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24 September 2014

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Sundowntozero at TBoTB5

TBoTB5 rocks Oakengates

By Josh Withey
Well another year another battle of the bands from Telford Rocks and this year was going to be a year to remember. With the previous heats offering furious competition for places I was looking forward to the grand final.

Well what a night it was. One of those delightful combinations of good music, tight bands, bizarre costumes and dodgy pyrotechnics that just make you feelâ€¦ oh so warm and fuzzy inside. Of course add to that a trampoline, silly string and fairy lights and you get something all together new.

I was to be one of the judges for tonight's grand final which was a little scary to tell the truth as I'd never done it before. One of the best things though was the fact that I had never seen or heard any of the competing bands before - which meant I had no idea what I was going to be hearing and I had no expectations.

Crowd at TBoTB5

Well to kick the whole thing off were the Frolicks who were a real good choice to get things moving. A shame they weren't competing because I have a lot of time for what they play.

So the first band of the night was You & What Army. Now if I had to pick a mere few words to sum up these guys they would probably be 'energetic' 'ravers' and 'overly' you can rearrange those at your own leisure. They were the ones who eventually brought on a step ladder and a trampoline and were leaping off the stage into the audience. It was a lot of fun to watch, but to do that they just left their synths repeating which just turned the whole set into just one long club anthem.

One of the funniest things about their set was the fact that at the end they all got very rock and roll and threw their guitars down on the floor, but a mere five minutes earlier the bass player accidentally knocked over the mic and you could see him go 'oops' - not very rock and roll really is it?

The Deep Love Foundation were next up. Although they didn't have the energy of the previous act they played a strong set and you could tell when one song ended and one began. Of course with the drummer dressed as Satan and the lead singer looking like something out of Aerosmith it was an interesting band to watch at least. I really enjoyed these guys - it was back to basics kinda 70s rock and that was something I hadn't seen for a while.

Project Valkyrie at TBoTB5

Although Project Valkyrie wasn't playing my usual taste in music they were fun to watch. The front man really played up the audience and the best bit about the set was its sheer diversity. They could go from really heavy stuff to piano-based melodies and the atmosphere changed brilliantly with them.

And then on came Killa Kangorillaz as a great half time show who really really really got the crowd singing and dancing it was a shame they weren't competing because they would have won hands down.

Sundowntozero got the crowd going completely. As soon as they came on everyone on the floor, immediately without any prompting, rushed to the front of the stage for the first time that night, which was good to see. They played a really fun set and although some people said they looked the same as everyone else jeans t-shirt etc I don't think that matters. It's what they play that really counts for me not whether they come on with white coats or torn lycra. To sound scarily like Jack Black from School of Rock, 'itâ€™s all about the music'!

Lost in Vegasâ€¦ now this band I enjoyed! They were really tight with each other and the crowd really loved them. There was a point at which for about 30 seconds it was just the drums playing a beat and the entire hall was singing along with the song. They kept the audience entertained, played a great set and they were performing, not just playing, which scored major points with everyone.

Nine Livez at TBoTB5

Now the final band Nine Livez I didn't enjoy. They came jumping on like they had just been shot out of the 1980s. They could play very well and had musical talent, but they seemed to be relying on their image rather than their music. And of course when they started firing confetti and silly string into the audience it just turned into a pantomime rather than a gig.

So Survival of the Fittest came on to provide some headline entertainment and the judges' sheets were handed in and totted up. Lost in Vegas was probably my favourite act of the night and I was pleased when they took home the overall title by only a quarter of a point. Deep Love Foundation also deserved their second place, although there was little to choose between a couple of the top bands. Personally I'll be looking out for Sundowntozero in the future as well.

A great night at The Place in Oakengates and hats off to Telford Rocks for setting up such a great event!

last updated: 05/09/06

Have Your Say

Were you there? What did you think?

Amy tomei
this is kwl dude

jessica
i no subdown to zero and nine livez personaly on stage there ace but in person the fantastic

Alex
Who organised this? My band would have loved to enter! Should have contacted more bands really.

Kate the Great
YAWA rock!

Scotty Vegas - Lost IN Vegas
Absolutely amazing night, really happy with our review. Though every band was fantastic to watch, and a really good boost for the unsigned scene. Personally really enjoyed sundowntozero and Nine Livez - they really stood out...

Lee(Nine Livez Singer)
I agree that Josh can have an opinion,but he failed to point out the fact that though he called us pantomime, he didn't put that the crowd loved our set and had a good time.Josh made it sound like we only got dressed up to get attention for the final, when anyone who knows us, knows we're always dressed like that.No ones having a go at josh they're just telling it how they saw it.Telford Rocks Raised the bar for us in their great reviews, also wondering if we could handle the bigger stage and put a show on, I think we proved their point, yes we could, and Telford Rocks has been 100% behind us!!!!!

