NEWS
15
2006May
Little City with a BIG rock scene
The semi-final round of Emergenza''s International Music Competition for unsigned rock bands commenced Saturday night in Birmingham, Alabama at Zydeco, one of Birmingham''s most well-known rock venues. The talent among these southern musicians was incredible. With many genres of music and musicians of great calibre this event was one not to have been missed.
Over 10th Street kicked off the festival with an energetic set that had a punk-rock almost Green Day effect to it. The rhythm was solid, the solos were on and the harmonies were in tune. These guys knew how to start the night off right. The Ouchies! followed with a very tight hard-core punk set. They had the image, the stage presence and the attitude to send them places they''ve never dreamed of. If you don''t believe me, ask their very enthusiastic audience! Threefall was up next. They changed the mood with their lighter rock sound. Despite some technical difficulties the band busted through their set as if unaffected and proved to have one of the most professional demeanors of the evening. With great guitar solos and lyrics these boys blew the fans away. Nothing More Than This followed up with a punk-ish set that was held down not only by the rhythm section but well-thought-out breaks and solos The band exhibited diversity and talent when several members started switching instruments during the set. Leaving Shiloh utilized groovy rhythmic beats and excellent vocals to woo the audience. They had great harmonies and also an understanding of the power of dynamics. Stuck Insider packed out the venue for a magical set that included a high level of energy on-stage, great bass-n-drum and a nice usage of guitar effects. The Homos closed out the evening with a set that will remain in memory for years to come. Complete with costumes, energy and fake blood these guys are not only talented musicians but first-class entertainers as well.
Prove Them Wrong opened Sunday night''s Emergenza shows with an excellent combination of screaming and singing. Their drummer was on, their harmonies were on and they rocked. Seraphim was up next with a hard-core metal set that got the crowd on their feet. They had an excellent stage presence and great compositions. Esker followed with a very tight set. They were excellent musicians and exhibited their talent through a great rhythm section, strong arrangements and nice harmonies. Tritennial, a hard-rock band, then took the stage also with a great drummer and good stage presence. They were singing, screaming and dancing as the audience fed off of their energy. A special EMERGENZA BEST show followed with Alanta''s own Echovalve. As usual, Echovalve wooed the audience with their intense rock set. These guys not only rock, they always surprise the unexpected crowd with high energy, great guitar licks and bass solos that are touch to match. Into Never did not waste any time in keeping the crowd''s attention as the first thing they did on stage was smash a guitar! They had one of the best vocalists of the evening, great harmonies and sweet guitar solos. Knova Jones were a pure rock band that seemed to know exactly what to do when they stormed the stage. They were the epitome of original dance style rock complete with axe ragin'', bass thumpin'' and soul singing. Crowe followed with an almost psychedelic acoustic rock set. They had great composition and arrangements and an excellent use of dynamics. Auction 45 closed out this weekend''s events with a solid rock set. They had the audience going wild as they ripped through songs like "Going Once, Going Twice" and "save Me." They had a superb lead guitarist and great lyrics.