This is it, kiddies… the last hurrah in the US before we jump across the pond for the international final at the Taubertal in Germany. We’re down to the best 12 bands from Dallas, our Austin regional winner (A Pocketful of Deng) and the Atlanta regional winner (The Roman Empire, from Nashville). 14 bands, one night… damn. Sounds like a major event! There is no other way to start the best night of the season than with the sounds of Aftersummer, with their powerful blend of alternative metal. One of the few bands this season in Texas to feature Spanish lyrics, they took control of the stage and got the crowd on their feet! Shallow Promise definitely showed their stuff, with their lead singer taking hold of the crowd (literally) and the unique mix that is their sound. Phos’ set was full of solid rock with outstanding vocals and superb work from the backline. Free Agent snatched the mic next, and gave us the best set I’ve seen them play this season. The set was tightly orchestrated with pizzazz, style and grace with phat-ass beats and solid stage presence. The Echoes’ set was unrivaled, with an incredible sound accented by extremely tight riffs and great original songwriting. They really showed the crowd that age has nothing to do with experience. Our Austin winner, A Pocketful of Deng hit the stage next, bringing their unique sound to the Gypsy Tea Room. They have a sound that is very hard to pin, but that’s a good thing… a very good thing. Llymbo, tireless warriors of rock, managed to not break themselves but definitely broke the rock mold with their energetic spirit! SOCOE’s sound is solid alternative rock, but retains its originality, and their set was absolutely awe provoking. Our next Dallas band, The Joe K Experience, poured their souls out on stage, led by the extremely talented Joe Kirkland. This band, this guy… definitely keep an eye on them! Our boys from Nashville, The Roman Empire, brought their A-game, without a doubt. The vocals were pensive yet solid, and their sound was great! Our Fort Worth representation, Villain Vanguard, filled the room with the sounds of the platypus! I’m talking about some serious funk here, people. It was an incredible set, all-around. Cristy B! hit the stage with the force of a tornado, and never stopped their powerful, soulful set until the crowd was completely flabbergasted. Local favorites, Joint Method broke off the next set, and came balls-out with no reservation, and showed the reason that they are definitely one of Dallas’ best. Our night was wrapped with the very original, very unique sounds of Jungle Gym. Their music swells and shrinks like the tides, and the wave they created washed the crowd off their feet. After the dust settled, The Echoes are moving on to represent the dirty South in Germany in August. We wish them the best of luck; make Texas proud!!! See you next season!!! One Love,