A short review before my new criteria. Originally Published in the June 19th edition on Amazon / Smashwords.
Note: For this show, I did not take photographs due to having a very difficult time getting a good one.
This was the first time I have seen the entire band perform. The Funhouse in Bethlehem was the venue. I will admit, not the best place in the world for a first review, but not the worst.
The Funhouse is a small bar on south 4th street. The bar is on the right side when you walk in with video games / atm on the left. A narrow walkway leads you back to the small stage area. With pool tables / restrooms in the back. The outdoor patio is open in warmer weather.
Normally, I skip the first set. This time I showed up early during the sound check. I am glad because there was no second or third set. Will explain this one shortly.
The band started shortly after 10:00 p.m. Around 20 people were there. Several watching the NBA playoffs. The two, main, low points of the show: attendance / crowd response. Patrick did his best on crowd interaction with asking how the game was going. Crowd response did improve during the night. A few people gave the band compliments and asked about future shows.
How was the music? Here was one of the major high points. The show was a mix of originals and covers. With something very different thrown in on the cover side. Probably the highest point in music was “Bohemian Rhapsody” (Queen). Patrick, Brian and the band really nailed this one down! The vocals were dead on and very close to Freddy Mercury. The music was also right on cue with every note. Other high points here included: “My Eyes are Open” (original), “Jeremy” (Pearl Jam), and “Gun Shy” (Original). On “Gun Shy,” drummer, Matt Leaver hit the drums like gun shots. Low points in music section included: “Walk this Way” (Aerosmith / Run DMC) for backing vocals and “Smells like Teen Spirit” (Nirvana) for music and vocals. This leads to hard breaks.
Yes, there was a break in between almost every song. I did not take this into account; like I do for most bands. Reason: The band did not take one set break. They played for 3 hours without taking an extended break. The first time I have seen any band do this! Extremely impressed and surprised on this point. Very high marks here.
Between the music, lack of set breaks and variety I would suggest giving The Phoenix Bridge a listen. Better yet, go to one of their shows and let them know what you think.
Due to attendance / crowd response I cannot do the usual full review here. I am not making an exception for The Phoenix Bridge. I want to be fair to any band. I also want to give an honest, complete, review to you also.
Here is a starting point:
https://www.facebook.com/ThePhoenixBridge
https://www.youtube.com/user/ThePhoenixBridge/videos?flow=grid&view=0
If you are on the south side of Bethlehem, stop by The Funhouse. Experience a part of the Lehigh Valley’s music history:
http://funhousepub.com/
This was the first time I have seen the entire band perform. The Funhouse in Bethlehem was the venue. I will admit, not the best place in the world for a first review, but not the worst.
The Funhouse is a small bar on south 4th street. The bar is on the right side when you walk in with video games / atm on the left. A narrow walkway leads you back to the small stage area. With pool tables / restrooms in the back. The outdoor patio is open in warmer weather.
Normally, I skip the first set. This time I showed up early during the sound check. I am glad because there was no second or third set. Will explain this one shortly.
The band started shortly after 10:00 p.m. Around 20 people were there. Several watching the NBA playoffs. The two, main, low points of the show: attendance / crowd response. Patrick did his best on crowd interaction with asking how the game was going. Crowd response did improve during the night. A few people gave the band compliments and asked about future shows.
How was the music? Here was one of the major high points. The show was a mix of originals and covers. With something very different thrown in on the cover side. Probably the highest point in music was “Bohemian Rhapsody” (Queen). Patrick, Brian and the band really nailed this one down! The vocals were dead on and very close to Freddy Mercury. The music was also right on cue with every note. Other high points here included: “My Eyes are Open” (original), “Jeremy” (Pearl Jam), and “Gun Shy” (Original). On “Gun Shy,” drummer, Matt Leaver hit the drums like gun shots. Low points in music section included: “Walk this Way” (Aerosmith / Run DMC) for backing vocals and “Smells like Teen Spirit” (Nirvana) for music and vocals. This leads to hard breaks.
Yes, there was a break in between almost every song. I did not take this into account; like I do for most bands. Reason: The band did not take one set break. They played for 3 hours without taking an extended break. The first time I have seen any band do this! Extremely impressed and surprised on this point. Very high marks here.
Between the music, lack of set breaks and variety I would suggest giving The Phoenix Bridge a listen. Better yet, go to one of their shows and let them know what you think.
Due to attendance / crowd response I cannot do the usual full review here. I am not making an exception for The Phoenix Bridge. I want to be fair to any band. I also want to give an honest, complete, review to you also.
Here is a starting point:
https://www.facebook.com/ThePhoenixBridge
https://www.youtube.com/user/ThePhoenixBridge/videos?flow=grid&view=0
If you are on the south side of Bethlehem, stop by The Funhouse. Experience a part of the Lehigh Valley’s music history:
http://funhousepub.com/
