BATTLE OF THE BANDS: THE FINALE! feat. Looks Can Be Deceiving, Mono 6, Purpose Failed & UN7T - Lithium Lounge, 20 Rocks. 1st April 2010.

I had been searching for something to blog about that would be different from my normal musical ventures such as the opera, orchestral concerts and acoustic gigs so when a friend asked me to go along and support him at a Battle of the Bands in my local town, I jumped at the opportunity for something a bit different. The gig was taking place in a relatively newly opened venue in Falkirk, 20 Rocks http://www.20rocks.co.uk/  and it proudly boasts that it is the very first live music lounge to have opened.

Dubious as to what to expect being someone who appreciates the more low key musical areas, I was pleasantly surprised to be greeted with sounds of an acoustic folk artist playing in the downstairs bar. Here there seemed to be space to seat 50 people and provided live acts 7 nights a week free of charge and there were already a range of people of different ages gathering to listen to the singer/songwriter in the 'accoustic lounge'. This slightly threw me until I realised there was a large hall upstairs which by the time we managed get to was buzzing with excitement, apprehension and packed with people talking about the upcoming show!
The hall hosts 80 - 100 people as it is in fact a converted bar however even though for a rock orientated gig this may have seemed small, the intimate environment created more of a buzz as more and more people squeezed in to see their favourite band! The gig or should I say competition, was again free and considering the venue were handing out £500 prize money to the winners of the battle, I thought this was very generous.



The four bands that were playing are all well established on the Falkirk music scene and are beginning to showcase their talent in and around Scotland. Starting with UN7T who burst into older sounds of Thin Lizzy, Led Zepplin and yes, a bit of Queen. This stuff is right down my street and got me into the middle of the crowd, my head nodding to the beat. A well liked band, it got the crowd going to and was a great start to the night with interesting guitar solo's and funky bass lines.

Looks Can Be Decieving followed Mono Six and we were definitely into a more rock based territory. The band really got the crowd moving from people jumping, hands in the air at the front and people dancing quite happily at the back. A particular favourite of mine was their song 'Something to Believe In' which had the definite sound of more modern rock bands such as Yellowcard or Taking Back Sunday. The band were super energetic on stage a feeling that was infectious throughout the crowd and they played a really tight, engaging set. I did in fact go and 'Like them on Facebook'.

Followed by Mono Six who carried on that toe tapping feeling with a distinctly Indie sound which got the crowds moving. A step down from the previous band these guys were slower paced but still engaging. Their sound was catchy and quite reminiscent of the Arctic Monkeys and The Strokes with a touch of Paul Simon.

Purpose: Failed were the last band of the evening and managed to hold the crowds fairly well! With a heavy, 'screamo' sounds they really tested the speakers at 20rocks as they blasted out their 5 songs. This band, I have to say, were not really my cup of tea as it was evident as they were influenced heavily by bands such as Metallica, Slipkont and Korn however I was impressed at their ability to play and energetic and what look like super tiring set! 

 In the video about you can hear them and see all the bands that were playing.

To finish off the night the winners were announced: Looks Can be Deceiving! This was the band I had been asked to go and support so it was celebration all round and a big squeezy cuddle from the 6ft 5 bassist! A brilliant night, with a brilliant ending. I will definitely be attending more of the same at 20 rocks!