UniCentre Band Comp Final Review
Thursday 27th August 2009
Finals. On the sporting field the word is met with either triumph or disaster. At University, we think of just attaining that magic fifty percent pass. But tonight, all these thoughts went out the door as over 480 people came together in a celebration of all things ‘local music’ as the 2009 Wollongong UniCentre Band Comp had that one final night.
There were seven bands set to fight it out, a mixture of rock, indie, electro and all things in between vying for a $2000 recording package at Main Street Studios, but more importantly, the title of 2009 Champions.
First up were progressive rock group, Lumiere. After bursting onto the Wollongong scene in early 2007, these guys and girl built their set throughout with their unique Radiohead meets New York Symphony Orchestra sound. As the opening band it was also great to see them get the crowd up on their feet early.
Next were Pom Pom who were uniquely described by one of the judges as “Lady Gaga on acid.” As an electro outfit featuring a number of samples, backing tracks and synthetic hooks, this band are definitely in that ‘genre of the future’ category that is sure to make them one to watch out for in the years to come.
Arc Icarus graced the stage next and erupted with the energy and enthusiasm to rival the largest of stadium shows. As a relatively new band in town, the combination of Karnivool and The Deftones influences mean there is certainly a strong market for this style of music.
At the halfway point we came to Bennie James And The Hesitant Few. After an eleventh hour withdrawal last year due to illness, it was great to see these guys finally get to play the final they waited so long for. In keeping with the band’s name, they combine the better elements of both Ben Folds and Ben Lee to produce a polished, catchy set of tunes.
Closing for home were Paper Moon who delivered a simple, yet very effective three piece sound. With a strong blues and contemporary rock influence coming through, the chemistry between all band members was evident on stage.
Second last were Traders Of The Precinct who reduced the numbers yet again to just a two piece act. Think of the Dresden Dolls with a touch of testosterone, throw in some witty stage antics and a few 1950s Western movie samples and you will have the Traders, definitely, a site you have to see to believe.
Ironically, the last band to play in this year’s finals were the same band that got the heats underway back in April. The lads from Atticus closed the competition with the ballsy, rhythmic eighties sound that has given them a strong following in the local scene. With an average age of barely 18, this group could be next big thing to come out of Wollongong.
The judges were then locked away to decide the fate of the night as last year’s winners The Jacket entertained the strong crowd that had stuck around. They showed everyone just what it takes to win a competition of this caliber and just how far they have come in the past twelve months. However, it was then time to announce the results. Thirty bands and over fifty hours of entertainment and it had come down to this.
In third place were Arc Icarus who take home a mean $300 cash from Wollongong UniCentre. Second went to Bennie James And The Hesitant Few who have their choice of either a graphic design publicity pack or $500 in cash, also sponsored by Wollongong UniCentre.
First place and winners of the 2009 Wollongong UniCentre band comp went to…Paper Moon! They take home a great package of prizes including $2000 worth of recording time at Main Street Studios, a feature interview and live performance video thanks to Unseen TV as well as the opportunity to play at the 2010 Garden Party and 2010 Band Comp finals.
Paper Moon will also go on to the Southern NSW Regional Final to be held at Wollongong UniBar on Wednesday 9th September. Entry is FREE for UOW Students and just $5 for members of the public so come on down to see some great young talent that this state has to offer and cheer on Paper Moon to go all the way!Matt Dawson
Wollongong UniCentre
