UniCentre Band Comp Heat 3 Review
Tuesday 12th May 2009
Wow….the 2009 UniBar Band Competition definitely went up a level at Heat 3, with 6 amazing performances, from 6 bands all capable of giving the UniBar final a real shake.
Heat 3 produced quality set, after quality set, leaving the judges with quite a few headaches and the biggest crowd of the competition so far with sore feet, as everyone was up-front and getting right into the swing of things.
First up it was the emotive and melodic-rock sounds of GYST, this was followed by the vast, sprawling sound scapes of SAN JUNE and the powerful and tight sound of ARC ICARUS. Next up it was time to get a little bit folk, a little bit blues and a little bit feel-good with THE PENNY’S, followed by the loud, intense and dramatic music of MIRRORSESSIONS. The night was finished, with something a little left-of-field, as TRADERS OF THE PRECINCT, combined keys, comedy and even a salt-shaker in their 20 minute-set.
After all this was over, it was decided by the judges that TRADERS OF THE PRECINCT were going through as the wildcard, and had taken out 2nd spot in Heat 3. Like the crazed love-child of Tim Minchin and the Dresden Dolls, Traders of the Precinct bounded onto stage, with relentless energy, capturing everyone’s attention in the process. With an unrivalled sense of stage theatrics and some killer songs to boot, these 2 fascinating performer’s had most definitely won over the judges and the UniBar crowd.
Taking out 1st place in the extremely tough Heat 3, was ARC ICARUS. This 5-piece delivered from the time they hit the stage, not missing a beat and churning out powerful, emotive and musically tight-as-hell tracks, that soon had their large following front of stage and loving every minute of their 20-minute set. All 5 band members looked as though they were enjoying the chance to play on the famed UniBar stage and took the opportunity head-on, coming out on top, in what was one of the toughest Band Comp heats in recent memory.
If the first 3 heats are any indication, Heat 4 and 5 are not to be missed.
Luke Woods
UniCentre Band Comp Coordinator
