U2 is MY band. They are literally the soundtrack to my life. I know every lyric, every note and am unapologetic in my devotion. I have heard people cover U2 songs but I've always thought these were more "interpretations" and paled in comparison to the original. When I first heard about ELEVATION, this U2 "tribute" band, I was of course skeptical. To say you're a tribute band is to say you'll come as close to the original as possible. There are so many factors that make U2, that I really thought no one could emulate them without looking silly and missing the essence. You see, to really pull it off you'd need a real stage show, all the gear, the visuals and yes, a little magic.

From the very opening of the show Elevation impressed me. I could instantly tell that each member had put in the time and effort needed to be authentic. As the opening notes of "Beautiful Day" rang out I, the huge U2 fan, found myself rooting for this tribute band. My next test was to see how good of a Bono this Shawn Brady really was. Bono isn't just a singer. He has a pressence, a swagger, and and an electricity to him. Shawn delivers, he is careful to pay hommage rather than try and BE Bono. As they neared the first chorus I thought..."Build the energy and let it fly" and they did! The crowd erupted and was right there with them. As the band worked their way through a wide range of U2's material the show only gained momentum. With each solo Kevin did The Edge justice.

Mick and John formed the rock solid rhythm section that IS Adam and Larry. Shawn's vocals were crisp, true and wrought with all the required emotion, angst and joy.

There were moments in the show that clearly demonstrated why Elevation has been sought out internationally. The anthemic intro to "Bad" ushered in one such moment. As any tried and true U2 fan will tell you, Bad is an absolute epic. It's a tune that should be left alone unless you can truly step inside it and deliver it. Elevation was more than equal to the task! I smiled as I looked round the bar to see Danny Good (another huge U2 fan) with his arms raised and singing for all he was worth! That in it's self is a bigger stamp of approval than I can explain.

Elevation is a band of talented musicians who have done their homework, and honed their craft, this much is evident. Perhaps even more evident is that they are true dedicated U2 fans too! It's not just a gig. They are passionate and vigorous in chasing their goal. What's the goal you ask? Well if Bono was here he'd tell you "Soul". I think elevation is after something just as great. They seek to deliver and enjoy a little piece of the very magic that is U2. I can honestly say Elevation has achieved and exceeded their goals in my opinion. Come see a show, close your eyes in the middle of With or Without you and I know you'll feel the same as I do!
Check out the band's website at: www.u2tributeband.com