(Victor note- Sorry if this blog is not as good as my last one. I was sick for the entire week last week and took a lot of medicine/advil/orange juice just to get out of bed and attend this event. Luckily, it was still an awesome show and I got to catch up with more people I haven't seen in awhile while listening to some great bands. Unfortunately, I couldn't look at my iPod that I use to take the notes for too long without getting dizzy so I didn't take many notes and didn't pay attention at times.
Also, I am starting up my first interview column today with a great underground artist whose political and spiritual views are amazing. It will be a must read for everyone. Hopefully it will be done by Thursday. Now on with the show!)
So here I am, at the front doors of the ARC Battle at the historic venue of the Schwaben Club (not really sure how historic it is but it really sounds good, doesn't it?) waiting for seven and I'm being mocked by the security guy since I was the first one waiting to get it. I get to go into the show a few minutes later and I'm stoked for this. Not only because it's my second official entry for Supportlocal, not only because I love these indie/underground events but also because I get to finally see the band I'm personally cheering for in this competition, Clearpoint. (Quick backstory- I worked with both the lead guitarist, Hansel Beekmeyer and the lead singer, Davis Thorne at the grocery store. In fact I was Hansels boss. Luckily we get along very well and that kid helped me out huge multiple times. This is how I found out about Clearpoint and since I know both of them, I consider them my "Home Team" for this competition.) Also, I'm excited to hear what the other bands have to offer as well as I love finding new bands.
So who is one of the first people I see when I walk past the ticket/ARC Cloathing stand? Davis Thorne, lead singer of Clearpoint and former grocery store slave. We talk for a bit, catch up and then who walks by? Hansel Beekmeyer, guitarist for Clearpoint and not only a grocery store slave like myself but I was actually his boss for over two years. So we talk about the show, grocery store crap, blah blah blah and I buy their CD (Only $5! Send me a tweet @_victor_says on Twitter or @clearpointband if you want one) (Victor note- Send a Tweet on Twitter? Damn, I must have been sick!) After all that talking I go talk to Cory Crossman (ARC co-kingpin), the judge for the show and the sound guy. Apparently the band that scored 0 last week was the first band as they did not meet the requirements needed to be in the competition so they were actually disqualified. Not going to go into any details on why, let's just say some people are just lazy. After all that, the first band goes on so I gots to get ready!
First band is off and running and we get some heavy stuff. Good opening, reminds me of a hybrid between System of a Down and Megadeth. Vocals are okay, think Cradle of Filth with a hint of Killswitch with the screaming. I can't make out the lyrics when they're not screaming. Either it's because of my sickness or the lead isn't a very clear speaker. These guys have the business sense to use the residential photographer so they get business points from me. These guys are definately going for the Megadeth sound with the Iron Maiden solos, it makes a good sound. When these guys go for the slower song route, it just doesn't work and comes off a bit flat. Lead singer only has one good vocal speed and that's a fast paced setting. The table with the suburban moms from last week has... New suburban moms! Only at ARC Battle folks!
Overall these guys were pretty good. If they stick with the fast paced Megadeth style filled with those wicked instrumental pieces, they can do some damage on the local scene. Good business sense, probably could've interacted a bit more with the crowd but they did a bit so no foul.
Current Victor Ranking This Round- #1
So off to outside to recalibrate my vision and get some air as everything just got dizzy. Good night to get some fresh air, lucky me. Too bad I'm not a fan of Winter. Seriously, I cheer for Global Warming in the Winter because cold is my mortal enemy. I know it's a horrible thing to say but screw it, I like warm weather! Get back inside and run into Rick, who is actually judging the competition this week along with the other guy whose name escapes me right now. We talk for a bit and then I go and talk to Davis, who is thankful that I showed up. I kind of had to tell him it's more of a business thing but it's still a pleasure to be there, cheering these guys on... well, as much as a sick guy that has to constantly type out notes can anyways. Second band is sound checking so time to go back to my usual table.
Band two comes out with some punkish sounds. The lead singer should never scream. It's one of those rape whistle scenarios I mentioned in last weeks blog. The only way I can really describe it is like watching a 13 year old boy scream with the voice cracking. These guys are young and it is possible the lead isn't used to doing the screaming thing. Instrumentals are pretty good. Vocals are okay but not very fluid. It comes off awkward vocally at times with the weird note changes. These guys announce that they are the Sea Frogs. Good call boys, announce your presence. These guys don't show much energy on stage and it takes away from their sound. I don't care what anyone says, music is more than just the sound they make. You need sizzle to that steak. Hmmm, there's some kid dancing around like an idiot. Not like enjoying the music dancing but more like pretending to swim with water wings on while standing up dancing. The last two songs by the Frogs are pretty good and really showed their potential. Right as I'm typing this, three little girls just walked by. Like 10 year olds walking by. I think I'm now hallucinating somehow.
Overall, the Sea Frogs have good potential but are still a raw product. Their first two songs were sort of awkward at times but the last two were prety good. I hope they keep honing their craft and improving with every day. They also need to sponge off the ways of the veteran bands in the area who can give them advice on the other ends of this industry. Put some energy into your movement, connect with the crowd, promote yourselves etc... If they put everything together and get serious, they have the potential to make some noise.
