WMLU's annual Battle of the Bands for Okotberfest 2009 exceeded everyone's expectations. Six hours, 13 bands, and one first prize winner: needless to say, it was epic.
The night's first performance, starting at 4 p.m. came from solo act BC Pickup. This act had a Tim McGraw look with a Johnny Cash sound. He was a singer-songwriter and handled himself surprisingly well and with confidence, for being the first act of the afternoon. There were a few songs where he was using harmonica without using the holder that would support it around his neck, which is not an easy task.
Next up was Arch Stanton. They had more of a Death Cab meets Bright Eyes sound. The only difference was that the lead vocalist for Arch Stanton had a raspier voice than most modern alternative bands; this put a refreshing twist on their sound. They also switched up guitars a lot.
The third act of the night was Jackie Stem. Being just herself and her guitar, Jackie put on an awesome performance. She had a haunting voice with folk-like melodies. She was compared to artists such as Joanna Newsom and Ingrid Michaelson from the crowd.
At 5:30 p.m., Sonic Skandal took the stage. They're a ska band with many instruments, which definitely enhanced their sound. The songs were catchy and the crowd was responsive to them. They even threw in a Sublime cover, which made the students who weren't completely digging the set yet put a face to the genre and enjoy the rest of Sonic Skandal's set.
Following Sonic Skandal was the rap duo Juice Mouse. Though Juice Mouse has only been playing together for about a month, they had the crowd's favor. They knew what they were doing on stage, covering their few forgotten lyrics with humor, making the crowd forgive them instantly. They had humorous raps, very similar to the comedic duo Flight of the Conchords.
Big Fresh Meat started their set around 6:30 p.m. They were also very ska-like, but had a very eminent jam band feel. They were very talented for how young they were, and it was obvious they knew their instruments. Big Fresh Meat did a ska version of Coldplay's song "Fix You," which they pulled off shockingly well.
Returning act Go Indigo took the stage following Big Fresh Meat. Go Indigo won Battle of the Bands in 2007 and is never a disappointment. They use several instruments in their sets and sound very similar to bands like Mae and The Spill Canvas.
Next to hit the stage was Thine Heart. This was the first band to really get the crowd going. They sounded a lot like Brand New or Taking Back Sunday; lots of guitar behind passionate vocals. The crowd doubled for this band's set.
The Hell City Sinners came with nightfall around 8 p.m. A full moon was out, which really set the tone for this haunting psychobilly band. They were a three-piece band complete with an upright bass, drummer and a vocalist. Hell City Sinners could easily be compared to Tiger Army, but their vocals were a lot more intense.
The tenth act of the night was Dream Atlantic. They're a screamo band primarily based in Richmond. They insisted that the crowd got off their feet, thus initiating the night's "pit." They had lots of energy and really got the crowd engaged in their set.
I Am the Kid was next up on the mic. Their sound was very similar to Dream Atlantic. The crowd was very responsive to this band and they had an entertaining stage presence.
Black Raptor Hoedown was the second to last act of the night, and they certainly suited their name. Their vocal style was a lot like Against Me! with the returning Max Doss from Hell City Sinners on upright bass.
The last act of the night was One Ambition. They're a Christian band with no particular genre, but all the styles they had going for them were pulled off effortlessly. They had admirable energy and passion for being the last act of the night.
Third place was awarded to Jackie Stem. The second place winner was Thine Heart, who walked away with $250. Dream Atlantic won first place, along with $500 and the honor to open for Bandfest 2010 during Spring Weekend in mid-April.
This year's Battle of the Bands was one for the books. Every band performed at their peak potential and there was an awesome turnout. WMLU's Battle of the Bands 2009 was called the best one yet.
Photos by Sarah Schmader and Adriana Kovach
Sonic Skandal
The Winner
Jackie Stem
Arch Stanton
BC Pickup
