 Alongside posters of Hendrix, the Beatles and Led Zeppelin, the three finalists battle it out.
The Grey Horse, a gently lit pub sitting by the side of Kingston station, has been touting local music throughout its long history. Judging by the verve at its latest Battle of the Bands it has once again proven itself as Kingston’s premier live music venue. A casual atmosphere greets you when you stroll through its double-doors, but the sort of memorabilia that adorns the glowing walls reminds you you’re not in any old pub. Posters of Hendrix, the Beatles and Led Zeppelin gaze earthward. And, unsurprisingly, much of the music on show tonight is heavily influenced by the legends that watch over the bustling audience. For those entering the gig late only a tip-toed back-of-the-room view is afforded. The first band have started, Mista:Kite- their name an overt reference to the classic Beatles song-and, being for the benefit of those late-comers, usher the crowd closer for that intimate feel. However their melodies are less Lennon/McCartney, more ‘Rage Against the Machine’ without the political edge, bundled together with borrowed Kool & the Gang riffs that give them a disjointed yet somehow amiable sound. The second band, Kakuzi, the real standout judging by the crowd’s reaction, succeed in getting the night rolling to a completely original beat. Battle of the Bands contests like these can tend to be a bit of a popularity contest, the bands bringing down their mates for support, assigned the role of frenzied screaming and shouting. So the contest soon turns into a Battle of the Fans; after all, crowd reaction is one of the key criteria on the judge’s forms. Kakuzi look set to win it. Then another break, everyone rushing the bar before the closers, Vekta Sigma, take the stage. Nonchalant and proudly moustachioed, the lead singer steps to the microphone and introduces the band to a roar and they begin. Issuing from their guitars and facial hair a brand of experimental rock that seemingly wows the judges and of course, their adoring fans, they negotiate their way around a maelstrom of musical flavours and finish their set with burly confidence. And so the bands await judgment. Perhaps the most famous Battle of the Bands committed to film in recent years is of Jack Black and his school children in School of Rock. In it, Mr Schneebly and the kids put on an ear-bleeding show, surprising everyone and blowing back the hair of the stunned audience. But then the announcer comes out and spoils the party, declaring their loss. And there is a distinct reminiscence of this hearing tonight’s result; Vekta Sigma, the more experienced and relaxed of the three are announced victors, who won themselves studio time. The result though, is almost irrelevant. All three bands have a mutual respect for each other and the crowd has been indulged in an alluring contest. The relaxed vibe and vivacious performances have been irresistible; the drinks and sounds sailing down with ease. The pub is left visibly and audibly buzzing in the aftermath of the Battle. The walls shaking, the eyes watching, perhaps it won’t only be the winners that the rock gods watch over. See what’s coming up at the Grey Horse on their official website. See the interviews with Mista:Kite, Kakuzi and the winners Vekta Sigma.
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