As with previous years, the results of last Saturday's eighth annual EMP Sound Off! competition were less than shocking. The three winners of the previous semifinals and, for the first time ever, a wild-card band brought back from elimination played to a packed EMP Sky Church. It was an exciting showcase of young talent, but from the start it was clear that jazz hiphoppers Dyno Jamz had brought an overwhelming throng of boisterous fans, and there might have been a riot had the judges not awarded the group the grand prize (which scores them a slot at this year's Bumbershoot, recording time, and a live appearance on 107.7 The End's Locals Only show). The eight-piece band, boasting the talent of seven University of Washington music majors (and one of the city's worst band names), took the stage to riotous applause before breaking into their smooth jazz rap grooves. While their Digable-Planets-meets-Jazz-Crusaders sound was the tasty honey that their excitable fans craved, it certainly didn't steal the show. Tacoma duo Makeup Monsters, with their minimal punk-pop sound and sleepy-teenage stage presence, were by far the weirdest young band on the bill, but they were also the most exciting, with great potential to grow into their sound in the future. They, of course, came in last place, while Dyno Jamz won not only the grand prize but also the Audience Response award. I know Sound Off! has the best intentions, and it's a fantastic opportunity for the kids who compete, but like any battle of the bands, the most deserving acts don't always win out.

Fri March 13: Batteries, Analog Destroyer, Blicky, Tandem Hat at the Old Fire House, 8 pm, $6.

Fri March 13: Magma Festival: You.May.Die.In.The.Desert, L.A. Lungs, Panther Attack, Wehrwolve at the Greenhouse, 8 pm, $6.

Sat March 14: Classics of Love, Mike Park, Dateless, the Damage Done at GRN STRP House, 8 pm, $5.

Mon March 16: Basshaters, Chaostic Magic, Story of Rats, Walrus Machine at Monstersorri, 6:30 pm, donations.