Thursday, January 18th Being one of the largest shipyards in the world as well as one of the largest U.S. military zones, Norfolk isn’t just all about battleships and F-15. As Emergenza was eager to add Norfolk to the list of many cities, the bands were just as eager to rock out and show that their town has musicians worthy of notice. Even as the F-15’s and Stealth Fighters screeched overhead, the bands were loud enough to drown them out. Silent Panic turned the normally country-metal crowd onto indie-rock and made their way into the next round. Stand Clear gave the audience a taste of Pop-Punk that is beginning to take hold of the Norfolk\Virginia Beach area. Although vocal work is needed, these guys have potential. These Roads Built By Cars, now calling themselves Donde Vives, had the crowd in their hands spewing out punk-rock. Great stage presence and technical skills however some vocal work is needed. But overall, kudos. Finally Bridges Left Burning took the stage and left the crowd burning for more. Their take on Melodic-Metal was solid compared to many attempting to classify themselves in such a narrow genre. Friday, January 19th After soundchecks at Budda’s Place the bands were ready to get back on stage and show the audience what they got. Ars Nova, though classifying themselves as rock, were clearly more of a pop-punk band with catchy riffs and good stage presence. As Insidious began setting up the crowd began chanting their name preforcasting an energetic performance. These guys brought good yelling vocals with solid energy on stage. Prometheus Clay calmed things down a bit but keeping the audience interested, which good jam bands do. Coldcast finally took the stage donned in “Blues Brothers” attire and gave the audience a good dose of metal. With great yelling vocals and technical skills these guys deserved to move on and the crowd let them know that. Saturday, January 20th The Apathites took the stage on Saturday and rocked out with styles of pop and punk. Though young, the band had good stage presence and technical skills. Deshawn Tha Golden Child let everyone know that their band was made up of pure talent. Blues, jazz, and gospel influenced, Deshawn was practiced and experienced. However, preaching could have been kept to a minimum. It’s a stage, not a church, but overall great performance. Finally Hereyezon Fire took the stage and rocked out with pure metal-core. Good stage presence and yelling vocals. Sunday, January 21th H is for Hero played Sunday night bringing hardcore-rock to the stage with some similarities to punk. Although missing a necessary lead vocalist, Sweeney Todd had a good set with launched with good creativity. A little off at sometimes, but with some more solid practicing and a lead vocalist, Sweeney Todd will have no problems. After listening to Closer you could tell their influences were electronic based with a touch of some Thom Yorke meets Evanascence. Good overall set, minor work needed on vocal projection and timing. Good job to all the bands that played at Budda’s Place! Congrats!