of Non-Prophets tracks: “Bounce” and “Damage.”  

Sage’s live performance was a masterclass in hip-hop artistry. His blend of insightful lyrics, dynamic beats, and engaging stage presence made for an evening that all in attendance will remember for a long time, and that personally I already predict will be at the top of my performances of the year list this December. 

Finally hitting the stage, Atmosphere tore in and ripped right through each track on You Can’t Imagine How Much Fun We’re Having. The tracks were performed in order, but rather than hearing the same cuts we’ve all been singing along to for 20 years, Slug changed up lyrics, added new flair, new anecdotes, new style and kept every moment fresh, intimate and intense.  The connections were strong across the pit, throughout the set Slug kept the jokes light and poignancy heavy.  Its been twenty years of this record, the crowd was full of oldheads, but Atmosphere had us laughing, reminiscing, shaking our asses and putting our hands in the sky like we did as teenagers.  Self-deprecation, poignancy and relatability are key parts of this fountain of youth,

Backing Atmosphere set was a two man operation, Ant, the longtime partner of Slug that has made up the backbone to Atmosphere for nearing 30 years and another DJ, HEBL who absolutely smoked it.  As expected, Ant showed his flow, his innovation and (if we’re being honest) his corny ass dance moves… chef’s fucking kiss all around.

After performing the album celebration, Slug, Ant and HEBL slid right into a greatest hits and deep cuts setlist beyond what any of us could have hoped for.  Moving deftly from tracks new and old, Slug & team hit the crowd with a fierce and passionate energy, like they were looking to prove themselves despite the crowd already being in awe after the first 12 tracks tonight or decades of belters that came before. The sing-alongs never stopped, the voices at show’s end were hoarse while the crowd had an extra bit of pep to its step, the sort of euphoria that comes from a deep and sincere high of pure jubilation.

The highlight of the evening came during Atmosphere’s encore, when Sage Francis returned to the stage for a quick freestyle team-up that wowed the crowd.  Ive never seen anything like it, but sweet fuck was it an outstanding experience.  The set ended with a performance of “Trying To Find A Balance.” Slug laying his story out, splayed across the examination table, with all the flaws and imperfections that come along with it. 

This show wasn’t simply a performance for these artists, it was a family affair showing off the power of music, the community of a scene and the transcendence of genres that Atmosphere is known for.  It was the vehicle that transported us into the sound and into the life of each of the performers.