Current Victor Ranking This Round- #2
(Insert whatever I did during the break... I have no idea. It probably involved geting more Sprite.)
Clearpoint is doing their sound checks and I'm ready for my home team. Have to remember not to be biased and give a real report. First thing the lead does is encourage the crowd to get close to the stage. I know these boys and they're charismatic enough that if they play to the audience, they're going to get bonus points for that in my books. These guys are bringing a heavy sound. Instrumentals are pretty good but the vocals keep cutting out. There might be something wrong with the mic sound. They also brought the local photographer too! Wonder if they read this last week? (Victor Note- probably not) Good instrumental piece in there. Before the second song the lead addresses the mic sound issues. This is why we do sound checks guys. The crowd is getting into it so the zombies are showing some life! Only took a week but I'll take it. The lead is giving shoutouts to the bands and ARC for the oppurtunity. These guys are killing my bonus points here, hopefully the judges feel the same way. These guys are busting out a heavier version of Lady Gagas' Paparazzi. Very innovative boys. The vocals just cut out again. This could hurt them if it keeps up. The people at the table ahead of me are drumming along on their table and almost spill some beers. Pretty funny stuff right there. The lead just acknowedged the crowd as not being overly lively. Okay, these guys had to have read my last ARC Battle report. (Victor Note- Probably not.) Some mom is rubbing her sons back in a very sensual manner. That's disturbing. I should give him the number for Kids Help Phone, no means no touchy mom! Oh wait, upon further review that might be his girlfriend, who just dresses like a mom. Yikes.
Overall I was very impressed with these guys. They had a great sound and nailed virtually every business and crowd points in my books. The only thing I'd be worried about would be the vocals cutting out at times. If it is the mic, it is your responsibility as a band to get that tuned properly during the checks before your set. If it was the vocals, I would take a good look into the sound you guys are putting out there and modify who does certain parts in the vocals if the lead cannot hit the certain notes that are cutting out. That could've crippled their chances this round but we'll have to find out!
Current Victor Ranking This Round- #1
(Insert whatever I was doing in the break. Probably getting pizza and giving Rick some pizza. I'm pretty sure it was this break)
Fallen Affliction is up and screaming away! Great instrumentals and good vocals. They're pushing for the zombies to sing along but they're zombies so they just kept nodding their heads. Lead singer is getting right into it. Easily the best showcase of getting the energy behind your music so far. The zombies are head banging like crazy. they live! The lead is doing this thing where he's dangling the mic over the crowds head a la Peter Griffin with the Twinkie to Chris to get him to work out. (Victor Note- I realize he put a plunger on Chris' head. Get a life and keep reading. Of course, I mean that in the nicest way possible.) These guys are also using the photographer. Fallen Affliction is taking this competition by storm right now. The dumbass drummer boy behind me almost spilled his beer again. Meanwhile, the little kids are still here during this heavy music. I hope they start moshing! The rest of the crowd started to mosh around a bit, that's good enough. The little girls were prancing up and down the floor. I need more cough syrup!
Overall these guys dominated their set and are now a heavy favourite in this Battle. Great instrumentals, great vocals. They have a business sense about them. They showed respect to everyone and most importantly they got the zombie like crowd to get up and move around. They played the crowd perfectly with their energy. Impressive set boys, you got my attention!
Current Victor Ranking This Round- #1
(Insert whatever I was doing here...)
Next band is up playing the heavy stuff and two guys are moshing... Right out of the Schwaben Club? I'm so confused right now. Instrumentals are very solid. Vocals are great, the lead shows all sorts of range in his voice. It's funny that his screaming is equally as good as his singing. That's surprisingly a rare trait from the indie bands I've seen. The little kids are running around to heavy music. I'm already screwed up right now, you kids aren't helping! The band even made a comment about the kids being at a show with heavy music and beer. That just made my night. These guys don't alter their sound from song to song and it works pretty well. Just saw a kid who didn't peel the stickers off his hat. I can't stand those kids as stickered baseball hats are the worst fad ever. I'd rather see kids wear zubaz and neon pink muscle shirts with mullets than those kids with the stickered hats. They do a shoutout to the bands and ARC. Backup vocals are pretty good and really compliments the lead well.
Overall, these guys killed it. Another great band going in with a good sound and hitting all the bonus points with crowd interacion, business sense and energy on stage. They just made this a three way race for a two spot race. Should be interesting on who is moving on.
Current Victor Ranking This Round- Tie for #2
At the end of the show they announced who is advancing. Also announced is that even the bands that don't officially advance can still make it to the finals via fan vote. Good to know, I'll be whoring that out to the masses. So the bands advancing are...
Fallen Affliction and...
... Arkham Awaits (The last band)!!!
Both of these guys are deserving of this as they both killed it tonight. Sure, I wish Clearpoint got the nod because of my connection with those guys but they still put on one hell of a show and were in a very tough heat. Also, they still have a shot and I believe they have the talent to still put up a fight if they get in through the fan vote. No band that played today has anything to be ashamed of, they all put on a great show and it was one of the best indie shows I've ever had the pleasure of being at. A big congratulations to every band that played today for their effort.
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