Battle of the Bands 2012 Predictions

It's time for BATTLE OF THE BANDS again! That time where a bunch of Yale bands compete for who will get to open at Spring Fling! And what a beautiful day for it! The sun is raining down in sheets and prefrosh are sprouting up everywhere. Enjoy a hot (almost) summer night with some rockin' tunes infused with..well...moRtaL KomBat.

no, i did not take this photograph...arcade something

This year's BATB contestants are Ghost to Go (Jake Backer and non-Yalies Sam Backer, Howe Pearson and Owen Callahan), Jamestown, The First Town in America (Raphael Shapiro, Mark Sonnenblick, Jacob Paul, Will Moritz, Will Hutchison, Andrew Everett, Brendan Ternus, Yael Zinkow), The Keep Calm (Alex Bae, Ishan Sinha, Kenneth Crouch, John Cocco), A Streetcar Named Funk (Michael Blume, Nathaniel Meyer, Alyssa "tenor sax extraordinaire" Hasbrouck, Grant Phelps, Nathan Prillaman, Tim Gladding, Andi Zhou, Zach Simao, Will Moritz), Deeck (Jamar Bromley, John "Greeno" Greenawalt, Katharine Seggerman, Matthew Prewitt) and 9 Tigers (but four members..Adam Klein, Sam Frampton, Matías Anaya, Tayo Ajayi). They go on in that order in 45 minute sets starting at 9 p.m. tonight. So do some math and show up about 15 minutes after your fav band's calculated time to account for error in stage transition time and OMG THIS BLOG IS NOT A LAB REPORT. Physics 206 woes. It's happening, at the Crypt of 438 College Street...hmmm not too far from lab...

The WYBC is playing host to fewer bands than last year's nine this year, although 22 bands auditioned for the honour to compete, including Salivating Eyes, the oft-under-rated-soon-to-be-graduated, wailing rock group that I think most embodies college spirit, Sister Helen, which took third last year, Chilled Water Supply, the kings of jazz, and No We're Not, an up-and-coming band that boasts the musical compositions of former Gets the Girls and current Streetcar man Nathan Prillaman JE '13.

comeonnn!

These bands did not make the cut, sadly. I was also looking forward to hearing the Rain Brigade, but because of band members' studying abroad, the band is taking a two-term performance hiatus while members hit the studio instead. Bummer. Fortunately, many musicians in the rejected bands are also in bands that got in, and many of the groups the WYBC chose not to admit to the BATTLE including things such as laptops and synthesizers and DJs and skype?

Anyway, onto what's important in life. Who should and (probably) will actually WIN.

In thirrrrdd placcccce....

THE KEEP CALM

Keeping Calm at Fall Fest

This group has come a long way this year and has garnered a solid fan base. The riffs are very catchy, and the new, improved bass lines help carry the tunes along. The band also strikes an interesting, existential balance between rocking and keeping calm, as its name suggests. For these reasons, the band is likely to take place but unlikely to win. Alex Bae is a talented lyricist who doesn't seem to take himself too seriously (great appeal for Yale), though his vocals sometimes lack the smooth, expressive transitions throughout different parts of his range we love hearing from singers with more professional training, and a stronger command of the mixed vocal register (it's haaaardd) would especially help this band's relaxed yet strong style. Still, I'm expecting good things from this group and a good crowd of supporters to voter avec les screams. (Not only is this Franglish appauling, but it's redudant. I can't say this!! Oh wait, too late; I just did.)

2ND PLACE: A STREETCAR NAMED FUNK

Michael Blume knows how to WORK IT with the crowd. The band also has strength in numbers, so lots of its members' friends (disclaimer myself included) should show up. The jazzy style might be a nice wildcard in a three-band set that is likely to feature a lot of typical(ish) rock music. Plus the group features some of the most talented musicians on campus and the composing talents of Prillaman. Blume and the kids are likely to win a lot of hearts tonight. The group does have some weaknesses, but they are more the intangible kind...we'll save these for another time and point out the one tangible flaw of this funkified frenzy. Right now, Streetcar is really more of a covers group. Yes, Nathan has given them a few nice original songs, but most of the high-energy, crowd-pleasing numbers are covers. Hopefully by Spring Fling Nathan will be able to whip out some more originals though. I have faith, and I can't wait to see everyone in this group in crazy outfits making magic, especially if they get improv solos.

Streetcar performing one of its favourite covers..surpise guest visit by Wes Moyer!

The Winner. Will. Be.

Jamestown, The First Town in America

Not much to say about Jamestown, last year's victors that hasn't been said other than that I can't wait for the EP. Jamestown is the most popular campus band competiting, and for good reason, and I know the group has kept in shape with lots of shows this year. They did it once; they'll do it again. I will say no more.

