Performance Review: Rockin4Dollars May

Rockin4Dollars is a monthly show at The Buckingham where bands sign up to play a 15-minute set. At the end, they spin a wheel for a chance to win money. Each month has a theme that isn’t mandatory, but is encouraged. May’s theme was retro. 

May’s line-up had a solid group of bands of all genres, and in all stages of their career. From jam bands, to bands just about to release debut EPs, everyone in the line-up had a great night. 

Fatopus Jam

Fatopus Jam was a fully instrumental three-piece jam band. Their set was bluesy and, at times, jazzy. The guitarist had solid solos, and an even better guitar face to go along with them. Overall, their set was a fun start to the night. 

The Part-Timers

The Part-Timers came out swinging with a cover of “Twist and Shout.” Sticking to the theme, they then played a great cover of the Talking Heads’ 1977 hit, “Psycho Killer.” Down the line, they covered “Stitches” by Shawn Mendes as well, giving their main vocalist a chance to show off his amazing voice. 

Avitas

Avitas had The Buckingham’s pit, from the picture of general Dave Grohl to the support beams, full of people head-banging. The band, and the crowd, had great energy throughout the whole set. The band’s bassist, after a few attempts, managed to get the crowd to channel this energy into chanting on beat going into their third song. The band finished their set with an original off their upcoming EP called “Call Me What You Want, But Don’t Call Me.” Their bassist described the song as “Scooby-Doo chase music” as they went into it, which was accurate, but the track has me excited for their upcoming release. 

BredforSlavery

BredforSlavery was by far one of the most hype and energetic sets. The death metal band started their set with a crowd that went straight to head-banging, and borderline moshing. The band was beyond talented with their instruments and had great stage presence. I’d like to commend the band’s bassist for maintaining 15 minutes of aggressive head-banging as well, as I’m sure most would be likely to fall off the foot-tall stage. 

Painted Animals

Painted Animals changed the pace and played a much more mellow set. While the first track they played was bouncy and feel-good, their cover of “Zombie” by The Cranberries upped the energy. The band’s female vocalist would’ve made The Cranberries’ late singer, Dolores O’Riordan, proud with her amazing emotional singing on the verses, and the band all coming together for the chorus made it very impactful. 

The StoneHearts

The StoneHearts had an insanely good set. They had amazing stage presence and their lead singer was an absolute stand-out. While their singer really set the tone with her singing and confidence onstage, the band around her felt very in tune as well. Despite seemingly only coming around in 2024, the band played like veterans of the Edmonton music scene, and the crowd’s reaction was reflective of this. One of the band’s great moments was their cover of Pat Benatar’s “Hit Me With Your Best Shot,” where they came together and their energy was contagious. 

Far Out Again

Far Out Again are a four-piece rock band who sounded similar to 90s dad rock — somber but still something to move to. After a couple of solid originals, the band covered a song by Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, which, with the frontman wearing a leather jacket, was very fitting and done very well. The band’s last song was a very strong finish. Their frontman’s solo was wild and they finished off with a bang. 

The Cheeks

From the moment I got to The Buckingham, there was chatter that The Cheeks were going to be getting on the bill last minute. The Cheeks are fast, bluesy, and insanely fun to be in the crowd for. They came out strong, having the waiting crowd moving immediately. They had a great set. Their frontman’s raspy voice is perfect, their guitarist had great solos, their bassist was having a great time, and their drummer was too. If you have a chance to see The Cheeks, take it. 

Next month’s Rockin4Dollars is on June 26. With admission only being $4 at the door, it’s definitely something to check out.