Battle of the Bands: semi-final 2

A good turn out and a vocal audience made this varied second semi-final highly enjoyable, reflected both by the judge's comments and the continuity of audience size throughout the evening.

First up were Drunken Chimney Sweep, who impressed in the heats with their individuality and energy. Once again the band were tight musically, well-rehearsed and at points powerfully rhythmic (due to their insatiably enthusiastic drummer). The judges commented that although they were impressed by the female vocals of Becca Atkey, the male vocals "needed work". Overall, the band were very well received and described by one judge as "sing-along, dance-along folk".

Next up were Ah Good the Sea who showed great improvements from their performance in the heats. The charismatic frontman led catchy, melodic tunes with an impressive and unusual voice, and was deservedly told by the judges that they loved him. An anthemic second song, and the ska-tinged ‘Lighthouse’ were sadly let down by a mashed up cover of Gnarls Barkley's ‘Crazy’ and MGMT's ‘Kids’ which showed potential but sadly wasn't up to the standard of the rest of the set. A set with both variety and great musicality, this band were summed up by one judge's comment that they "should keep at it, you have great potential".

Following this was Gurmeet Singh's Percussion Buffet, a samba band with energy, colour and a great relationship with the audience. One observer described the spectacle as “hypnotic” and indeed the Percussion Buffet even began a conga in the audience at one point. The carnival atmosphere the band created was great fun, and the addition of two saxophones and a trombone gave greater depth to the music. A pendulum cover ended in triumphant fashion, leading the judges to congratulate the band on their performance. Timing issues were raised, but no real negatives could be suggested.

Despite qualifying first in their heat, the newly renamed Johnny P and his Family Band disappointed in the semi final. Their first song, ‘4am’ showed passionate vocals from the lead singer, and the popular ‘YouPorn’ was promisingly musical, with a combination of The Streets-esque lyrics and catchy riffs. Despite technical difficulties a medley of songs followed as the band went from Blink-182, to Akon, The Vengaboys, and even A-Ha. This admittedly entertaining compilation seemed to epitomise an underlying problem: that Johnny P as yet has no distinctive style and perhaps this was what the judges felt when criticising that the set ‘lacked something’.

Finally, a wealth of individual musical talent was displayed by The Goslings, a six-piece who displayed a new line-up with the return of their saxophonist and regular female vocalist. The band were technically sound, with a thrilling call and response piece between the incredible lead guitarist and saxophonist and the original songs (such as ‘Chinatown’ and ‘Upside Down’) showing originality and funk. The Nina Simone cover, ‘Feelin' Good’, showcased the female vocalist's talents however the judges commented that more confidence and stage presence were needed, adding that more generally, improved cohesiveness as a band would greatly enhance the Goslings sound and appeal.

In the end, few were surprised to hear that the universally appealing Gurmeet Singh's Percussion Buffet were the victors this evening followed by The Goslings in second place. Drunken Chimney Sweep will now wait to hear if their third place is enough to grant them a wildcard position in the final.

The Battle of the Bands final is this Saturday in The Courtyard, starting at 9pm.

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