RED, Far From Falling, Throw The Fight and The Action Blast show Review

Whenever a show comes to the area, most people have about 3 reactions once they see the bands listed: I’m going. I wish I could go but damn work! Hmm, this sounds like a good show but I’ve never seen these bands live before. Tonight was a night of firsts for a few people. 2 of the 3 reactions came across a 15yr olds face when I told him who I was taking him to see for his very first concert. Who better for a “newbie” (as us seasoned people like to call them), to see for their first concert than 3 phenomenal local bands and one jaw dropping national band? I think that’s one fine list to me. So this time, I’m taking us through memory lane and describing the show as you would see it through a newbie’s eyes. My only reaction: awe inspiring. Tonight’s list: Far From Falling, Throw the Fight, Action Blast and RED. Like I said, one hell of a great line up if I say so myself.

First to open the show is Far From Falling. A local band from Minneapolis, this band starts the show off with vocals and beats that draw the eyes and ears. Even this early in the show, the crowd has come to show support. Most of the time, when we think of local bands, we think “Well, they could be good if…” Not this time. We KNOW this band is good and is making it just by listening to them play. Lighting and fog effects edged with soul moving vocals, gifted guitar players, rhythm making bass and beat making drums shows us just that. Each band member gets lost in the moment and as a part of the crowd, you feel it in the music.

-My rating based on voice/instruments sound, stage presence and entertainment- 8.5/10

Next to perform is Throw the Fight. Another local band from the area, TTF opens their show with a bang. You instantly notice 3 guitar players versus the normal 2 and see the energy each member brings to the table. Introducing tunes we’ve heard on the radio and ones that we haven’t, TTF offers a variety of beats to get the blood moving. The crowd involvement picks up and soon it’s a great show by this band.

-My rating based on voice/instruments sound, stage presence and entertainment- 8/10

Up next is The Action Blast from Chicago. After only being together since December 2009, it’s impressive to see them already sharing the stage with National acts. As the first few songs play, a small but aggressive mosh pit begins. The first pit of the night to become something energy building while adding to the anticipation of what’s to happen next. The show continues and the crowd gets larger. AB notices and steps it up a notch and gets the crowd involved in a song. As one, the entire place picks it up a step and is excited all over again.

-My rating based on voice/instruments sound, stage presence and entertainment- 8/10

Last, but not least, is RED. The crowd is thick with people and tension builds as they wait for this one band to appear. Lights dim and the real music begin. Pushing through the crowd to the front is what seems to be everyone’s prerogative. Kicking off their show, RED plays fan favorites ranging from “Fight Inside,” “Already Over,” Overtake,” “Pieces” and so many more. As you look around, every single person is singing each note of every song. The music is drawing out everything every person has to give right at that moment. Just like Michael, Anthony, Randy and Joe are giving to us. As “Pieces” begins, Randy plays the keyboard and all eyes are riveted on his hands. As Anthony and Michael begin their portion, you get lost in the moment, lighters appear and hands are in the air. Amongst the cheering, tunes change to a remix of certain well known songs with familiar beats. Everyone leaves the stage and Joe appears at his drum kit. While the remix is played, he creates the beat of each song and needless to say, the effect is jaw dropping. The faster he goes, the more the trance he holds over on everyone. In all of the drum solos I’ve ever seen, I have never seen one with this type of mix or feeling. From the newbie’s stand point, none other will compare to this one. The rest of the band appears and plays a few more songs and the crowd goes even wilder. The vocals Michael and Randy present, give a new meaning to the balance you need to have as a band. The enthusiasm Anthony gives while moving all around the stage, reminds you to move yourself. Joe’s constant beats give you a measure that only you can feel. As they walk off the stage, chanting begins for “One more song!” and “RED RED RED!” Even being apart of the crowd, you know the band has to be smiling from ear to ear just hearing this. It’s louder than anything and only few bands gets this type of response. Instead of gracing us with one more song, they give us two, “Ordinary World” and “Breathe Into Me.” As the show ends, the appreciation and love this band has for their fans is seen in their faces. The meet and greets begin and the night closes to an end. For someone who has never seen this band or any band play live before, it is one memory you’ll always remember and smile back on. The response from the newbie was quite simply, “Wow. That was AMAZING!”

-My rating based on voice/instruments sound, stage presence and entertainment- 10.5/10