On November 7, The Get Down in Portland transformed into a fuzz-drenched, high-voltage playground as Wine Lips, Population II, and Forty Feet Tall stacked the night with some of the most intoxicating psych-garage sounds you can find anywhere. I was totally stoked for this show — truly a lineup of some of my all-time favorite bands — and it absolutely ruled from start to finish.

Forty Feet Tall — Portland’s Own, and Proud of It

Opening the night was Portland’s own Forty Feet Tall, a band I’ve now seen four times and somehow never get tired of. They’ve become a staple of the PNW rock scene with their explosive stage presence, gritty alt-rock energy, and lyrics that punch in all the right places. They’re known for tracks like “Clean the Cage,” “Good For You,” and “Paystub,” and they’ve been on a steady rise with regular touring throughout the West Coast and abroad.

They just announced a tour for next year, and honestly, I can’t wait to see what they do — the talent coming out of this city blows my mind, and Forty Feet Tall is at the forefront of it.

Population II — Psychedelic Cool from Québec

Next up was Population II, hailing from Québec with a mellow, hypnotic psych-rock sound that feels like drifting through a hazy dream. Their music blends psych, jazz, and garage rock into something truly unique.

Live, they’re a slow-burn kind of mesmerizing, pulling you in with intricate grooves and atmospheric riffs. Their set was such a perfect contrast to the high-octane energy that bookended the night.

Wine Lips — Pure, Frenzied Party Energy from Toronto

Finally… Wine Lips. One of my favorite bands ever, and absolutely unreal to see live. Toronto’s chaotic, high-speed garage-punk legends are currently on tour, and catching them at a venue like The Get Down felt almost too good to be true. The place was packed. I love that The Get Down has multiple heights and levels to stand on — bless them for that, because I am vertically challenged. But Wine Lips brought the kind of energy that makes everyone forget where they’re standing anyway. They’re the definition of a party band: loud, fun, wild, and impossible not to dance to.

Their albums are genuinely no-skip experiences, and hearing those riffs hit live? Magic. Their blend of garage rock, psych punk, and unhinged fun creates this tornado of sound that turns the whole room into a massive, sweaty, grinning mess — in the absolute best way.

Final Thoughts

It’s nights like this that remind me why I love shooting concerts and diving into the Portland music scene. Three killer bands, a packed house, and a venue that makes every angle and level feel like the best seat in the house.
Wine Lips, Population II, and Forty Feet Tall gave Portland an unforgettable night — and I’m already counting down until I get to see each of them again.