National Campus Band Comp; Southern Region Final Review
Wednesday 9th September 2009
The ninth of the ninth o-nine. It was the day set down in music folklore … The re-mastered release of the entire Beatles back catalogue, a day for the history books in all its glory and the action that unfolded at Wollongong UniBar was no exception. The night saw Wollongong UniCentre host the NSW Southern Regional Final of the National Campus Band Competition and with bands coming from as far away as Wagga and Bathurst, the quality of acts was absolutely incredible.
First up from CSU, Wagga Campus were metal rockers Leicohtica Boasting a huge seven-piece sound with dual vocalists and enough hair to cover eleven Pantine commercials, the stage show these guys delivered was amazing. Combining elements of Tool, Nevermore and your worst nightmares, they included the melodic sounds of keyboards to contrast with great affect.
Next were another CSU band, this time from Bathurst, Go! Go! Machiner. With an indie-electro sound that is taking over the airways at the moment, they added in their own unique flair with an element of 8-bit Nintendo-esque samples. With a strong stage show to-boot, these guys got the early punters up and dancing.
At the midway point we had Modern Error who delivered a tight pop-rock set. With a singer whose voice rivals the latest contestants on that idolistic TV show running at the moment, the musicianship showed by these guys was amazing and really something that could see them grow to something big.
Turning for home were Western Sydney rockers Geminine. Combining the finer elements of Karnivool, Cog and Rage Against the Machine, they had the punters bopping their heads whilst still swaying to the built up emotions they created, certainly a fine live act going somewhere.
Finally we had local lads Paper Moon. After getting through the Wollongong heats, they brought a strong crowd to support them through the next stage. As a band who describes themselves as ‘the stuff dreams are made of, until you drench those dreams in whisky, light a match and watch them burn…’ they combine the rockstar attitude with some truly awesome musical talent. They don’t take themselves too seriously and are a breath of fresh air in the sometimes stagnant independent music scene.
After a very long and at times heated decision process, the judges returned with the decisions that would decide the fate of these five bands in the competition. Going through to the NSW Final to be held at UNSW next Thursday 17th September are Leicohtica and Paper Moon.
That heralds the end of band comp festivities at Wollongong UniBar for 2009. It’s been a great competition with the talent of acts truly remarkable. Stay tuned for some more great independent music action in 2010.
Matt Dawson
Wollongong UniCentre
