James Arden checks out the garage rockers latest album.
The Christian rock band from Brighton bring religion to the masses.
Recipe for modern R'n'B album: liberal helpings of guest rappers and an overdose of sexual euphemisms.
Starting off the night were Magnapow, who opened a bit slowly but picked up speed as they settled in and ultimately set the bar high. Their dance-pop tunes— “like Basement Jaxx, but with live instruments”—were received by the largest crowd of the evening with great enthusiasm.
Combining powerful vocals, fun energetic beats, a little brass, and entertaining banter between songs, Magnapow definitely deserved their first-place vote and a ticket to the semifinals.
Man is Slapped, a name which comes from a newspaper headline from this solo-artist’s native Jersey, was an interesting mix of beat-boxing, studio-recorded tunes, and live vocals. By looping several beats'-worth of various vocal riffs and tunes, he created a unique sound that purposefully defies definition. Although he did not win a semi-final place, Man is Slapped gave a performance that, while somewhat awkward at times, was both entirely sincere and definitely entertaining.
The third band to perform, Arctic Fury, brought a combination of classic 1980s hair metal and heavy rock to the stage. Although the lead singer’s choice to take off his shirt before the final song may have been a bit brash, their authentic 80s long hair, studded wrist-bands, and blisteringly frenetic guitar solos earned them a close third.
Although the judges criticised The Leylines for being generic, which was met with considerable disapproval from the crowd, their performance was quite possibly the cleanest and most polished of the night. By utilizing dual and tri-part harmony—the best of any band of the night—The Leylines were able to make up for the lead singer’s average vocals. Driven by lively bass lines and poppy tunes, they gave a fantastic performance with great stage presence and definitely the strongest finish of the night.
Closing the night was Drunken Chimney Sweep, a six-piece band who play “hardcore traditional English extreme folk rock—and drinking songs.” With songs such as “All for Me Grog” and “I Can Hew” (a song about 19th century coal mining), DCS overlaid an old-style core with modern ascetics for a truly unique and dynamic performance. Despite horrendous technical difficulties, they managed to play so enthusiastically and energetically that one could hear their brilliance through the massive feedback. With catchy tunes, plenty of engagement from the crowd, phenomenal female vocals, and not one, not two, but three lively fiddles, Drunken Chimney Sweep powered through to a well-deserved second place and a slot in the semifinals.
You must log in to submit a comment.
