As Saturday night neared, I eagerly anticipated the return of Battle of the Bands, RPI’s musical showcase that pits student rock groups against each other. The four groups participating, Off White, Tastless Groove, John Freeland, and Cannibal Cats, showcased their musical talent for a chance at a spot in the spring contest.
Second-place Off White featured a powerful but balanced sound, outstanding rhythm, and perfect integration of vocals, guitars, and drumming. The pop-rock group reminded me of a cross between Goo Goo Dolls and Deep Blue Something with a somewhat psychadelic undertone thrown in. I was extremely pleased by their version of Fuel’s well-known song “Shimmer.” It was the best rendition of that song that I have heard that was not performed by Fuel itself.
Punk band Tastless Groove captured first place in the Battle of the Bands with a unique blend of acoustical and electrical guitar play, a very quick pace, and a dynamic up-beat sound. The band perfectly orchestrated tempo changes throughout the music to produce a sound that reminded me of the Foo Fighters. They showed a strong passion for their music, creating awesome instrumental interchanges.
Although I really enjoyed Tasteless Groove and Off White, my favorite performer of the evening was solo artist John Freeland. Although Freeland did not win the contest, it was great to see a solo musician compete in the Battle of the Bands for a change. Freeland, whose style is similar to that of the Phil Henry band and California performer Shawn Michael Dargan, definitely had great potential. His songs, showcasing superb playing of the guitar and catchy, emotive lyrics, captured the very essence of life much like poetry put in musical motion. I really enjoyed “On my own,” “In the morning,” and “Fading.”
Cannibal Cats took the stage dressed up in animal costumes—they included a lion, a bee, and a dinosaur—that were definitely the dorkiest get-ups I have ever seen a band perform in; they made the band members look like young kids. Unfortunately for me, their very loud music—if you could even call it that—was even worse. Their songs featured no real lyrics or instrumental synchronization that I could make out. I did, however, enjoy the drumming, and the singing of the beginning of one song by the musician in the dinosaur costume, but Cannibal Cats’ music was mostly unorganized noise interspersed with screaming.
Overall, however, this semester’s Battle of the Bands was the best one I’ve seen in recent years, and I look forward to the two next two Battle of the Bands showcases in the spring.
