UniCentre Band Comp Heat 2 Review
Tuesday 5th May 2009
Heat 2 of the Wollongong UniBar Band Competition was an eclectic showcase of music, spanning a range of genres, and inspiring a range of dancing styles, from moshing and fist-pumping, to electronica and head-nodding.
The night kicked off with the improvised, electronica of PETER VS. OMEGA and was followed by the strong stage presence and tight sound of KHOROSHO. Next up was the boys from Moruya ABSENCE OF STATE, who showcased a range of influences in their 20minute set from grunge and punk, through to funk and groove.
This was followed by the passionate and powerful hard-rock sound of THE SACRED TRUTH and the energetic, no-holds-barred punk/hardcore/stadium rock of TERATORNIS. Rounding off Heat 2 was the electronic beats, keys and distorted guitar of 3-piece POM POM.
Taking into consideration the myriad of different musical styles on show and how each band best performed their particular genre, the judges were forced with a difficult decision as to who would be advancing through to the Repechage Round and UniBar Final.
It was decided by the judges that KHOROSHO would be advancing as a wildcard to the Repecharge Round on the 4th August, after taking out 2nd place in Heat 2. Khorosho had a solid guitar and bass driven sound, with soaring female vocals. Possessing a strong live stage presence, their songs had good dynamics, leaving the judges confident they are still in with a great chance of making the hotly contested UniBar Final.
The winner of Heat 2 and progressing straight through to the UniBar Final were POM POM. An ambient mix of Peaches and Fever Ray, this 3-piece had a layered sound of distorted guitars, keys and synths, over a bed of programmed beats. The strong lead female vocals were delivered with emotion, bringing the biggest crowd of the night to the front of the stage, to see a band that has all the right ingredients to become UniBar champion for 2009.
All in all a great night of music and a huge night for the female contingent in 2009’s Band Comp, with both of the winning bands possessing talented, charismatic and powerful front women who owned the stage in Heat 2.
Luke Woods
UniCentre Band Comp Coordinator
