CONCERT REPORT: The Struts in New Haven

The Struts performing at College Street Music Hall, New Haven, CT

The Struts are a UK band steadily on the rise in America, and have only released one full studio album that is now 4 years old, "Everybody Wants." That record is chock full of Pop Rock with a twist of Glam, earning comparisons to the great Cheap Trick and Queen. They're a throwback while still being fresh and original, thus allowing them to avoid being categorized as a copycat. Frankly, if they're good enough to open for the Foo Fighters, Rolling Stones and Mötley Crüe, then they are good enough for this concertgoer. Those bands have surely seen many young bands try to break out in their travels, so for the Struts to be handpicked out of a sea of hopeful Rock torchbearers is saying a lot for their credibility musically and performance-wise.

CONCERT REPORT: Dave Hause & The Mermaid cruise the East River (PHOTOS)

Dave Hause & The Mermaid playing on board the Cosmo (June 2018)

Upon first hearing that one of my favorite acts, Dave Hause & The Mermaid, was going to be playing a Rocks Off Cruise, I was a bit nervous. The idea of coupling a great show with the anxiety of being late for fear the venue would leave without me along with the possibility of motion sickness did not sit well with me. But I decided to give it a shot anyway. If I've learned anything from concert junkie life, it's that most of the time, it's worth it to plow past fears of the unknown to get to the good stuff.

CONCERT REPORT: Papa Roach - April 2018 (PHOTOS)

Jacoby Shaddix of Papa Roach performs in Huntington, NY at the Paramount (April 2018)

Papa Roach's April run was a headliner, which is always welcomed. Given the fact their fans already know to drop everything for a Roach show, and they surely also attracted new faces from their time on the arena tour with A Day To Remember the month before, it's not surprising most of these shows sold out.