Many fans know Particle as one of the biggest bands in the jam scene. Still others have heard about the band from its five-hour improvisational sets.

Sunday night at The House of Blues the band far exceeded its reputation. The performance had influences from funk, progressive rock, jazz and trance with a dance beat. Simply, it rocked.

Particle refers to its music as “space-porn.” This term initially seems like a clever marketing buzz word, but when you hear the band live, you understand.

The lore of syncing up “Dark Side of the Moon” and “Wizard of Oz” has filled dorm rooms for decades. The next experimental synchronization should be “Boogie Nights” and Particle. Not only would it lead to an interesting night, but it also would perfectly accent the movie’s themes.

The instrumental set forces the audience to make the music, not cliché lyrics, its main focus.

Particle proves you don’t need a million-dollar set to create a captivating show. Each song built to an intense climax, and when it seemed it was all over, the members launched back into the song to blow your mind even further.

Particle had a fun and inclusive presence. There was a strong sense of community, and it seemed more like a house party than a rock show.

Hydra is the band’s latest incarnation. The project brings together members of Particle and Mickey Hart of the Grateful Dead. Hart is a percussionist known for incorporating various world instruments into his sets. The rock ‘n’ roll Hall of Fame member Hart describes Hydra’s music as, “extreme music for extreme people.” The band incorporates sounds similar to Particle’s music. Hydra begins a national tour in April.

“Launchpad” is the first full-length album release from Particle. Veteran producer Tom Rothrock tried to help the group capture lightning in a bottle. The album has been described as vintage sounding with a contemporary spin.

It would be virtually impossible to create an album that has the spontaneity of the live shows, but it’s a great introduction for new listeners.

If you are a fan who wants the excitement of a live show, the band also sells live recordings. Real Image Recording has been brought on board to record each show. The disc from that night’s show is immediately available in addition to past performances.

The attendance was not impressive for the House of Blues or Particle. This can be attributed to the late night Sunday set that did not begin until 10:30.

Despite the small turnout, no one at the show left unsatisfied. The show perfectly joined atmosphere and sound to form an amazing performance.

When it was all over and the smoke cleared, most people needed a cigarette.

Benjamin Gordon can be reached at [email protected].