Two weeks down and one to go in the eliminatory round in Ottawa, we had emo, screamo, metal, punk, crying, whining, rock-n-roll and oh yea…some magic. Half the bands are still in the program, here are some high points. Night one: Cenotaph with their bass-player/lead singer cooked up some very distinct metal. The band Brainstorm opened up a fresh can of whup-ass and stole the show emo-style. Night two: Jacquie in the Kitchen showed the old boys how to rock both on the stage and off with solid promotion, merch and a killer set, a real pro band all under the age of nineteen. Between the Broken came in second by demonstrating an energetic stage show and decent song writing. Night three: With Hammond organ in tow, tons of funk, and a most dynamic lead singer Stairwell K took this show home. I also heard the band got it''s name from a special meeting place at Carlton University where the kids meet and talk about the magic (that word again) of music, but what I want to know is, what''s this talk about a funny smell? Night four: Seventh Sign a second year Emergenza band that made it to the finals at the Capitol, did a performance that shows they are right back on track. As well Last Project made it to the finals, and in this eliminatory round completely dominated the club with a super sick set, these boys have Germany on the brain. Night Five: With a pile of screamo For Every Fall punched out a second place spot. And second year veterans of Emergenza The Autumn did the power trio and took first place with some mean guitar riffs. Night Six: The band Friendly Fire played a unique set of punk/alternative that was undeniably good and the dual girl rhythm section showed us the ladies can rock too. The Machine from the Quebec side had the most insane but enthusiastic fans and of course the band did not let the down by delivering an equally left of center performance. Night Seven: Universal Habit placed well with an old school rock set (somebody buy that bass player a guitar case!). Forbidden Dream, also from last years season did the rock-n-roll thing to place second for the night. The band Salted kicked it hard even with an acoustic guitar and stole the show. Night Eight: Permanent Daylight beat the daylights out of the rest of the bands both on the stage and off, good job gentlemen. The fat lady may be warming up but she has not yet mounted the stage, there is still one more week of eliminatory at Mavericks then it''s off to Babylon, so get some loaded dice, marked cards, a hat with a rabbit in it, or you could try some real music magic and play it from the heart. Laaaaater!