So yesterday I attended the first ARC Battle of this year at the Schwaben Club. For those of you who have no idea what exactly the ARC Battle is, here is a pretty brief description. The ARC Battle is a yearly battle of the bands competition hosted by local clothing company ARC Cloathing and it features some of the best up and coming bands in the region. I figured that since I'm just starting up this supportlocal program and I've always been intrigued by this battle, I figured that this would be the perfect start to my program. I can spread the word of not only these bands but also the work ARC has put into this event. The bands showcased in this qualifier are The Hollow Sea, Keep The Change, Living In Trees, Split The Skye and Malignant Theory.
I've heard of the last two, the first three are a mystery to me.
So basically what I've done for the inaugural ARC Battle of the year is I wrote down my thoughts as the event was going on. Not only about the performances but also my usual insane thoughts. Think of it as a psuedo-live blog. So without further adieu, here is everything I wrote down from my adventure yesterday.
5:30pm- Getting ready to head out to grab something to eat before hitting up the ARC Battle. Honestly, I'm pretty stoked for this event. The past couple years I haven't been able to check any of the battles out due to an incredibly hectic schedule but this year I can and it is the perfect time to go out and not only see this show and make it my first local promotion but also to catch up with one of the dudes running it, Cory Crossman (Myself and Cory went to Jr. High and High School together and I used to keep in touch a bit back when I was doing the internet radio schtick. Got some shirts made by him on several occasions and they were awesome.). Figure that before the show, I'll go to Bobby O'Briens downtown and grab some eats before heading to the show. You have no idea how excited I am for this!
6:45pm- Just leaving Bobby O'Briens and on my way to the show. Have to say, the Spicy Cajun burger is amazing there. I recommend it to everyone. Would've been perfect if not for the guys beside me at the bar talking about golf the entire time I was there. Seriously, nobody needs to talk about golf for over a half hour and what kind of eight iron gets better lift on the 12th hole at Mary Hill. Not big on golf at all. Good thing Bobby O's always plays good music. Anytime you walk in and hear Offsprings Come Out and Play, you're going to have a good time.
7:00pm- Apparently I could've taken my time at Bobby O's. Got there at seven and the security guy wasn't letting people in. Hopefully this doesn't last too long because it's freezing out here and I'm a retard for wearing a short sleeve dress shirt under my coat. Not the smartest move.
7:06pm- Didn't take long at all, luckily. Get in, pay my $10 ticket charge and who's the first person I see? Cory Crossman, my old high school classmate. We catch up on some things, I explain what exactly I'm trying to accomplish with Supportlocal and so on. He then gives me a local magazine and to contact the editor. Apparently she's looking for help. That's awesome on so many levels, going to capitalize on that for sure. He says the pre-ticket sales for today were kind of weak. Didn't seem too bad for the place just opening. I've been in far worse. So we go our seperate ways, I grab a drink and a seat and get ready for the show.
Around 7:30pm- So the first band is apparently playing. Not sure who they are exactly. I either missed their intro while grabbing a drink or they decided to not introduce themselves. They're a young group of guys, probably out of high school. These guys are doing the death metal gimmick going on so the lead is just screaming whatever he's screaming. The instrumentals are pretty solid. Great drum work by the drummer. The lead singer keeps screaming so it's hard to judge the quality of said screams. In the screaming genre, I've heard better screaming but it's not the worst I've ever heard. Probably not the best description for a review but it is what it is. The guitarist/backup singer needs to work on his vocals. Song ends and apparently they have no merch there because they're huge in Europe. At least they have a good sense of humour. They get a bonus point for that. Next song goes and I really wish I could understand what the screaming lyrics are. You can actually understand what some of the screaming is in some bands. These guys I have no clue. They could be singing about buying groceries from Costco as far as I know. Did the band just take a quick drink break mid song?!?! Seriously, that was a five second pause so the lead could sip his drink. Honestly, that's a huge negative for me. The lead singer looks winded as the song seems to be ending. Song ends and the lead says there's a few more songs. Is he going to survive that long? He looks like he's going to need an oxygen tank in the next couple of minutes. Also noticed that the lead points to his head a lot while screaming in every song. I'll give him points for energy but switch it up unless all your songs are about brain freeze. The drummer has been screaming along too, which is pretty cool in my eyes. One more song and apparently it's from their recently filmed music video. This song easily kills their other ones they played, very solid effort. These guys also get credit for showing energy during the instrumental solo in the song.
