The format for this year’s Spring Fling Battle of the Bands is different from those in the past. Instead of having a winner and two runners up-the format used in previous years-this year the winner-takes-all. The bill has been announced, and this year promises to be one hell of a show. A variety of styles of music are present on the bill and the acts this year are all extremely talented. Here’s a look at this year’s lineup, as they will appear in the battle.
First off is the punk/hard rock act Say This Sooner, whose driving sound is similar to bands like Finch, Emery, and Saosin. For fans of the alternative/punk rock/emo genre, this act is sure to leave faces melted to the floor. Their explosive energy and stage presence give them a solid shot at this year’s bragging rights.
Next up will be rock/funk/blues act, The Matter, whose members include PSU Harris Clayman on bass, Dan Rutman on guitar/vocals, and Branden Gay on drums/percussion. These boys have been working hard this semester, playing a number of sold out shows at Jose’s, and building up a solid fan base.
Look for The Matter to turn heads with their tight playing style, infectious grooves, and great audience interaction. With a loyal following and great energy, these guys also have a great shot at taking top honors.
Third in the lineup will be the experimental rock group, You Need New Glasses, who also competed in last year’s BOTB. They received second place last year-the group looks to avenge their loss. Similar in sound to bands like The Mars Volta and Explosions in the Sky, these boys are set to destroy the BOTB stage.
Their music is extremely powerful, building in layers and using different guitar effects to create a gut-wrenching wall of sound. Loud and adventurous in their sound, and with a unique musical style, don’t miss You Need New Glasses at this year’s BOTB.
Another familiar set of faces will be taking the stage this year; the alternative/acoustic rock act Blue Camp. The boys of Blue Camp have competed the last three years running in the Spring Fling Battle, and they never disappoint.
Blue Camp uses tight grooves and rhythms to create a sound similar to OAR, Andrew Bird and Dave Matthews. Their distinct style of laidback rock is great to get the crowd moving, and their love for music comes through in their live performance.
Next on the bill is up-and-coming indie act So Many Numbers, whose members include PSU students Nik Harris on bass/vocals and Matt Hunter on guitar. Similar in sound to early Jimmy Eat World, Taking Back Sunday and Saves the Day, the band just finished recording and pressing their first EP, and has a strong following on campus. Another solid contender in this year’s BOTB, So Many Numbers is not to be missed.
The final competitor on the bill is a rock force to be reckoned with; based out of South Berwick, Maine, The If In Life is brutally heavy. Similar in sound to bands like Norma Jean, Parkway Drive, and Underoath, their breakdowns and blast beats will turn your guts to jelly. With a strong following throughout the Northeast, expect to see some crazy stage antics from these seasoned performers.
As an added bonus this year, there is a special closing performance from the hard-hitting Boston based power punk act, A Loss For Words. Similar in sound to bands like Vanna, Therefore I Am, and Senses Fail, ALFW are seasoned performers, logging dozens of shows up and down the East coast, as well as a spot on Warped Tour 2006.
Be sure to catch all the Spring Fling rock warfare this Friday, May 4, starting at 6 P.M. on the Campus Green.