Young Bucks start riot!

24th June 2007 Hemingford

Battle Of the Bands

It wasn't quite Glastonbury but it was in a wet field and at times it was raining...There were not 120 thousand people more like 120 but for the youngsters taking part this was every bit as important. Four bands were to battle it out for the title: Junk Box, Adapt To Survive, The Riots and Alcoplum....

Junk Box, a young 4 piece band opened. Apparently them had only been together for 3 weeks and frankly it showed. The set was disjointed. The lead guitarist/vocalist struggling to do both jobs showing an immaturity in his voice and his actions. But credit to them all, they plowed on and completed their set. Adapt To Survive were more able, showing a greater level of self belief and stage presence. Their songs were mostly of the metal genre - not in its self bad but showing a lack of stylistic ability.. graunching vocals screamed in the mike were not impressive as those by say Limp Bizkit: for a start off the guys voice needed to break!! The audience accordingly was a row of lads staring on.. the kind of stationary metal fan who looks on without showing much emotion. Oddly this band are the only one I have ever seen need to replace a drum skin halfway through their set which no doubt had an effect on their moral. Then came The Riots. A local three piece who clearly had a core of local support. For the first time in the afternoon the stage had more than two rows of people in front of it. More than that they were jumping around to the music. The Riots gave a tight performance of varied tunes ranging from Oasis to their own penned numbers. The band also showed a maturity on the stage with both the lead and bass guitarist taking turns to engage and work the crowd. Above this was a clear sense that the band were there to enjoy the moment. Finally came the Alcoplums.. again these were a tight and proficient band playing a range of rock songs including at least one Babyshambles number. Again the crowd responded although by the end they were drifting away a bit.

So to the winners. In my opinion it was between The Alcoplums and The Riots. Both had shown stage presence and given a professional performance. The Riots took the prize in my book largely because they were more relaxed and clearly having fun... which after all is what its about!! If the band is having fun and they are engaging with their audience rather than worrying about which axe pose to make next, then generally a good and memorable time will be had by all... and happy people will come to see you again and spread the word!!!

So the judges made their choice. Second place went to Adapt To Survive which surprised me given their standard metal offering even if sung at 3 octives to high. First was given to The Riots... in my book no surprise. The announcement was met with the crowd cheering their approval and obvious ellation by the band members. It will be interesting to see how The Riots develop and mature over time... they just need to remember to keep having as much fun as they did at Battle Of the Bands.