It had been awhile since I had seen Bowling Green’s hard rocking mainstays Sixth Floor, so I was happy to get the chance. Last time was at Metalfest back a couple of years ago, and as that name implies, Sixth Floor is rock, rock, and more rock. Opening up for John King & company were The Screamin Cheetah Wheelies (more on that coming from Franne J. in a future issue). In this space I’m talking Sixth Floor.

It was clear early on this band hasn’t missed a beat. The material is as strong as ever, the musicianship tight and energetic, and the audience enthusiastic and loyal. Several times the crowd sung along to old favorites such as “Super Grass”. The room had an atmosphere of a bunch of old friends getting together again for a rollicking, rocking good time. With a set list including such other tunes as “Facedown”, “Stoned or Oblivious”, “To Tough to Tame”, and “Keep On Keepin On” (which is exactly what the band is doing, and that was good to see), no one was wanting for excitement.

King carries most of the vocals, and does so well, along with guitar, Jarrod Duke lays down the hot licks on lead guitar, and the rhythm section of Billy Pilgrim on bass and George Collard on drums is still intact and lays down that all-essential back bone. So if you’re in the mood for some no frills, in-your-face rock and roll, get out and see these guys. Check them out on MySpace at /sixthfloor. You can stream “Facedown” there and hear a little of what I’m talking about. Just turn it up for full effect!

Sixth Floor played at Tidball’s in Bowling Green, KY on 9/3/2010.

About the author: Pennman bought his first 45 at age nine and has been hooked on rock ever since. He has spent much of his disposable income on music, especially live performances. He writes reviews of the shows he sees and keeps a keen lookout for upcoming shows in or near Bowling Green. He has a BA in Communications, specializing in journalism, and has dabbled in music himself, both as a player and instructor. Find more of Pennman’s work at www.associatedcontent.com/user/165511/pennman.html or visit him at www.myspace.com/pennman_bg or www.facebook.com/pennman