Seeing five bands perform over Columbus Day weekend definitely made for a “Rocktober” to remember. The weekend began with the comically retro Steel Panther opening for the true gods of metal, Judas Priest. After a lot of driving, which included taking a ferry across state lines, the long-awaited opportunity to see Alter Bridge had finally arrived. California Breed (Glenn Hughes’ latest project) was featured as Alter Bridge’s opening act, but the band that made the biggest impression of all, was relative newcomers onto the hard rock music scene, Like A Storm.
When the brothers from New Zealand took the stage at The Paramount on Long Island, the room was less than half full, but those crowded towards the front were definitely there for Like A Storm. It’s safe to say that there isn’t another band around that can begin a show with an audience adrenalized by the sound of a didgeridoo, but the crowd was pumped as the band broke into “The End Of The Beginning.”
The advantage to having a band of brothers, is a unique chemistry that exists both personally and vocally. Both were noticeable as the band rocked the growing crowd with “Chemical Infatuation,” a song that showcased some kickass vocal harmonies.
Addressing the crowd (which was increasing with each song) after the energetic, melodic rocker “Never Surrender,” it was revealed that Kent Brooks (bass) was celebrating his birthday. After the announcement about Kent’s birthday, the band launched into “Just Save Me,” followed by the birthday boy’s favorite song to play, “Gangster’s Paradise” (an incredible cover of the song made famous by Coolio in the 90s).
Chris (lead vocals) and Matt (lead guitar) worked the crowd like headliners before kicking into “Enemy,” an anthemic rocker that had the crowd pumping their fists in unison. With the room electrified, the band launched into their latest single, “Wish You Hell” (see Hard Rock Daddy review), before closing out the show with their juggernaut first single, “Love The Way You Hate Me.”
The only disappointment with Like A Storm’s performance is that it was too short! While the band still has to pay their dues (for the time being) as an opening act, it won’t be long before they are headlining rooms like The Paramount.
Although their set was shorter than the crowd would have liked, there was still plenty of time left to enjoy Like A Storm. Shortly after leaving the stage (well before 8:00pm), the band appeared at the merch table to meet and greet any and all comers, taking pictures with anyone who asked, and signing autographs on the free posters that they were giving away.
Being that it was Kent’s birthday, the band certainly could have signed a few autographs and then left to go celebrate, but they stayed until 12:30am talking to their fans. They literally stayed as long as possible, leaving only after The Paramount staff asked everyone to exit the building.
On a “Rocktober” weekend that included live performances by Judas Priest, Alter Bridge, Steel Panther and California Breed, Like A Storm is the band that left the most lasting impression for their ability to connect with the fans, both on and off the stage!
Fantastic review of Like a Storm!! They really are superb musicians and young men and the most fan-friendly band out there! Look for them to be headlining everywhere! They are that great! Totally take over any stage! Thanks! 🙂