The Whiskey Fits opened the show with an energetic punk set. Female fronted Existence A.D. followed an aggressive metal sound. Up next were the winners from the Tucson final, Praying for Safety, even with the recent addition of a new bass player they put on a show that was enthusiastic and musically solid. Also hailing from southern AZ, female fronted Inamorato put on their best show to date, with intricate and dynamic guitar work and haunting vocal melodies. The Late Greats followed up with another great performance. What these guys lack in experience they more than make up for in talent. Up next was Life on Standby, who are proving to be one of the best and hardest working bands in the Phoenix area. Though there has never been a short age of metal bands in the Phoenix local music scene, the dynamics in LOS’s songwriting, as well as their incredible stage presence definitely set them apart from the rest of the pack. Up next, Vendetta followed with a well written set and an excellent hard-rock performance. Up next were 9 pc R&B group Phocus. After having won both the Albuquerque and Denver finals, Phocus kept up their A-game with another phenomenal performance, coupling a rock solid rhythm section with a guitar and two keyboards to carry the melody and set the stage for their all female vocal trio, Phocus definitely won praise from the crowd as well as the other musicians in the room. Returning to the Phoenix finals for their second year were Mossy Rocks. Though it would be easy to describe them as a jam-band, this would not be entirely accurate. Though highly improvised, their sound is more of a poppy blues-rock band. Each individual showed incredible technical skill a on their own part, as well as a great ability to fit tightly within the confines of the song, staying in the pocket to hold down their corner of the stage. Among Citizens followed with an equally impressive show. With a solid Latin-Cuban influenced rhythm section backing their vocalist’s strong melodies and clever lyrics, this 3 piece filled the stage and the room. Proving to be the favorites of the drunken and belligerent crowd, Liquid Revolution followed up with an energetic and impressive show. Though plagued by a few technical problems, Liquid Revolution showed the difference between a “band” and a bunch of guys playing music. Their ability to create their own atmosphere, and then to engage the crowd and draw them into that world is what really sets them apart as a great band. Closing out this evening’s show was Shades of Silver. Hailing from Casa Grande, this female fronted 5 piece rock outfit took their own performance to the next level, with solid and well developed rock sound backing their singer’s soaring vocals making this evening close with a bang.