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We were late to arrive. But this time, I figured there was sort of a greatness to her lateness. I figured we would not be arriving just at the end of the first set, as we usually do. Instead, I was quite sure we were late enough the second set would be underway. Imagine my surprise when we arrived to no band on stage. I don't know if there was a warmup, or just two long sets. But when 4th Floor took the stage, it was concert style, no second break, solid music until close.
From the moment we walked in, I was hopeful. The set break music was a great lead in. And, a reminder that I need to download some of that new Linkin Park stuff. When the band 4th Floor took the stage, it was close to a jaw dropping moment for me. I feel like the music season is really just kicking off here but I really wonder if I am going to be able to hit a musical highpoint higher than the opening song by 4th Floor last night at Every Buddys.
There were some great cover songs. I was having camera trouble and I don't carry paper any more so I don't have a way to take notes. I forget now what their opening cover was but it was an amazing performance. Lead singer Ryan Wallis has a great voice and early in the show, it had a lot of strength behind it.
The band had a good variety of music, from classic rock & metal to rap when they covered Eminem. The biggest surprise of the night, Michael Jackson's Billie Jean, rockified and performed flawlessly.
The band 4th Floor on stage at Every Buddy's Bar and Grill, September 2011
The band seems to move around a bit instrumentally. Lead guitar over to bass for a couple of songs. When I did some research on the band it seemed like videos showed them in different configurations as well.
Opening was great, lots of strong songs. A few weak covers through the middle of the show. Sort of like a recollection of energy, the band and the crowd kind of hit a low. But things pulled together and had a strong finish. There were a few original songs, which I didn't love as much as I had hoped to. I had intended to buy a cd before I left the show but, forgot. Some of their songs are online. There was a lot of talent on stage, maybe they just need to come together a bit more on their originals. And, in the meantime, I remind them that there is nothing wrong with being a cover band, if you are a really god damned good cover band. To think otherwise buys into the Chippewa Valley band (not fan) mentality that cover bands are bad.
At one point I was particularly happy when bass player, Tim Hales stepped up to the mic and performed a great cover of the Bon Jovi song Dead or Alive. That has always been a favorite song of mine, and Tim did a great job on it. The wife was a big fan of their Tantric cover, Break Down. I would put 4th Floor on your list of must see bands.
I had some camera failures. And as of the moment of standing on the floor trying to grab the opening song and failing, I have made the decision to send my Zoom Q3HD video camera down the road as soon as I can get it Ebay'd. It has a couple little problems. If I pull it out, turn it on and as soon as I see it is running, hit the record button, most of the time it won't record. I can't figure out if I double bump the button, or if it won't record until it is fully running. Anyway, very annoying for grabbing quick video clips. And its secondary problem once the SD card is about half full, if I start a recording session in a loud environment, the camera locks up. Hello! I shoot rock shows. If it ain't loud, something is wrong. It might work just fine for home video, if you are interested, contact me. I will be happy to sell it to you and save the eBay fees.
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