Forty Feet Tall Record Release Show @ The Get Down
Portland’s own post-punk garage rockers Forty Feet Tall dropped their new album Clean the Cage on August 23rd, and their release show was nothing short of epic. The night was stacked with some of the best energy I’ve ever felt in a Portland venue, and by the end, I walked away with not only a deeper love for Forty Feet Tall but also two new favorite Portland bands.
Kicking things off was Buddy Wynkoop, a punk-art-piece kind of band that blends wild energy with unique sonic textures. Their sound feels like a living installation—shouted vocals, jagged rhythms, and a vintage, almost theatrical edge to their persona. It was chaotic in the best way possible and a perfect pairing to Forty Feet Tall. They’re hitting the road on tour this October, and I already can’t wait to catch them again.
Next up was The Macks, who brought a different but equally electrifying vibe. Their bluesy garage rock, paired with sharp guitar riffs and high-pitched vocals, made for a set that was endlessly listenable and fun. Their songs feel like they could soundtrack both a smoky dive bar and a sweaty festival stage. They too are heading out on a cross-country tour this October, and honestly, they’re not a band to miss.
Then came the main event: Forty Feet Tall. The room was shoulder-to-shoulder packed, and when they launched into Clean the Cage—played in full—the energy went through the roof. The band delivered each track with raw power: guitar breakdowns that rattled your bones, drums that punched straight through your chest, and vocals that demanded to be shouted back. You could feel the music in your body.
The night closed with one of the wildest endings I’ve ever witnessed. A “muscle man” came on stage to wrestle lead singer Cole, and amidst the chaos, a guitar was smashed to pieces. It was the kind of ending that makes you grin, shake your head, and think: yeah, that was legendary.
Forty Feet Tall’s album release show wasn’t just a concert—it was a statement. Clean the Cage has officially arrived, and if this show was any indicator, the band is only climbing higher.
Catch them on tour in Europe
5/9 - Kusel, DE - @kulturzentrum_kinett
6/9 - Munich, DE - @milla_club
7/9 - Pilsen, CZ - @pilsenbuskingfest
9/9 - Weimar, DE - @c.keller_weimar
10/9 - Berlin, DE - @8mmbar
11/9 - Fürth, DE - @kunstkeller_o27
12/9 - Luzern, CH - @konzerthaus_schuur
13/9 - Parma, IT - @whatgoesonfestival
14/9 - Lido di Camaiore, IT - Alessà Day
15/9 - Prato, IT - Ozne
18/9 - Barberaz, FR - @lebrindezinc
19/9 - Gap, FR - @baraugorille
20/9 - Limoges, FR - @le.petit.jourdan
21/9 - Hossegor, FR - @416crew_hossegor
23/9 - Le Havre, FR - @mcdaidslh
24/9 - Rennes, FR - Bistro de la Cite
25/9 - Angers, FR - @jokerspubangers49
26/9 - Rouen, FR - @le3pieces
27/9 - Deal, UK - @thelighthouse50
28/9 - Reading, UK - @purpleturtlereading
30/9 - Hull, UK - @thepolarbearhull
1/10 - Manchester, UK - @bighandsbar
2/10 - London, UK - @shacklewellarms
3/10 - Paris, FR - @supersonicclub