Last year's champs

New band I'm most interested to see: 9 Tigers.

Bare your teeth for the BATTLE. And BE PREPARED.

Z

BATB Recap and Spring Fling Lineup

On the eve of Spring Fling, I would like to do a quick recap looking back on Battle of the Bands (plus, it’s more fun than writing my papers) before laying down the lineup.

So I’m going to give the bands my own awards based on the scores and comments from my notes.

**Random Side Note: “Radio Junky” couldn’t make it to judge, so Ralph the security guard stepped in.

In case you forgot, Sister Helen took 3^rd, Gets the Girl 2^nd, Jamestown, The First Town in America, 1^st. Champs.

Now for the UNOFFICIAL AWARDS.

CRAZIEST PERFORMANCE: Sister Helen.

They were prettttty insane. Frontman Nathan Campbell ES ’14 is quite the performer. He stripped on stage and did a headstand in his boxers. Mmmm… The guitarist was solid, but I really think the only reason they won was the "experimental sex rock" spectacle.

These are the eyes of a crazy person.

BEST BREAKOUT BAND: The Black Marias.

Great job, freshmen. The level of improvement they showed from their acoustic demos really blew me away. Solid rock band with an electric violin—a nice touch. I’m looking forward to hearing an album put out soon—I’d recommend some high-energy violin and guitar solos--and I’d say they have a shot at future BATBs.

LOUDEST CHEERING SECTION: Seven Locks.

Few people stayed for the entirety of Battle of the Bands. People milled in and out, with a fairly constant 50 or so average attendance. But as soon as Seven Locks was about to go on the audience got a LOT louder. Audience enthusiasm way up. Clearly, friends of this freshmen group are not afraid to yell their heads off. Let’s hope Seven Locks rocks as hard as its cheering section in future BATBs.

Just listen to them scream.

SEEMLESSNESS AWESOMENESS: Jamestown, The First Town in America.

Their orchestration blends really well within each song, and at BATBs, so did their set. Jamestown played it straight through, making full use of their time and maintaining the energy level. With no gaps in the music, slower songs were just interesting changes of pace. This is how it’s supposed to work.

Here's a song Jamestown didn't play at BATB that I hope they play at Spring Fling.

(the water pipe thing is there for artistic purposes...I swear)

CREEPIEST PERFORMANCE: Roark. I was actually scared. These people are scaaaary. No really. Creeeeepy synthesizers/outfits.

THE “IS THIS STAGE A FIRE HAZARD YET?” AWARD: Gets the Girl.

This group is described on the former YMS blog as a “duo.” Right…

Looking a liiiittle crowded there...

Ellis likes composing for all different sorts of instruments. Blending genres is cool. Rock band? Jamestown has a trumpet; let’s add one. Hell, let’s add a string section! SIC InC (I hope this crazy capitalization thing is right...) goes rock? Nah, we’ll just take Plume Giant; they’re coming anyway. The end result? A very crowded stage of very talented musicians from all walks of the campus’ music scene. Hot musical mess.

Smokin’

And why not? Not too big a fan of the fire marshall myself anyway (‘cuz he seems to think juggling/spinning/eating/breathing fire on campus is NOT a good idea…idk why, I think it’s a great idea) So thanks, Gets the Girl!

BEST OVERALL: Plume Giant (thought we could get through a post without talking about them eh…?)

Plume Giant just gets better every time I see them. At the end of that performance, I was convinced they had won.

Because they were clearly the best.

PG battling with "Fool Hall" (NOT "Honey Pie" this time haha foooled you)

They play their songs on a whim because they know them so well; they have great group chemistry; they don’t stop having fun at no cost whatsoever to their musical focus.

Maybe the judges thought they wouldn’t be able to engage a crowd.

I disagree.

Check out Oliver at SOB. Pretty engaging stuff.

If they’re not opening at Spring Fling next year there will be a tantrum.

So anyway here’s the lineup for Spring Fling (in case you didn’t get the memo..)

With an after party at Toads at 11pm with DJ Earworm.

I kind of want to hear more than three student bands. Do you think we could start a riot? Like get reeeeaaallly angry about one of the artists performing and stage an alternative concert in Trumbull? Designer Drugs! How dare they! Everyone Designer Drugs is racist.

Spread it around.

Remember to pick up a copy of 17O1’s CD “Blue Noise” if you like hard copies of things or download it tonight. Because you won’t be able to get it free anymore.

What are you most looking forward to tomorrow?

Z

Battle of the Bands: Results

Annoucing....from the judges...

