Battle of the Bands
The Patio
Friday, July 16

Everybody who showed up late missed the treat of former Dent drummer Jason Carr sitting in with Painting Jaime, a band that’s almost become a local supergroup with Toni from Chuck Marten and Randy from Perfect Nothing. Getting the first slot probably isn’t the most desirable for Battle of the Bands, even on a Friday night, and though they played a great set, they still ended in fifth place.

Blaq Lily and Arminta were up next and the place was filled by the time they walked off stage, given arguably the loudest crowd reaction of the night. When all was said and done, the band came in third by just a few points.

Scopes Funky Trial, a band I wouldn’t mind seeing again, came in last. They reminded me of Weezer or Dead Milkmen but I guess the crowd and judges were not impressed. Or it just could have been that the two bands moving on had already won the crowd over.

Rev. Peyton’s Big Damn Band had a blast playing a mix of bluegrass and rockabilly. The MP3s on their site sound like old style AM radio recordings (on purpose, I think), but on stage the band was electrified. To no one’s surprise, they came in first.

Second place honors went to the very impressive five-piece hip-hop band Blackberry Jam. Their guitars were set to wah-wah and the rhythm section was total funk while the MC flowed with a political edge.

Playing last (as a last-minute replacement) was Marquis Brougham with former members of Those Young Lions. I might have been a little too drunk by then to give them a fair review but I remember liking what I heard. Plus, they came in fourth place out of six, which isn’t too shabby for having to play at 12:30.

All in all, there were no upsets on who advanced and who has to wait until next year, but from the concertgoer’s point of view, it was five bucks well spent.