SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- About a hundred fans lined up around The Sound Garden to see a free lunchtime show by Mike Gordon on Thursday.

Phish's bassist is in town to perform with his own, separate band at the Westcott Theater on Friday night.

Inside the Armory Square music shop, Gordon and his band played three songs from his new solo album, "OGOGO." He played the bouncy funk number "Victim," the tropical-tinged "Stealing Jamaica" and the album's most popular track, "Steps."

After the first song, the audience cheered then suddenly fell silent, in anticipation of the next song. Gordon laughed and mock-shushed them. He also showed off a few tricks on his light-up bass.

"We've been working on these songs for a year but we still don't really know what they're about," said Gordon. "It could be the light side of darkness. Or the mushy side of solidness."

In reality, most of the songs on "OGOGO" hammer home a clear theme about striking a balance in one's life. On songs like "Equilibrium," "Up and Down" and "Pendulum," Gordon's lyrics unpack attempts to find his center and stop swaying between extremes.

Fans who bought the new album at the downtown shop received red and black bracelets and stayed for autographs from Gordon and guitarist/collaborator Scott Murawski.

See Mike Gordon at Westcott Theater

Where: 524 Westcott St., Syracuse.

When: Friday, Sept. 29 at 9 p.m.

How much: Tickets are $27.50 online. All ages are admitted. Gordon's last show at the Westcott sold out, so buy tickets early.

Katrina Tulloch writes music and culture stories for Syracuse.com and The Post-Standard. Contact her: Email | Twitter | Facebook