Third Place: Sister Helen

Second Place: Gets the Girl

First Place: Jamestown, The First Town in America

More on this this wknd

Z

Bands 4-6

Seven Locks had one hell of a cheering section. Tons of crazy freshmen. They're hit Disappear was pretty baller, and they also had a song about New Haven weather. They hit all the criteria pretty much equally, but I'm not sure they quite deserved the loud cheering they got. Clearly they have a lot of loud friends. Nice.

Sister Helen was insane. But actually. Crazy. Nathan Campbell is a crazy person. I think he should go into theatre, rather than be a frontman. He stripped on stage. I really didn't want to see that. Anyway, they're genre was called "experimental sex rock." Hmmmmm. Their lyrics were clever if unnecessarily obscene, but they weren't too fresh.

Jamestown. Great job of course, but they seemed a little nervous at first. Still, way to be well prepared and play your entire set straight. They still had some occasional drops in energy but overall very strong performance. They left me wanting to hear more as opposed to thinking good lord, when is this going to end. *cough Sister Helen.

GETS THE GIRL IS UP NOW.

Z

Battle of the Bands Predictions

It’s been a sad week. I’ve been pretty down these past couple of days, so I apologize for some of the sparser coverage during this very exciting time for campus musicians.

Anyway, on to happier matters. The sun is shining, the campus if filling with beautiful prospective students, (yeah YDN I’m putting in that serial comma. Deal with it.) and Battle of the Bands is tonight. OMG.

It’s going to happen. Even after two great bands The Willow and the Builder and Shattered Eyes had to withdraw because of the date change, Two Out Rally is moving up to take their place.

The Willow and the Builder

Turns out the college radio peeps had to switch the date even after they did all their approval shit because General Stanley McCrystal was speaking last night.

DON’T MESS.

Of course, who wins the slots at Spring Fling will largely depend on how much these bands bring it tonight, and what the judges happen to like. (I didn’t get around to researching “Feeds the Hipsters” music tastes. Slacker.) But based on their demo tracks and past performances, I’d say three groups stand out.

Who will (or at least should) win the 2011 Battle of the Bands:

THIRD PLACE: GETS THE GIRL

Ellis Ludwig-Leone TC '11 is a talented composer (and he knows it) in and out of the classroom. But he and fellow musician/composer and band guitarist Nathan Prillaman JE ’13 also think it’s important that their friends like their stuff. They might have had some trouble with Ellis’s minimalist string quartet piece performed last week at the Beinecke. (I know I did.) But when it comes to Gets the Girl, the average Yale student has nothing to fear.

Also their name is pretty great.

yo.

The group brings its talent to the table in a way most people should be able to appreciate—with chill tunes that incorporate bass, keyboard and guitar in distinct music patterns (often scalar, yay melodic theory) that work well together and with interesting lyrics such as “It’s good, it’s bad, it’s worse, or it’s even just pretend.”

“Just Pretend” is another of the fabulous primers for the 17O1 album, Blue Noise. Get it free here.

Tonight’s lineup is going to have the following people. Notice how they’re poaching the majority of Plume Giant. Grab your talent where you can get it, I guess.

Ellis Ludwig-Leone TC ’11 (keys, vocals), Nathan Prillaman JE ’13 (guitar), Niraj Patel TD ’13 (drums), NYU friends Allen Tate (vocals) and Dan Bailen (bass), Leo Singer MC '14(another bassist, whoah) and then Oliver Hill BC ’12(viola) and Eliza Bagg SM ’12 (violin)

They’re bound to score high on freshness because their orchestration is usually really good. Musicianship should also be a plus. Their energy score will depend on how they do tonight, and they might lose some points on tightness given that not all their members are used to playing with each other.

SECOND PLACE: PLUME GIANT

I knew this group was solid, but they really impressed me at their concert last weekend. The fact that they have no bassist and no drummer puts a lot of pressure on guitarist Nolan Green ES ’12 to move the songs along rhythmically and to keep everything in the right inversion. But he seems to do a good job. The vocal talent (check out Oliver’s range!) in this group probably surpasses any of the other campus bands, especially because their songs make them tackle some pretty difficult but very cool sounding harmony patterns. (Just listen to “Tuesday.”) They were almost always spot on with the pitch Saturday.

They also seem to have wider appeal than I originally thought. I’m not really too big a fan of folk music, but I still really liked this group anyway.

And I should note that as Eliza pointed out during their last concert, the lyrics of "Honey Pie" are actually about something--Carolina, so clearly this New York City girl just didn’t understand. My b.

OVER HERE!