Overall these guys put up a solid effort but are still rough around the edges, which is expected from a young band. They showed good energy, even if sometimes it came off as a bit forced. The drummer was solid and energetic. Guitar/bass did their part but both looked a bit lethargic in the performance for the kind of music they're playing. Could be an inexperience thing. The lead singer was mostly screaming and has some work to do with the screaming. However the lead showed some stage presence and got into his music, which is essential when on stage performing heavy music. I liked their stage presence for the most part but if they didn't introduce themselves, they lose points. Unless you're a famous band, introduce yourself.
Place so far in competition- 1st
I'm not going to type down times until the end since I'm lazy. Next band is setting up and there's not too many people in here yet. While wandering around, I ran into another dude I went to high school with, Rick Wren. We shoot the poop for a bit, catch up and go our seperate ways. Small world we live in. The place is slowly filling up and the sound test is happening so I best be getting ready.
The second band doesn't introduce themselves. Seriously guys? They're also young. Like 15 year old young. The table ahead of me must be their family because they're cheering and consist of about four moms. Very weird to be at a battle and see peoples moms in mom clothing. It's like listening to good music at a grade school presentation of A Christmas Carol. They have a very chille sound that reminds me of Sublime. All the instrumentals seem off from a volume perspective. Drums and bass are noticeable but no sign of the guitar. The lead is doing a good job, needs to work on his range a bit. Then again, he might have just got his man voice so I can't be too critical. Wow, just realized that comment was a bit insulting. Wasn't intended to be, I swear! The crowd aka their family and friends loved it. Next song is called The Fig and apparently the leads dad wrote it. Don't think he was joking. The sound issues with the instrumentals seem to be fixed as there's a better harmony between the instruments. Pretty good song too. Next song, Favourite girl plays and it's good but very similar in sound to the last one. They get to the next song, 40 nights and it's about playing XBox. Seriously dude? Everyone knows that PS3 is far superior. Screw your XBox! Some random people just sat at my table and brought McDonalds. The dude across from me is eating McNuggets. Great, now I'm hungry. This song is, once again, familiar to the last one but it's not a bad thing. These kids have a good sound. The last song I found out is on iTunes, so I guess I can find out who these guys are when I write this report! (Victor Note- I checked and it's not there. Either I screwed up somehow or they did. Either or.) The next song is different and a cover of a song whose name escapes me. It's pretty good. The girl at the table I'm at seems to have forgotten how to eat her Big Mac. It was funnier than it's supposed to be. Don't think she was drunk by any stretch so I'm not sure what was up. The family of the band are dancing to their kids songs. This was so unintentionally funny to watch, you have no idea. This is like a bizarro show. Times are changing, that's for sure. The next song is a bit diferent from their other stuff but still very good. These guys just jumped into the pole position based on my unofficial ratings that have no relevance to anything. Some spazzy chick just ran to the table spouting off jibberish to the other people like a psychopath predicting the end of days and to repent your sins. I have no idea what she was saying, it was that bad. Someone keep her away from caffeinated products, stat! Aside from the spaz, the song was good. Calling your Name is next. The beginning is slow and it really doesn't suit their style at all. They pick it up and we're back on course. The Big Mac girl also is confused about eating fries because she tries to drink her fries from the McDonalds cardboard fry dealie. That or inhale them like a duck or something. This is already the most unintentionally funny show I've ever ben to. Aside from the opening, this song was also pretty good. Time's up for these dudes!
