Above & Beyond’s long-running legacy as one of trance music’s most beloved acts was on full display this past weekend when the dynamic trio brought their “Bigger Than All of Us” tour to Phoenix. Fresh off the release of their sixth full-length studio album, the group designed this tour to highlight two complementary sides of their artistry: sweeping amphitheater shows and more intimate, close-quarters performances. The Phoenix stop fell into the latter category, hosted at Warehouse 215 in the heart of downtown.
While the choice of venue certainly offered fans the chance to be up close with Jono, Tony, and Paavo, the space itself left much to be desired. Warehouse 215 is better suited for private events than a concert production of this caliber, and it showed. The acoustics leaned heavily toward bass, often drowning out the delicate highs and layered melodies that define trance. For an act like Above & Beyond—whose sound thrives on emotional clarity and atmospheric build—the muddied mix was an unfortunate distraction.
Still, one of the hallmarks of Above & Beyond is their ability to transcend obstacles and connect directly with their audience. From the moment the opening notes hit, the energy in the room surged. Fans were treated to classics like “Sticky Fingers” and “We’re All We Need,” alongside fresh selections from their new album. Each track was met with a sea of voices singing in unison, a reminder that Above & Beyond’s music is as much about community as it is about sound. As A&B continues to explore large spaces and small, those catching future stops are in for a treat. Even with the shortcomings of the venue, the trio’s passion and artistry carried the night. For those in attendance, the Phoenix show was another reminder that Above & Beyond never fail to turn shared space into something unforgettable.