FOUR YEAR STRONG / MICROWAVE LIVE AT THE WORCESTER PALLADIUM
By Mia Palazzo
December 14, 2024 – Four Year Strong sold-out Christmas show at the Worcester Palladium was nothing short of electric. Packed to the brim with fans eager to end the year with a bang, the event featured five killer bands that brought their unique energy to the stage, Ben Quad from Oklahoma, Prince Daddy & The Hyena, Free Throw, and Microwave.
Kicking things off was Ben Quad, a relatively new name on the scene, but one that’s quickly building momentum. The emo/math-rock quartet delivered a tight and passionate set that won over early attendees. “You Gotta Learn to Listen” set the tone with its intricate guitar work and earnest vocals, drawing the crowd closer to the stage. Another standout track, “Blood for the Blood God,” showcased the band’s knack for blending technical precision with raw emotion. Though they were the first act, they managed to spark the first small pits of the night, a sign of the chaos to come.
Next up was Prince Daddy & The Hyena, a band known for their quirky, heartfelt approach to punk rock. The Albany-based group’s set was a rollercoaster of emotions, shifting between introspective lyrics and explosive choruses. Songs like “Lauren (Track 2)” got the crowd singing along, while “I Forgot to Take My Meds Today” ignited the first serious bursts of energy in the pit. Their closing number, “C’mon & Smoke Me Up,” left the audience buzzing, with frontman Kory Gregory’s raw, impassioned delivery standing out as a highlight throughout the entire set. By the end of their set, it was clear that the crowd was warming up for the night’s more popular acts.
Free Throw took the stage next, and their emo-tinged pop punk struck a chord with the audience. Based in Nashville, the band’s set was a masterclass in vulnerability and catharsis. The band has released five full-length albums: Those Days Are Gone, Bear Your Mind, What’s Past is Prologue, Piecing It Together, and Lessons That We Swear to Keep, along with three EPs: Free Throw, Lavender Town, and Missing Pieces. Following their debut album, they toured as an opener for Empire! Empire! (I Was a Lonely Estate).
“Two Beers In” had the entire crowd screaming along, a testament to its relatability and staying power. “Tongue Tied” kept the energy high, its infectious hooks echoing throughout the venue. But it was “Pallet Town” that truly stole the show, its nostalgic lyrics creating a palpable sense of unity among the fans. By this point, the pits were growing bigger, and the number of crowd surfers had security working.
Microwave brought a darker, more brooding energy to the lineup, providing a sharp contrast to the previous acts. The Atlanta-based band’s post-hardcore sound was haunting and explosive, captivating the audience from start to finish. “Drown” was a standout moment, with its slow build erupting into a cathartic crescendo. “Stovall” showcased the band’s ability to weave personal storytelling into their music, striking a deep emotional chord with the crowd. They closed with “Trash Stains,” a chaotic anthem that had the crowd losing it, crowd surfers practically raining down on the barricade. By the end of their set, the energy in the room was at an all-time high.
Finally, Four Year Strong took the stage, and the Palladium erupted. The Worcester natives were clearly in their element, feeding off the crowd’s energy and giving it back tenfold. Opening with “Heroes Get Remembered, Legends Never Die,” they set the tone for a high-octane performance. The pits, already sizable, seemed to double in intensity, with fans screaming every word. “It Must Really Suck to Be Four Year Strong Right Now” brought a wave of nostalgia, reminding everyone why they fell in love with the band in the first place.
Other highlights included “Find My Way Back” and “Brain Pain,” both of which had the crowd jumping in unison. But the night’s peak came during “Go Down in History” and “Wasting Time (Eternal Summer).” These anthems had the entire room moving, from the pits to the balcony, with crowd surfers flying overhead and security barely keeping up. The band’s stage presence was unmatched, their connection with the audience palpable. Ending the set with “We All Float Down Here,” they left the crowd in a euphoric state, buzzing with adrenaline and holiday spirit, and in anticipation of next year’s annual Four Year Strong holiday show.
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