Overall I was impressed by these teenage almost mutant not quite ninja artists. They're very talented for their age and if they keep up with honing their craft, they could make some noise. Unfortunately, no matter how good you are, if you don't tell people who you are most people won't look into it. People are pretty lazy and if you're unknown, that Shazam app is pretty useless. Also I believe it's in the band code of conduct not to bring your parents that came from the suburbs in their suburban clothing wear and dance like suburban parents to your show. I'm glad they're supportive and you have no problem with it, it just looks weird. Then again, I think my generation is a bit different (Victor note- I'm 27. I'm talking like I'm 57. I feel old, I'm now going to mix me some Metamucil and watch a show about dogs wearing hats before TV Bingo).
Place so far in competition- 1st
For some reason, mic checks entertain me. The one guy is going to wear a devil horn tuque while doing his thing. That's awesome! I think these guys are going to be fun to watch. I go sit at a table with Rick, some of the judges and the ever wandering for pitchers of beer wonder known as Cory. I talk to one of the judges and we talk about the last band. He agrees that it's weird to see a suburban family cheer on a band at a show like they did. At least it's not just me.
People are crowding in for this one. This one is going heavy! Instrumentals are solid and there's more screaming. Luckily this guys screaming is better than the first bands. I'm absolutely stunned that nobody is moshing to these guys. I know if I wasn't playing reporter I'd be right in there. There's a photographer taking pics as they're doing their set, which is pretty cool. These guys are taking their craft seriously and are in it to win it. Love it. Finally, some moshing... by about five people... for about 20 seconds. These guys are great at doing extended solos, very good sound. I can't understand the lyrics because of the screaming but these guys do it well enough that the energy from the music is good enough to not care. This lack of moshing is partially depressing. Somebody give everyone some coffee, a kick to the groin, anything! The next song is dedicated to throat slashing! That is amazing on so many levels. I like these guys. The lead is pulling out a megaphone?!?! Super bonus points for that. Now there's three moshers representing. I guess three is better than none. While this band is going crazy, two more people I went to high school with show up. If I ever gave a crap about high school long enough to buy a yearbook, I'd bring it to something like this. Wait, no I wouldn't. Yearbooks are pointless now that Facebook is around. That's right, suck it Grand River Collegiate student faculty! (Victor note- No idea if that's what they're called. I'm too old to remember apparently) Back to the band, they're now in first by a country mile. Systematic waste is next and sadly, no dedication to mutilation. A kid that looks like a mini version of Carrot Top just walked by. No joke, it had to be his clone. Carrot Top Jr. asks his parents for money... at a battle... with heavy music blaring. This is bizarro world right now. This song was good and Level of Being is up next. Starts off with the deep growl scream noise. Those noises are awesome, wish I could do them. The lead is screaming so intensely that you can't understand what he's saying. He could be screaming about Curious George stealing The Man In The Yellow Hats wallet and nobody would know. Actually, some band should do that. Another bizarro moment- Watching a suburban mom take pictures of a band screaming. The band is seperating the crowd Braveheart style for this next song. Could we see some moshing? 1...2...3...Yep, there's finally some moshing, even if the band had to influence it. The band made people mosh, they get points for that. Even if it only lasted for a minute. When the crowd split up, just noticed that the drummer is female. I love me some female artists. Set ends and they are Malignant Theory and they want you to tie your shoes! (Victor note- Their words, not mine)
Overall, these guys killed it. Great presence, great sound, great energy and they have a good business sense. This will be one of my favourites going into the other rounds of competition.