Rollasoc
It was an excellent BOTB this year, much Kudos to Mr Payne and the TR team for organising it. I think the review is mostly fair, except the Nine Livez bit obviously. Ok not my cup of tea, but they put on an excellent performance. Looking forward already to next years event.

Lisa-again!
Well, I think we have established we are all entitled to our opinions.It is just hard not to 'retaliate'(poor choice of words, but can't find another)when someone expresses theirs so negatively.There are bound to be acts we enjoy more or less than others, but I feel it is a little harsh and insensative to say so publicly that you didn't enjoy one. People read and some take notice of these articles, and wording like that could damage peoples future,and confidence. However, I don't think you could damage the future and confidence of Nine Livez-they have plenty! But the possibility is there.

Anon
I love how everyone that has commented has contradicted themselves by saying that Josh is entitled to his own opinion, yet they then carry on to tell him how he's wrong. The whole point of people having an opinion is that it may not be the same as everyone else. Hense why people don't like the same thing. Josh writes reviews based on what he thinks, he didn't do this to write everyone elses thoughts. I think it's extremely rude of you people to say all of that. If you disagree, then fair enough, but you don't have to kick off at him about it. Because really, all you're doing is making people laugh. Hats of to Josh. xx

you give me one more reason to die
I realy don't what is pantomime about nine livez they deliver it hard,they have an attitude that kicks you in the face, their image:well they are a covers band at the moment who cover the glam-rock bands so being shot out of the 80's is the whole point but by listening to them it is evident their music comes first.Everybody else but you seemed to be having fun and it is good to see a band that encourages everyone to have fun and party instead of slitting their wrists and moaning about how bad life treats them,they realy raised the mood to an ultimate climax.You kinda forgot to mention lost in vegas throwing chocolate bars into the crowd,which in my opinion is more panto than silly string. All the bands played extremely well and the result was almost fair it was just a crying shame that one of judges was predjudiced against something that doesnt fit the music they listen to.Everyone is entitled to their own opinion I know but you need your eyes and ears checkin m8!

Joules
Unfortunately my band and I couldn't stay for more than a few minutes after we played, but I have to admire Project Valkirie's vocalist. After doing a blinding set, he promptly heaved his guts up in the toilet. Just goes to show that nerves can get the better of you, but at least you had the bravery to get on stage and rock seriously out! You talk the talk AND walk the walk. Well done, mate. Much respect, and welcome to the nerve club Joules www.killakangorrillaz.com

Cal
Steady! Different opinions are exactly what its all about. Heard a couple of the judges mention that this was probably the strongest line-up in the history of the competition. Panto's not really my thing either, but I appreciated that Nine Livez deserved to be in the final. Well done Telford Rocks for a great night Great competition and Lost in Vegas worthy winners.

bob
obviously when you review Nine Livex you bring out the side in you that shows you don't appreciate good music or a good rock show. Obviously you would rather watch bands that don't put anything into their show. A great rock show is not just about the music, it's about how wild and outrageous it is, and you cannot get that with just "Good Music".

Keith (Nine Livez)
Obviously everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but obviously who-ever wrote our review doesn't like the idea of fun! We don't rely on image at all, it's just something that separates us from other boring bands!!! We are totally into our music and our image is the way we are on and off stage, you should try coming to actually see one of our live shows! Obviously you are somebody scared to try to create something or do something different past a suit and desk!!! Anyone who actually knows anything about the glam rock genre will realise that the audience expects to be visually entertained aswell and we are entertainers. Have you ever seen Motley Crue in concert, Slade, Sweet, T.REX, Alice Cooper? The whole stage show thing is not solely confined to glam rock, ever seen Marilyn Manson??? Music should be fun, it hasn't been for a long time, and we're trying to bring that aspect back.

WeeMann
One of the best musical nights of recent years for me. No band were anything less than stunning - Josh Withey clearly doesn't understand Glam Rock 80s style, Nine Livez are simply peerless at what they do.

Sarah
I'm still 'shocked' that sundowntozero didnt actually make the top three.All in all though, good night.

Grace
Lost in vegas are amazing! love them x

Rob
Withey for Prime Minister! He told me it was at fusion!

nev:bassist:sundowntozero
It was an excellent night and a pleasure to play to such a cool audience... thanks Josh for your kind words about us (sundowntozero) and (for the millionth time) well done to Lost in Vegas too
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Lisa
Everyone is entitled to their opinion,and a lot of the article I agree with.All the bands were brilliant,and I think the description of Nine Livez is unfair.Being someone who loved 80's music and style,I think they give something different to every evening,and they give it excellantly!

Mike Holloway
Unfortunately couldn't make it due to gigging myself but had the pleasure of putting on both Deep Love Fundation and Sundown To Zero the Tuesday before in Bridgnorth and have to say, they would have been worthy winners in either order!

LAURA CLARKE
SUNDOWN SHOULD HAVE WON TO MY MIND BUT GLAD THEY HAVE HAD A GOOD LIL WRITE UP HERE :o)