Stretch Arm Strong / Throwdown / Norma Jean

live in Philadelphia (2003)

My buddies and I arrive at the Trocadero located on 10th and Arch Streets in Philly the night of this spectacular show. With full high expectations of this show, it was not going to be a let down.

We got into The Troc to see the barrier was still up, and personally without the barrier it would of been fucking awesome, let me tell you. Actually I won't tell you.

First band up was Terror. I have heard so much hype about this band, it was positive it was going to be a good time. With having their "Lowest Of The Low" EP, I knew the music pretty well. They came out and played hard and heavy like I expected, of course Terror is one of those bands where you just have to stage dive or get up on stage and sing-a-long. but this big metal gate was blocking us. They played 5 songs off of the "LOTL" EP and a new one. Very good time had. Be sure to see Terror in a "no holds barred" venue… I would imagine it would be nuts.

Next up was Every Time I Die from Buffalo, NY. This is the second time seeing them in 2 months. Last time it was at the FUC, which was a fun time. this time they played shorter due to Keith's (the lead singer) illness. He was not up to par singing tonight. Their setlist went like this:
-Romeo A Go-Go
-Ebolorama
-Logic Of Crocidiles
-Emergency Broadcast Syndrome
-Floater
I wish the set was longer, but who doesn't have fun while ETID rocks their shit… I was very pleased for a venue that doesn't allow crazy shit.

Norma Jean was on next… I sat down in the back because they were really annoying. They drew a pretty good crowd. Their stage performance was highly exceptional, though. If you like the band, you would of enjoyed it, but I don't like them that much, so there you go.

Orange County allstars Throwdown were on next. They drew mostly tough guys and nu-metal kids. Songs that stood out were "Raise Your Fist" and a couple new ones. Other than that I didn't know much of their stuff. Crazy time, minus a fight that resulted in a throwOUT…get it! no. I'll move on… Good time was had by those who went off.

After all the tough guys and negi kids left, Stretch Armstrong came on. they played a good 45 min. set ranging throughout all of their albums even the new album to hit stores in 2 weeks. Sounds good. A lot of posi-ness going on. A lot of kids two-steppin', a lot of circle pittin', and whole lot of singing along. If you fell, the kid right next to you would pick you right up and ask if you were ok. It was that good of a time and everyone at SAS's set was the shit. good time.

Ratings of each band:
Terror: 8
ETID: 8
Norma Jean: 2
Throwdown: 6
SAS: 10

Good time.