?ABSOLUTELY fantastic ? amazing?, that was the verdict after the first round of Okehampton?s Battle of the Bands, held in the Charter Hall last Thursday. Organiser Richard Appleby, of Millennium Music, said he was ?absolutely thrilled? at the success of the night, which included performances by some very talented local groups. He said: ?It?s seemed like it was a long time since last year, but once we got started, it felt like just a minute ? it was a classic night. ?I was worried we might not have the same sort of atmosphere ? the quality of the bands was so good last year, and the quality of the audiences, who really got behind the bands. ?In a way it was easy last year because it was something new, but there was a lot of expectation for this year.? But Richard said his fears proved groundless. A much better PA system and a professional light show had improved the event immensely and with ?superb? support from the council and local tradespeople, he said this year?s event could be even better than last year?s. ?There were some extremely young bands there ? two had an average age of 14 ? I think only two out of eight of them could have bought a drink at the bar, but the passion on the night was tremendous. ?One of the youngest bands, called Undermined, drew lot one, which was very tough for them, going on first, but we asked the crowd to give them a lot of support, which they did. It was quite moving really ? they did ever so well.? Richard said the idea behind Battle of the Bands was to give a purpose to music-makers in the area, to give them a focus and incentive for their rehearsals. ?For example, The Day I Die, a young punk band, had really worked on their presentation. They started with their backs to the audience and played like that until halfway through, then turned round to finish and it worked really well, I was very impressed,? he said. Richard said the entrants were mainly steering towards rock, but he would love to see some reggae, soul or blues bands come forward. And there is a chance for another band to enter this week?s round of the battle, as one band has dropped out. The groups are judged by a panel of three, representing different age groups. They are marked on musical ability, presentation, audience reaction and star quality, with the scores added up at the end of the evening. The top two bands go through to the final, the third band going on a reserve list, with a chance of making the final depending on the scores. Winner of the first round was a young group, average age 16, from Tavistock, called Blue Steel. Richard said: ?They were stunning, they had a technical ability far beyond their years. They could do with a vocalist, but we really feel they could go all the way. They actually won without a lead singer, on the strength of their musical skills.? The second placed band was also from Tavistock and was even younger, with an average age of just 14. ?Jiromist gave a very polished and mature set, with some quality songwriting. They paced themselves well, didn?t rush their songs and came across very professionally,? said Richard. In third place was Genuine Imitation, a three-piece which Richard said gave a very good, well paced performance. Morning Glory, from Bideford, had potential but needs more work, said Richard. Flick from Launceston played a powerful gig and were ?strong contenders? for the final, and Etched in Stone from Okehampton were ?very tight, well organised with some strong songs ? well worth going to see?. Richard said: ?After all my worries, the passion was there from the bands and from the audience. That?s what makes it dynamic and exciting, you don?t know what?s going to happened next ? it was great.? The next round of the battle takes place today (Thursday) in the Charter Hall, starting at 6.30pm. Taking to the stage are Backlash, The Devil Riders, Imij, The Shockwave Generators, Paradox, The Others and Beggars Belief. There is one vacancy ? any band interested should call Richard Appleby on 01837 659249.
