Detroit Gets Critical!
Critical Bill celebrated the release of their latest album, Underground Kingdom, on Westbound Records last night inside the Emerald Theater with what may have been the largest local concert this city has seen in quite some time! After spending the past 6 months in the studio preparing for this night, Critical Bill spared no expense in delivering their biggest show to date for the 1,600 plus in attendance, shattering their previous presale record along the way. Nights like these are more times than not reserved for the top national acts that swing through town on rare occasions to play in such an intimate setting. Not since Kid Rock launched his Rock ‘N Roll Jesus Tour right here in this very building has Mt Clemens felt such an impact that not only generated a buzz of excitement, but saw a line blocks long in order to get inside the theater. Underground Kingdom (check out the Dr2 View) drops this Tuesday March 16th at all major outlets including Best Buy and was the perfect excuse for the guys in the band to throw a huge celebration that kicked off with some great bands from the area to open up the night that began with sets from the Madonna Brothers, Lithium, Stellar Drive and Hell Rides North. By the time 89X brought out their current 3-day People's Choice Champions, Critical Bill, out on stage, the Emerald Theater was in full contact mode, literally exploding onto the stage with the title track off the new album Underground Kingdom, then incited the rabid crowd into complete mayhem with Beam Me Up, the first single from the new disc. It was awesome to see this many local music fans rocking out at one time, a sure sign that our local music scene is indeed alive and well no matter what the local blogs say. Playing a full six songs off the Underground Kingdom during the 15 song set, Critical Bill never let up, keeping it "Full Throttle" as they heated up the Emerald with such classics as This is Critical, Get High, & My Suicide. One of the most defining moments came during Favorite Drug, again off Underground Kingdom and is the song currently being played on 89X for the People's Choice every weeknight at 7pm where you the fans call in to vote for your favorite song. Judging by the response, its very obvious that in fact this song has become addictive to the radio audience through out Southeast Michigan, bringing the floor of the Emerald Theater into a swarm like sea of bodies! Beyond a doubt, last night's showing has catapulted Critical Bill to the top of the list here in the local Detroit scene, as we've yet to see any show from a local group even come close to what they as a band pulled off for a local concert. With over 1,500 copies of Underground Kingdom sold last night alone, we'll be keeping a keen eye on that Billboard Top 200 chart where it will come as no surprise to us here at Dr2 to find Underground Kingdom debut somewhere within that chart! Critical Bill will be hitting the road for a US Tour next week as they head east & south before returning home for a "Just Announced" concert back home at The Hayloft on April 10th, the stage where their extraordinary trip began some 7 years ago, before continuing the Tour across the country with stops in Colorado, Oregon, Washington, & California. As an added bonus, we've just learned that they'll also be performing at this year's Detroit Music Awards on April 16th at The Fillmore-Detroit, a sign of great recognition for the guys! If you were one of the unfortunate ones who missed this epic, if not historic night, be sure to stop by the Dr2 Photo Gallery or just check out the video below to see how the show opened! Be sure to tune in each weekday at 7pm to the Jay Hudson show on 89X and vote for Critical Bill's Favorite Drug as they defend their People's Choice Championship against an onslaught of challengers! Underground Kingdom will be available Tuesday March 16th at all Best Buys and online at the Critical-Bill web store! DetroitRockReview.com - The Only Place for Local Music News & Reviews!