BurySOUND

Review by Reuben Kemp:

First to take to the stage were local metal favourites FOR WHAT WE LOST. The crowd responded well to their pounding metal/emo riffs with everyone moshing. They made good use of harmonies both on guitars and vocals which helped display the band's musical diversity. Unfortunately, although they were entertaining, their songs became a bit repetitive towards the end and a few people lost interest.

For What We Lost

Soon to follow were youthful punksters THE HEROICS with drummer Will Pattenden sporting some very attractive leopard-skin boxers. Almost all the crowd got going as soon as the band exploded onto the stage. They displayed raw power with tight guitar barrages, solid bass lines and sharp drumming. 

Frontman Dan Rooker put on a unique show leaping around the stage and jumping into the crowd. Amidst all the activity the band were very tight and delivered their unique mix of Stooges-meets-the-Clash-style punk rock with enthusiasm and life.

While the judges were deliberating the evening's music was finished off by the non-competing yet entertaining Killers-tribute band The Fillers. They were very authentic and played classics like "Smile Like You Mean It" and "Jenny Was a Friend of Mine" with a great guest-singer appearance by Dom from Bury skateboard shop Hardcore Hobbies.

The winners of Bury Sound 2006 were The Four Kicks who won £400 worth of equipment from Sounds Plus. If the Judges made their decision on musical talent, then I certainly agree with them, although I personally feel that The Heroics were definitely the most entertaining band of the night.

Review by Becki Cordell:

The crowd was the biggest the competition had seen so far and were raring to go as they awaited the first band FOR WHAT WE LOST. The crowd roared with excitement as a sea of hands stretched upwards, clawing the ceiling … a cult symbol the band has developed with its fans. The four musicians produced a towering quality and this was as good as it gets. Awesome combinations of vocals from the powerfully talented drummer Josh Hurrell and lead guitarist Jimi Andrews sent the crowd insane. This screamo band brought an impressive aptitude with legendary lead guitar solos, clearly influenced by bands such as Bullet For My Valentine who they were an absolute credit to. This group were incredibly gifted and had so much to offer for the judges and lively crowd to vote on.

The Heroics

The energetic HEROICS made their individual entrance to the stage in their unique stunning outfits. The crowd chanted to the drum beats, clearly familiar with the punk/new wave band's vigour from previous gigs. Playing up to the standards they showed in the previous heat, the euphoria on stage was transmitted into the screaming crowd of fans. The catchy dynamic tracks were most appealing and it was pure entertainment watching the band bounce off each others' comical energy.

The final act of the night were FOUR KICKS. The foursome set their unique style of music in place to a supporting, exciting crowd of fans. Front man Lloyd Whittaker wowed the crowd with his mesmerising electric vocals that sparked off the music. With flavours of Pink Floyd and The Darkness, their most memorable song was a cover of Led Zeppelin's "Dazed & Confused." It was extremely hard not to be taken back by this brave choice that brought out the band's raw talent.

As the crowd anticipated the results of the competition, special non-competing guests THE FILLERS took the crowd's mind off the contest. This Killers tribute band gave the ecstatic crowd a highly entertaining performance of their favourite Killers songs.

The biggest challenge of the evening was for the judges who ultimately had to crown the best band of the evening. This must have been a near impossible decision because all of the bands had talent and quality to make them worthy winners. They all brought an equal sea of fans and the opinion of the best band was totally down to your preference of genre as there was such a radical diversity of rock music between them.

Ultimate Battle Of The Bands

The winners (or runners-up) from the music competitions in Bury, Cambridge, Haverhill and Newmarket now get to trade licks in a regional final in Newmarket on Saturday 2nd December. Tickets for the Memorial Hall event are available from Newmarket Town Council 01638 667227. Visit the NTC website using the link on the right>>