They’re going to score high and musicianship and freshness. They own the tightness category because they play and communicate together the best of any of the groups. So tight, so tight. The judges might dock a few points off energy because Plume Giant only has vocals and string instruments and because the type of music they play is usually pretty chill. They could boost their energy score by adding a drummer…ok I’ll stop now.

FIRST PLACE: JAMESTOWN, THE FIRST TOWN IN AMERICA

They have a lot of talented Yalies with instrumentation that is creative yet seamless. They keep the energy level high but do not sacrifice quality, and their many different parts mesh great together. They also might have more universal appeal than Plume Giant because more students will want to hear rock. Given the amount of electronic music we’re going to hear at Spring Fling, I’m almost glad Magic Man is not competing. Spring Fling could use a few more rock bands like Jamestown though. This group opened for Spring Fling last year but did not win first place at Battle of the Bands (bring back the Sandy Gill Affair! and Suitcase of Keys. I really wanna hear Suitcase of Keys). This year, I’d say they have a good shot at the title.

Also a shoutout to all the freshman in competing bands. Some of these groups sound really promising and given some more time to play together, I think some have the potential to open at future Spring Flings. I especially like Seven Locks 'cuz they have an upbeat rock sound.

Should be an EPIC BATTLE.

And you're probably already on your way to the event, but if now, who do you think will win?

Z

Announcing Your Battle of the Bands Contestants

The weekend concert review, photos and vids will come very soon. But for now...it's time to for the first Battle of the Bands preview!

Contrary to prior plans to hold this event Wednesday, Battle of the Bands will be this Thursday starting at 9pm in Becton Plaza (this is behind SSS on Prospect Street). Three bands will win a chance to open at Spring Fling, and one will be champion. ZOMG.

DRUM ROLL PLEASE.....

The 2011 Battle of the Bands contestants, competing for the chance to open for Spring Fling, are...

(just kidding last year's champs broke up. tear.)

Roark (9-9:20)

-Emmy Pickett CC '12

The Black Marias (9:20-9:40)

-Jacob Backer MC '14, Caitlin Pequignot ES '14, Ethan Schneider ES '14

Prisms (9:40-10:00)

-Katharine Seggerman MC '13

Seven Locks (10:00-10:20)

-Alexander Bae BC '14, John Cocco JE '14, Ishan Sinha BC '14

Sister Helen (10:20-10:40)

-Nathan Campbell ES '14

Jamestown, The First Town in America (10:40-11)

-Raphael Shapiro SM '12, Mark Sonnenblick SM '12, Will Moritz TC '12, Will Hutchison ES '12, Andrew Everett PC '12, Emma Barash PC '11, Brendan Ternus TC '12, Jacob Paul SM '13 (holy shit that's a lot of Yalies)

Gets the Girl (11:00-11:20)

-Ellis Ludwig-Leone TC '11, Nathan Prillaman JE '13, Niraj Patel TD '13

Two Out Rally (11:20-11:40)

-Gabriel Zucker PC '12, Zach Simao JE '13

Plume Giant (11:40-12:00)

-Oliver Hill BC '12, Nolan Green ES '12, Eliza Bagg SM '12

(there may be other non-Yalies in these groups, but I don't care about them)

***Two Out Rally and Plume Giant are likely to swap because Gabriel says his band can't go at 11:20

RULES:

Each band most have at least one Yale-affiliated person (all these peeps are listed above), and the WYBC (the college radio thing) has selected the groups based on a demo of 2-3 tracks they submitted by midnight Friday Apr. 3. (this is based on an e-mail sent at 3:03pm Apr. 2 requesting the demos...hmmm)

CRITERIA:

From the WYBC...

o ENERGY (vibe or electric feel of performance, stage presence)

o MUSICIANSHIP (quality and dexterity of performance)

o FRESHNESS (originality of instrumentation)

o TIGHTNESS (quality of instrumentation, intercommunication as a band)

MEET THE JUDGES:

Susan "Feeds the Hipsters" Cahan, Associate Dean for the Arts

Anthony "Radio Junkie" Brooks, on-air staff member for WYBC

* FUN FACT: He's born on Halloween, and his fav artist is Stevie Wonder.

Sigridur "Please just call me Sigga" Benediktsdottir, econ lector

WYBC fails:

The radio people notified the bands (and me) much later than everyone thought. So there was tons of confusion as to who was actually going to play. They changed the date last minute (something about evening Wednesday classes not wanting to hear the music. whatever.) Their facebook event has no picture :( Jazz group, Chilled Water Supply was originally on the list (and still on this afternoon) but the WYBC actually meant Gabriel Zucker's other band Two Out Rally. Whoops.

Check back for predictions later this week.

break a leg yo

Z