CONCERT PHOTOS and SHOW REVIEW: FINGER ELEVEN

New England Concert’s Bernie Goulet continues to bring in the talent to the intimate Jewel Nightclub on August 5th. Not even at its one year anniversary, the Jewel’s stage has hosted some of the biggest names in rock including Buckcherry, Scott Weiland and Puddle of Mudd. Up next the Click Click Boom of Saliva and not Far Behind in October will see Candlebox. Check out HERE for an up to date events schedule check out. This time around it was the Canadian quintet Finger Eleven. Once known as Rainbow Butt Monkeys (true story, they even released their first album under the moniker), these twenty plus year veterans are back with a new album entitled Five Crooked Lines. With a break on their current tour with Three Days Grace they are filling in the time with a string of headlining shows, Manchester, NH being one of them. Going into the show I was not very familiar with their music, I knew they had a couple of hits over the years, overall I was not up to speed with their body of work. Earlier in the day I had an opportunity to sit down with guitarist Rick Jackett. With his laid back personality, I would find out later would not be representative of his stage presence. One thing I would notice that carried to the stage was his appreciation for being where he is, I would also find his bandmates; James Black on lead guitar, Sean Anderson on bass, Scott Anderson covering lead vocals and the only non-original member Steve Molella on drums, had that same appreciation. Being a Wednesday night the crowd was light at about 50 percent capacity. As the guys took the stage you could tell right away that wouldn’t matter, it was on. James and Rick would lead the way not only trading off on their respective six strings but pummeling the audience with their headbanging, foot-stomping, over the top stage manners. Behind his Yamaha drumkit Steve was holding everything together along with Scott on the bass, providing a great rhythm section. Then there was Anderson front and center, with just his presence alone drawing the audience in. Limited to just a few hand gestures and head movement that’s all it would take along with a grin that didn’t leave his face for the entire 18 song set. The balance of the band and each member knowing their place was very apparent and made for a fantastic show. They could have been playing for 50 people or 50,000 you could tell it would matter, there is no doubt they love playing music for whoever will listen. When the band gives out the vibe they are happy to be there the audience picks up on it and gives it right back and this evening was one of those instances. From the open chords of the title track to their latest release, all the way through the encore of their biggest hit, Paralyzer, Finger Eleven took me from someone a little familiar with their band to a fan. The only disappointment was that they didn’t have the sold-out crowd they deserved. If you are lucky enough to have them passing through your town on their headlining tour do not miss them, if not then look out for them as the rejoin Three Days Grace for more dates. And be sure to pick up a copy of their latest album Five Crooked Lines and give my favorite off of the record a listen, Gods of Speed.