But moving past the poor set-up, it was refreshing to go to a show that actually had some moving room. Whether it was because of the holiday weekend or because of the show going on upstairs (Never Shout Never) it was nice to stand and enjoy Nonpoint and not get shoved, kicked or stepped on. The worst that happened was a few guys who rushed between my Dad and I with a guy on their shoulders and ended up dragging my dad with them a few feet. (Yes, my dad rocked the show with me like a champ)
So how was the show? Stellar. It opened with a local Milwaukee band S.O.R.E., and I'm not exaggerating on the periods. Though I swear I've either seen these guys or heard them before, not many people seemed to know who they were. Where they are familiar from, I'm not too sure but they sport a heavy past with music including openings for HedPE and Mushroomhead as well as having their music featured on ESPN soundtracks and in movies and video games.
They opened the show huge with raw energy and they kept it coming, working up the crowd and giving it everything they were worth. I'm going to say right now, that dispite the fact that was possibly the first time I'd for sure heard full tracks from them, I'm a fan and yep, I bought the CD. :)
The stage took on a whole new shape at that point, a rise being added to the middle and a rather disturbing but awsome mic stand added to the top of that. In This Moment was on next and I was excited. Another band that I've only heard one song from, ever, but I was so impressed with the video of that song that I found that I couldn't wait to capture some images and a few memories.My expectations and jitters ended there though and I'll admit that I didn't spend the entire alotted time in the pit. Whether it was the sound in the basement, poor mic checks or just a worn out Maria Brink, I'm not sure, but her voice was very flat, not at all the sound quality it is recorded, and her stage presence was lacking. Most of the show she spent standing in one spot and moving, not very generously, to a new spot to stand in. She climbed on the platform a few times, straddled the mic stand and touched the ceiling, but otherwise was lacking. I understand that growling and screaming in the manner she does takes a toll, but I've seen Flyleaf half a dozen times and that girl can perform! And it seems like they never really quit touring.
The music was good, and her stage companions really worked it, I just wish that it would have been a little more. I bought a shirt though! Those guys have some great merch.
Nonpoint.....let me tell you something about Nonpoint. Everytime I get the chance to get close to Elias, I always see the same thing, a huge smile. The man puts out some amazing positive energy and his bandmates follow suite, and wow can they put on a show.
Growling, grinning, hair flipping, reaching out to the crowd, getting them involved, jumping around, posing, these guys have it all and I NEVER get sick of seeing them in concert. Zach even hopped out into the crowd at the end of the set and I'm happy to report that he was not dropped.
They hung out with the fans for a bit after the show, my dad got his shirt signed, which rocked, and left with a smile and a wave. Hope I get the oportunity to shoot you guys again soon, very realistic with how much you love to play in Wisconsin. It was great show!
I left exhausted, hungry and with 10 gigs of photos to sort through and am happy to report, I'm still not done. But I wanted to share the best of the best. :)
