AP Tour Presents… Four Year Strong
Coming into tonight, I was looking forward to seeing Four Year Strong. Last time I saw them they opened for Rise Against. Being the only band I knew on the bill, I was hoping to at least catch some good music from young bands. I was not disappointed and while this tour may not getting the big push like other tours or have the big names to pull in huge crowds, what you get is some very hard-working and kick ass bands.
First band to open was The Sharks from the UK who have an old school punk feel mixed into today’s genre of punk. Playing a good, solid 30 minutes, they got the crowd of a few hundred warmed up.
The Sweller’s from Flint, MI were up next and these guys have a very catchy sound to them - of all the opening bands tonight, they caught my ear right away. With lots of energy to go along with great lyrics, they had the crowd going and the first pits to start as the guitarist jumped up several time in the air.
Title Fight came on next. Singer, Ned Russin looked like he was 14 but tore it up on stage and played the bass like a mad man with some awesome moves. Sharing vocals with Russin is Jamie Rhoden on guitar, with the duel guitar of Shane Moran as well, they round it out with Ben Russin on drums. The crowd at this point was getting into more and singing along with the songs that were very fast and coming one after another. For sure, a very fun band to see and rock out to.
Next band up was Gallows - another band from the UK and I have to say, a first for me ever seeing at a concert. These guys played their whole set with the crowd. They jumped over the barricade set up in the middle and just ripped the place apart. Lead singer was a sight to see as he sang and moshed with the crowd along with the rest of the band. The only member safe from the chaos was the drummer. While for me it was hard to shoot, I could not help but find myself getting in the pit shooting away as I was being moved from one spot to another, but I loved it.
Gallows for sure killed it on the floor as they played the whole set in the pit; just for that, I have to give them props. While not my type of music, I could not help but have a hell of a good time.
Last up was the band the crowd was all here for - Four Year Strong. When I first saw them, I thought to myself, “What is up with the beards?” The whole band has a beard but once the music hits you, you can’t help but focus on the music. This band has been around for a while now, with 3 albums out with their latest, “In Some Way, Shape, or Form,” being released on November 8th. Also the fact they are from my family’s home town of Worcester, MA, makes them a favorite new band.
With shared vocals of Dan O’Connor & Alan Day, who has the looks to make the ladies come out and not just all dudes in the crowd, these guys kick ass on stage and the music is very catchy, powerful and melodic. You’re drawn right to it once you hear it. On bass is Joe Weiss and drums, Jake Massucco to bring the deep heavy notes to get the heads banging. These guys are going to blow up big with the new album and I would not miss this tour if you’re looking to catch them in a smaller venue and the sheer raw energy.
The new single, Just Drive is one of my favorite songs in my car’s shuffle. Don’t let this tour pass you by if you’re looking for a chance to see some great new music.
All photos provided by Peter Lizano
