Another new band hit Tidballs tonight as Lions For Real took the stage, opening for BG favorites Floord. This was actually their second appearance here, having done the first public show (I believe) ever back on May 6th. Playing off what looked like that same set list (it was dated), the band dived right into their brand of high energy rock and roll. Guitarist Andrew Adkins is no stranger to Tidballs, having played the room several times with his former band, Mellow Down Easy (a favorite of mine). But fans looking to hear something similar to MDE are in for a big surprise as this stuff is much more straight-on, hard hitting rock and roll with an edge. Adkins is joined by two former members of Nashville-based band The Loft. The result was quite a sound explosion.

Adkins had the challenging job of being the sole guitarist in a band with no bassist. Although they are looking for someone to fill that role, he pulled it off admirably. Vocalist John Banzhoff really brings it with a strong voice that fits the high powered tunes well. It was one rocker after another, and Banzhoff never faltered. And that’s a lot of wailing. He also makes for a good front man visually, maneuvering around the stage barefoot and in constant motion. Drummer Jonathan Biggs keeps the pace flying, and actually seems to pick up the slack for the missing bassist as well. He uses all of his drums to get the maximum sound from them, and it helped fill in the spaces.  

With a set list containing songs such as “Movement”, “Lights Out”, “Up Rush”, and “Jungle Beat”, I think you get the idea that this is music to get up to. And the crowd did just that. One thing I always look for is how engaged the crowd is, especially with a band they haven’t seen much of. As you know if you read this column, I see lots of shows at Tidballs and I have a good feel for the place. Sometimes bands come out, especially openers, and not much happens; the floor may be rather open, people are more engaged with their friends or drinks, and the room simply hasn’t been captured. At this performance, people were paying attention in the middle of the first song and the floor stayed reasonably full throughout their set. And the audience was moving too – always a good sign that the vibe is right. I find the crowds at Tidballs are pretty good this way. When a band is good you will know it because the audience has been there, done that and knows quality when they see and hear it.

A new album is coming out in the near future, and if I were you I’d be looking for it. I would imagine they will have a bass player in the studio so I’ll be really interested in how that changes the dynamics of the material. Mr. Adkins is also coming out with a solo album in September. Look for more on that next month right here in The Amplifier. For more info on Lions For Real go to their Facebook page, and for info on Andrew Adkins go to myspace.com/therealandrewadkins.