While their debut album might be called “Bummer”, I can guarantee you after watching their concert that Cleopatrick is anything but that. This is one concert you better attend because missing it would be missing something close to a core memory.
The moment I saw that this band was coming to NYC I knew I had to end my two year retirement, pick up my camera, and go back to reporting on concerts. As a Canadian hard rock group there was no one this Minnesotan could have been more excited to listen to seeing as everyone seems to think all Minnesotans and Canadians are related. Let me give you a rundown of the night!
Pulling up to the Music Hall of Williamsburg I waited in line, chatting up some of concertgoers. To my surprise this concert marked the first one since the start of the pandemic for many. Leading me to the conclusion that a concert I knew would probably be good was going to be significantly better than priorly expected. After entering, I set up shop as there was no photo pit (somewhat terrifying for a concert photographer).
Finally, the clock hit 8:30pm and Ready The Prince took the stage. Unfortunately for me I had minimal exposure to their music prior to seeing them live. This is a mistake, you should listen to all of their music. It was only my loss. I’m convinced that although everything they’ve recorded sounds pretty epic that their live performance knocks it all out of the water.
Not a single thing was off from their sound to their stage presence. Important to note that whoever works their sound is on another level because the music was loud, the instruments were blaring, but I could still make out all the words that were being sung. Anyone who goes to a good amount of rock concerts knows this balance is rarely achieved.
The crowd was genuinely a little sad once their set ended, but was quickly consoled once reminded that it meant that Cleopartick was set to take the stage shortly. Fortunately for us, they did not leave the audience waiting once the clock hit 9:30pm.
I’ve seen my fair share of duos perform and they definitely fall in the upper tier as far as showmanship goes. The set was skillfully crafted with Victoria Park serving as the perfect opening and Great Lakes making the perfect finale. Not going to lie, there are times where I get tired at concerts and can’t wait for them to just kinda end. This was the opposite.
They played fifteen songs and it felt like I’d been there all of five minutes. Shame on them for ending things on time and playing five songs over what was released on their album. We really ought to make them release another so I can peer pressure the audience at one of their concerts into getting them to play two albums back to back.
Highlight of the night had to be when they played one of their most popular hits, Hometown. The entire crowd was going wild. Everyone was singing the lyrics at the top of their lungs. All of us were jumping. I doubt you could have found a single person having a bad time. So yes, you need to make time to fit this concert on your schedule… and make it quick. Due to COVID-19 the band has had to cancel some of their shows so if you live in Boston, Washington, Philly, Pittsburgh, Ferndale or Grand Rapids pencil them it for all of those who won’t have a shot at seeing them. For more info on tour dates click here!