UniCentre Band Comp Heat 5 Review
Tuesday 26th May 2009
The heats of the UniCentre Band Competition came to a close last night, with Heat 5 producing 7 high-quality acts of varying size and style, from a 2-piece blues explosion to an 8 member ska/punk/circus act, all of which meant the heats stage of the competition finished with a bang, leaving everyone excited for what lies ahead in the Repechage round and Finals.
Heat 5 began with a raw, powerful and energetic set from MAY, who most definitely tore the UniBar a new one. Next up was MOTHER AND SON, a blues 2-piece that turned the UniBar into a dark and dingy juke joint from America’s deep south, this was followed by THE HOWLING TONGUES, who let their old-school blues and rock influences shine through to produce a huge sound for 3 members. Soon after was LUMIERE, with their vast soundscapes engulfing the UniBar and the audience, followed by SIDEWINDER, who’s punk and 90’s rock induced some serious fist-pumping up front. Next up were an 8-piece, circus-punk, ska-rock act going by the name of GOSPEL YEAH-YEAH, who put smiles on the faces in the crowd and combined stage theatrics with brilliant musicianship to leave the crowd gobsmacked. Finally it was time for NEW BLOOD to hit the stage, with their powerful riffs and big sound, head-banging was indeed the order of the night on the UniBar dance floor.
After much deliberation between the judges, it was decided that MOTHER AND SON had come 2nd and would be heading into the Repechage round to have another shot at making the final. This 2-piece had the audience’s attention from the get-go, with a howling guitar intro, soon to be joined by rollicking drums, these 2 created a sound that The Black Keys would be proud of, bringing to the UniBar stage some old-time electric blues, a genre not yet heard in Band Comp ’09.
However on this night, it was decided that LUMIERE had secured 1st place in Heat 5 and a passage straight through to the UniCentre Band Comp Final. This 5-piece created a wall of sound, built from intricate layers, all fronted with vocals that were reminiscent of late 90’s band Cordrazine, or even Jeff Buckley in parts. All brilliant musicians combined with a well-crafted set, means Lumiere have all the ingredients to become Band Comp champions for ’09.
After 5 high-quality heats, it’s now time for the business end of the competition.
Thanks to all the bands that competed in the heats, to all the supporters that came out and supported these bands, also special mention to the judges and sound guys for all their hard work throughout the heats.
Stay tuned to the UniCentre website for a full list of the winning bands and all further info for bands still left in the competition.
See you all in August for the Repechage Round and the Final.
Luke Woods
UniCentre Band Comp Coordinator
