Tools
Late last year, tons of young bands (every band member had to be under 21) in a variety of genres (everything from hardcore to hiphop), sent demos to EMP in hopes of being selected as semifinalists in the museum's annual battle of the bands. The EMP folks narrowed the pile of entrants down to nine bands: Idiot Pilot, Massive Habit, Mechanical Dolls, Dyme Def, the Lonely H, Royale, Abident, Courtney Fortune, and Mon Frere.
For the past three Saturdays, three bands from this list have played in mini battle-of-the-bands rounds, with the winner from each night earning a spot in the finals (guest judges score each act on various aspects of performance, such as originality, musical capability, and audience reaction).
Stranger Personals
The first night went to Idiot Pilot, two high-school kids from Bellingham. Using keyboards, a laptop computer, and guitar--and featuring a vocalist who sounds a whole lot like Thom Yorke--Idiot Pilot manage to successfully blend an intense, moody sound with the erratic energy of a Blood Brothers show. It's a little bit crazy, a little bit sexy, and really cool.
The Lonely H won the second round, impressing judges with a heavier, classic rock sound (it didn't hurt that they brought their entire fan base from their hometown, Port Angeles, to cheer them on), beating out Royale and hiphop group Dyme Def.
The last band to snag a spot in the finals was Mon Frere. Unfortunately, I didn't have the chance to see the band live, but judging from the song I've heard, "Real Ultimate Power," their heavy bass lines, dancey keyboards, and powerful female vocals will give everyone a real run for their money.
All these bands are really good. If you don't believe me, MP3s are available at www.emplive.com, or better yet, check them all out at the finals on Saturday, February 28, at EMP's Sky Church. The show starts promptly at 8:00 p.m., and it costs 10 bucks ($7 if you have a student ID card). The lineup won't be decided until the night of the show, so arrive early to ensure that you see and cheer for your favorite.
Oh, and cheering is important to help them win. These kids aren't just competing for the love and admiration of their peers, no sir. The impressive list of prizes includes free studio time; a bunch of gear from Fender; a gig at Bumbershoot; and an in-studio appearance on KEXP during the local Audioasis show.
Good luck to all the bands, and take note: I'm one of the judges, and I'm picky as hell, so don't blow it. MEGAN SELING
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