 "Photo: Photo Andrew Lichtenhan")
On Thursday, October 8 2009, local bands showcased their talent at the UNC Charlotte annual battle of the bands completion. The event was held at After Hours, which is located inside the Cone Center. Promoted by Radio Free Charlotte, UNC Charlotte’s own electronic and underground radio station.
There were four bands that competed to win the top prize of $200. The three judges, Ariel Postle, Dustin Austin, and Matt Torres, determined the winner of the contest. Matt Torres, who was also one of the promoters of this event, said this event was held to “see what the music scene is like on campus.”
Even though there was only one winner, each of the bands showed a strong effort Thursday night. The first band to play was Segovia. This guitar duo was only together for three days before entering the completion. The vocals of this band had strong influences from Kurt Cobain and Tom Yorke (of Radiohead.)
While having a grunge sound to them, they had somewhat of a funky baseline to their sound as well. The singer’s vocals were very sorrowful, emotional, while being powerful at the same time.
The second group to perform was Eresy. This band was made up of a guitarist and a bassist, a drummer, a keyboardist, and a female vocalist. The keyboard gave their music a unique element to their sound. The vocalist was able to high the hit notes and had classical influence in her voice. The closest comparison, if one would have to make one, would be Evanescence.
Then Q.C. Dub was next to perform. This band had a very reggae and funky sound to them. Their music gave off a chill and pleasant vibe to the audience. The wavy feedback effects made their sound complete. Their Sublime-influenced sound made one think about the ocean.
Last to compete was Ircarus. This group has been together for three years and even played at Tremont Music Hall. They are even in the process of making their second album. This hardcore band was loud, fast, and energetic. The lead singer was sweating after each song. He even jumped on top of the amp to finish the last song.
Two cash prized were given out on Thursday. Second place prize of $100 went to Eresy. The first place winner, who went home with $200, was Icarus.
When one of the members was excepting the giant check, he stated, “I want to give a special thanks to Brett Farve”, because of the Monday Night Football game earlier that week. The real winners of this event were the students who came out to see UNC Charlotte’s own perform their music.
When asked what you want the students to gain from this event, Matt Torres said, “To have a good time, and to support your school.”
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