The Circulatory System show at Al’s Bar last night got off to a bit of a rocky start. I showed up when the first band (Pipes You See, Pipes You Don’t) was slated to go on, only to find a semi-empty venue with no instruments or band in sight. I panicked at first, but ultimately settled down and waited. About half an hour after I got there, the Athens van pulled up and everyone started filling up the stage with cellos, guitars and drums — sure signs of an E6 show on the horizon.

First up was Pipes You See, Pipes You Don’t, Peter Erchick’s solo project. Much like when I last caught the Athens crew at the Elephant 6 Holiday Surprise Tour, Pete’s setup included pretty much everyone that came in the van. That proved particularly great for PYSPYD, because Pete got to play guitar instread of keyboard and every song got explored far more.

Undoubtedly the best moment of the set was when they launched into a performance of the Olivia Tremor Control classic “I Have Been Floated,” which Pete wrote. Though we weren’t treated to Jeff Mangum sing-along like last time, Will Hart did grab a tambourine and come trotting up from the back to sing backup on the song. It was great.