Audio amalgamation ‘prevails’ with Oshkoshian audiophiles at Menominee Arena
Despite spilt drinks and split eardrums, rock and metal worshippers had the time of their lives at the I Prevail concert on September 14. Menominee Nation Arena was taken over by four bands and screaming fans on a hot Wednesday night. The impressive lineup included the likes of Yours Truly, Fit For a King, Pierce the Veil, and I Prevail. Each group provided a different experience and response from an audience eager for post-Covid entertainment in a large scale venue.
Yours Truly, a small pop-punk band traveling all the way from New South Wales, started off the night. The band played a handful of songs, though the crowd didn’t seem all that interested. West alumni Neptune Potratz thought they deserved much more praise than they received.
“I wish the crowd would’ve been more lively,” they said. “I’m definitely going to be adding their music to my playlists.”
Yours Truly’s lead singer, Mikaila Delgado, sustained a strong and confident voice.
“It reminded me of Paramore, but with Sleeping With Sirens vibes in the music,” Potratz said.
The second opener, Fit for a King, an American metalcore band from Tyler, Texas, introduced a more intense experience for the audience. However, this energetic performance was cut short after a fan got injured.
“I think it was handled very well,” said senior Leo Ebben. “The music stopped, the lights were back on, and it remained that way until the injured individual was handled and escorted out.”
Pierce the Veil, an American rock band from San Diego, California, was the third act of the night. For senior AJ Conklin, their setlist proved new and exciting.
“During the last few songs, everyone was jumping and singing along,” they said. “Being surrounded by my friends in a community like that was a very fun experience.”
During each song, the band’s lead singer, Vic Fuentes, encouraged the audience to sing along and move with the music. Concrete attendee Cooper Temme enjoyed the energy of the crowd.
“I really wish I would’ve gone into the mosh pit,” he said. “Everything seemed so chaotic, but it looked really fun.”
The main performance, I Prevail, a rock band from Southfield, Michigan, closed out the night. The band added more lights, sound, smoke, visuals on the screens of the arena, and interactions with the crowd, including a surprise birthday celebration for one of the members. Conklin was not disappointed.
“I hadn’t listened to them at all beforehand, but it was a very energetic experience,” they said.. “They were very fun and interesting to listen to and I had a great time.”
As I Prevail carried out their last tune, the crowd exploded in applause and shouts. Conklin strongly recommends that others attend future events.
“I really enjoyed being there and the energy that everyone had,” they said. “It was definitely a unique experience that I think everyone should experience once in their lives.”
by Abi Potratz
Published October 3, 2022
Oshkosh West Index Volume 119 Issue 1