"If you ain't got no money, take your broke ass home," sang Victor's lead singer, Joey Reimer, covering "Glamorous" by Fergie.
Victor played a CD release show at State Theatre Friday, prepping the world for its upcoming self-titled album.
It is a universal concept; one always must sit through the dreaded opening acts before the headliner plays. Often, they are all horrible and leave one hoping time will fast-forward. Though this is often the case, the supporting cast of this particular show was consistently on key.
The show opened with Airplane to Athens. Led by a fiery female vocalist/bassist player, Airplanes performed brilliantly. During some parts, the frontwoman's vocals resembled Hayley Williams of Paramore.
The Beat Continuum Project brought funky rhymes to the venue. When listening to them play, one could make a connection to the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Singer/percussionist Ryan O'Conner incorporated rap into the band's sound. Lead guitarist Ted Fattig's solos can only be described as phenomenal.
Then, As the City Sleeps entered. The soft, melodic voice of lead vocalist/keyboardist Patrick left the crowd in a state of complete awe. There were also times when he showcased his razor-sharp vocals, hitting high notes that many singers only dream of.
And when the men of the hour took the stage, flocks of fans rushed the floor to hear them.
Victor formed about two years ago. The After Dark Tragedy, former band of drummer Breton Shepherd and lead guitarist Kevin Andersen, had broken up. Both had made a commitment to Nebraska Wesleyan to advance their education. While there, they formed Victor with long time friends, bassist Shane Cullinan and rhythm guitarist Brent McKain, who were from North Platte.
At first the band mainly played in Cullinan's basement.
While taking a short break during the summer, Shepherd was endorsed by a California drum store, Shine. Reimer recently joined the band to provide vocals. Friday was his first concert performing the new album.
Victor's new CD included nine songs and was sold inside the venue for $5.
"Most of the songs are about relationships," Shepherd said. "Relationships have been a big part of us."
As they took the stage, it seemed like a major label band was setting up. New lights, a new soap box for the singer and banners were set up on stage.
"I just want to thank all of you fans," Reimer said before singing the first song. "You are all awesome."
Victor started off big with raging guitar riffs, amazing bass-lines and a voice vaguely similar to Fall Out Boy lead singer, Patrick Stump. High-note screeching solos added to the nearly flawless performance; a few times both guitarists played a duet just as Avenged Sevenfold does.
The faces of fans lit up as they played a favorite, "My Favorite Ism." The crowd jumped and screamed as the band lit up the stage.
The show began to die down with cover song "F.C.P." by Fall of Troy, which incorporated rare 'metal' screams from McKain - a pleasant surprise.
Victor closed with one of the band's favorite songs to perform, "Odds of Getting Even."
The fans cheered for an encore, even when it was apparent that it was not going to happen. Members socialized well into the night, exchanging handshakes and receiving congratulations from their fans.
As Victor ascends to a new level in music, their aspirations remain the same.
"Someday we would like to make it big," Shepherd said. "But, ultimately we just want to play music people love."
louisteal@dailynebraskan.com
