We''re nearly there. The Metro beckons after Emergenza''s first Semi-Finals week concludes in Cincinnati, sending 4 bands to the final show June 18 at The Blue Note. Now it gets really good. Thursday night featured two of the very best Cincinnati bands I''ve seen as of yet. Subvinyl delievered yet another amazing set, anchored by a rock steady bass and seductive vocals which draw the attention of everyone in any house. Also performing that night was Last~N~Line, a quartet of young musicans possessing a percurliarly mature sound. These guys love to play, and it shows. Closing out the evening was Azygous, a band intent on punishing your eardrums with their brand of raccous metal. Sweet Ray Laurel wondered on stage Friday night, fighting to hear themselves over a crowd with which the band could not compete. Anyone can bring out a crowd; not everyone can bring a crowd briming with excitement and enthusiasm. That''s not alcohol folks, that''s good music. Make sure you catch Ray''s next show June 18th at The Blue Note. Not to be outdone was Ideal Self, taking the stage Saturday evening. Now this may have been part alcohol. That''s not a knock on the talent of Ideal Self, which is abundant, but I could have sworn a riot was going to break out when the crowd''s appeal for an Ideal Self encore was denied. You''d think that hearing their favorite band AND Burn would quell the rebellion. Burn is just flat out kickass. I won''t bother you with an attempt to colorfully describe Burn. Suffice it to say that when you get a chance to this Lexington KY, based band, take it or live with your regret. Seconds Away has to get the "Most Energetic Award" having a crazy front man sommersaulting across the stage while singing will earn you that privledge. The trick is to not make it a distraction. With a band like Second''s Away, it would be hard to ignore the solid band behind Mr. Crazy. But lesser bands might not be so fortunate. Hierophant gave us their second performance at The Blue Note, equally as impressive as the first. Look for the new album very soon. That''s it. After another week in Cincinnati, we''ll be done for 2005. Except of course for Emergenza''s final show on June 18th. It won''t be easy, but some band that night will earn the gig of a lifetime: a set at Chicago''s Metro.