Thursday 11th October 07 - Battle Of the Bands Wild Card Semi-Final at Ringside. Words and Photographs by ChrisWPhotography

Just looking at the line up for tonight got me excited! Five of the best bands in Hull are competing for a place in the final of Battle of the Bands. As soon as I arrived at the venue, I could feel the electricity running through the room; every band ready to play and I couldn't wait for it to start. First up was Me and My Monarchy, or as they introduced themselves as Peter, Chris and Brian, part of the cast from Family Guy. Kicking off the night with a positive attitude can never go wrong (unless you’re at a wake) and for these guys it proved to be a good idea.

Following up with Teenage Turbine after the request of some of the crowd, they kept the upbeat feeling throughout the set and appeared to enjoy every last second of it.

Next up, was Halcyon. Now I’ve been to see this band a lot but tonight they were on top form. Starting off with their newest track which is currently untitled, they embraced the crowd with their alternate style of music. Carrying on with Abrasive, they continued to please the crowd until the last song. Finally, movement erupted in the crowd in the form of Reign of Chaos, starting the first pit of the night to Halcyon’s Angels. After starting the first pit, it was only right that they carried it on as Reign of Chaos took to the stage. At the front, it was just one lonely lad moshing, until he opened the pit up and putting down my camera I felt it was only right to join him.

After being joined by Halcyon’s vocalist, the pit carried on growing and after snapping a string, Reign of Chaos bassist joined in. Suddenly the pit changed, what could only be described as a ‘gymnastic display’ came about with cartwheels, flips and kicks being exchanged!

Probably the strangest pit I’ve ever seen but I felt compelled to carry on. Reign of Chaos brought it down with the song Xavier - a song respectfully dedicated to a passed on friend. Bringing things to a climatic end, they demanded a wall of death, even though it was only made up of 5 people it still brought the house down. After this display, they proved why they are held in such regard amongst other bands. This would prove a hard act to follow and Sun Circus took up the challenge. For a band as rare as this it was a pretty tall order and they tried their best to hit the pretty high benchmark but just didn’t get there. Their confidence was borderline cocky and they couldn’t back it up with their music.

However, their bassist was amazing, I have never seen anyone like it! His fingers moved so fast that it left most of the audience mesmerised and wondering how he did it. Finishing on a ‘cover’ of Ghostbusters was not a wise idea. Don’t change what’s already good.

Final band of the night was Panacear. Fresh from their performance at the recent Metieval Festival, they proved to be a hit. Their dark-alternative style sent waves through out the crowd. Unfortunately, they were cut short in their set due to time restrictions. They still performed a great, but short, set. If they had more time then they would have proven they’re worthy of going through. In my opinion, all bands tonight have a good chance of going through to the final. However, there can only be one. The rightful winners are Reign of Chaos. They delivered the best set of the night and of the competition so far in my opinion. Good luck to them in the final and to all bands in the future.

Photographs courtesy and Copyright ©  Chris Wlikinson 2007

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