The last shows of 2005 in Boston went off, without snow, technical difficulties, or anyone crying. What also went off were the bands. All of them good in every aspect, it was as solid group of shows as any I’ve seen yet. Thursday night started off with one hell of a band, Issac’s Dream. In line with the likes of 3 Doors Down and Matchbox 20, their show was very tight and professional. Sealed Fate took to the stage with gusto and kicked out some punk metal jams to a great audience that definitely showed a lot of support. Polyethylene reminded me of acts like Rainer Maria and the Promise ring, and since I’m a sucker for indie rock, they were my favorites of the night. Jekus Crobe, who participated last year, were old pros at the game and punked it up during their show with high energy and good tunes. SSA wins my top choice for a band name. It’s ass backwards. Their classic, bluesy rock was smooth and strong. Medicated Kisses ended the night with a set that was every bit as tight as Coheed and Cambria is on C.D. I would have to describe the female vocalist of the band as the Mariah Carey of punk rock. In the end it was Issac’s Dream, Sealed Fate, polyethylene, and Medicated Kisses that moved on to the next round. Friday night was nothing to pass up either. The first band Braman’s Lane started put strong. If I closed my eyes I could believe it was a young, unsold-out Blink 182, and apparently the bass player has the biggest wang in the band. Thanks for the extra info guys! Headline was another group of old pros from last year, and was all about the Punk Rock. Mentira brought in a huge crowd with a heady and loud metal set. The Waking Slows were absolutely awesome. Besides being great musicians, their song style was strong and original. Tri-state came with smiles and poppy rock as they danced around the stage. This three piece had the sound, but not the audience. The Medicine Line graced us next with ethereal delayed guitars and driven bass and drums, reminding me of heavy sedation. Media, an alt-country/ pop band played catchy songs, and had a comedian for a drummer. Oh those silly drummers! Next up was Stompinground, and acoustic rock was their game. Vocal driven melodies coupled with a distorted lead filled the room with foot stomping music. Below Average was anything but as they ended the night solidly on a metal note. In the end though it was Mentira, The Waking Slows, Media, and Stompinground that moved on. The final night of 2005 was a smashing hit featuring a true mix a musical styles. Tiltedback was an older group of classic rockers. Their style was true the name, as they were relaxed as hell on stage, and off. Mamadou, the next act, featured Mamadou himself hailing from Senegal. Accompanying him on stage was a diverse group of musicians truly suited to play world music. Ulysses was an excellent act playing catchy rock tunes fronted by acoustic guitars, and I gotta say, I love good women drummers. And they had one! Undying Grace came up next and killed it with a new metal style. Prospect Hill was a stong metal act with great stage presence and the audience had all their hands up. Holesaw cheated death to play the show (they’re guitarist had a heart attack just three days earlier) and busted out a true stoner rock set. Scars Like Ours reminded me of some weird mix between Hot Water Music and Alkaline Trio with their thick, post-hardcore sound. Attacking Frequencies did just that with the loudest, heaviest and most aggressive sound I’ve seen yet in the contest. Bloodletter finished out the night with a hell of a lot of screaming and metal. In the end it was Ulysses, Prospect Hill, Undying Grace, and Scars Like Ours that passed on to the next stage. Thanks to all the bands and people who came out to the shows. Happy New Year!