The winner of the competition, Effect, presented a powerful progressive style with superb crescendos, strong vocals, and powerful drumming. Their music was almost a tuned picture of great sound, although it was lacking at times in rhythmic flow.

Analog Casey, the first group to take the stage, played intensely loud hard rock and featured disciplined guitar play and a unique keyboard sound. They played with a feeling of raw energy and power but had rather weak vocals. Their rendition of a well-known Back Street Boys song, “Tell me why,” was my favorite part of the performance.

The third band, Within Reach, undoubt-ably had the best performance of the night, despite the fact that voting placed them second. Their rocking alternative sound was even more polished and refined than the last time I had seen them play (UPAC Mainstage). Their lead singer, Mike, had a very intense voice that pulled the listener into their music, much like Travis Meeks of the band Days of the New. I was especially impressed by their original single, “Broke.”

The Slip, the commercial band that performed after the student bands, featured a strong, lively performance that reminded me of a cross between psych-adelic and progressive music. Although their music had strong rhythm and good form, it was not always played purely or cleanly.

Overall, this year’s final Battle of the Bands provided great entertainment on a miserable, rainy Saturday night, and I look forward to the final UPAC concerts of the year—Earthfest and Spring Fling.