Place so far in competition- 1st
This place has thinned out something fierce. Guess the cool kids bedtime is 10pm now. The next band is Split the Skye. Crowds a gathering for these guys during their nice instrumental set. They start their first song and it's a lot faster. It reminds me a bit of Killswitch Engage. Instrumentals are great, vocals are decent. The first two bands have nothing compared to the last two. It is probably more of an experience thing as the last two bands are older (probably about mid 20's for both) while the first two bands are clearly still in high school. The lead has a great scream when he does it. I'm stunned by the lack of crowd participation, these guys have a sound you want to at least head bang to. Not stand their nodding your head like your at a jazz festival. The Return is the next song and it's another great song for the zombie audience. The old drink lady at the bar looks like she wants to unload shotgun shells at everyone here. I'm keeping an eye on her, she scares me. The lead gives a shoutout to the other bands. Very classy move. Next song has a killer opening...that keeps going... and going... and going... and it's over. Great instrumentals but why do that at a battle? Very confusing move. The last song is actually a song that is a bit different than the others but still very good. During the song, mini Carrot Top keeps wondering around. Probably for props to do a horrible comedy sketch. Hopefully it is in front of his stuffed animals and not me. I'm already partially confused.
Overall, Split the Skye did an amazing job. Great sound, good energy and good presence. Just like Malignant Theory, they came to win and have the skills to put up a fight in this competition. I loved how they gave a shout out to the other bands. It was a very classy move by these guys. Sadly, in my rankings these guys are behind Malignant Theory mainly because Malignant Theory went all out in their performance. Split the Skye did an amazing job but didn't have the same presence Malignant Theory had. They're a close second.
Place so far in competition- 2nd
Last band seems to be doing their sound check with softcore porn jazz music. This keeps getting more and more unintentionally funny for me, I'm loving this. After the porn groove, these guys just start playing. No warning or anything, they just go at it. They have a neat sound, the guitarist is using more of a Carlos Santana style riff. The vocalist just screamed and he really shouldn't. He might have killed some local dogs with that scream. Mini Carrot Top is leaving with his mumsy. Either it's his bed time or he is performing at Yuk Yuks downtown (Victor Note- I really shouldn't be ripping on this kid and I'm sorry, it's just what I was thinking. Sorry if I offended you mini Carrot Top). The instrumentals are good but the lead needs to work on the vocals. He's not hitting notes at times and it comes off a bit awkward. Next song starts and it's just instrumentals... for about three minutes. The sound of this song is good but it feels like they're just seamlessly doing their entire set with no pauses. It's that long of a song, no joke. Love the work the guitarist is doing, you can groove to that beat easily. The song finally ends and I feel like I just ran a marathon. Next song starts. Estimated end time- July 2013. It sounds similar to their last song. This guitarist is amazing, he needs some recognition! The crowd is still acting like zombies but after the last song, I'm kind of a zombie right now. This song wasn't an eternity this time. These guys don't entertain the audience with silly things like song titles or the name of their band, they just keep going. I'm absolutely astounded by the absolute lack of crowd interaction by these guys. It shows the difference between the younger bands and the more seasoned bands. Either way, this song is pretty good and these guys maintain the mainly chilled vibe their music gives off. The lead screamed again. He needs to stop. The song would be better if he blew a rape whistle mid song instead of screaming. This was the last song and that's the ball game!
Overall these guys have a good sound. The guitarist blew me away with his style. The drummer and bassist did their contributions as well but the guitarist stole the show. The lead needs to keep working on his craft and stop screaming. The screaming doesn't really fit with what the rest of the band members are doing. That and the screaming isn't good at all. My biggest problem with these guys is that they didn't interact with the audience at all. It feels like they would perform the same if they were in their garage or headlining a show at Madison Square Garden. All steak, no sizzle and that burns the crap out of your steak when you're cooking it.
Place so far in competition- 4th
The first ARC Battle this year in my eyes was well done. The Crossman bros. put on a great event at the Schwaben Club and I recommend that everyone check out the other ARC Battles this year every friday at 7pm here on out! Also, if you show up, please get into the music and have a good time. We need to drown out the families people!
Victors Final Overall Rankings
1st- Malignant Theory
2nd- Split The Skye
3rd- Whoever the 2nd band was
4th- Whoever the last band was
5th- Whoever the first band was
Victor Bast
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