Gamlingay Records

This years Battle was making us all wondering what it was going to go like due to the change of venue. Over the past 3 years the competition has been held at The Community Centre as a one day event. This year the event was hosted by Gamlingay Social club, which although a smaller venue, I thought did the trick! As it was smaller though the decision was made to hold heats and then a final over a few weeks. Heat 1 went well. Everyone pulled together to set up the sound and lighting and it didn’t take long to have everything in place. 5 bands turned up eager to entertain. The first band came on and after being told that this was there first gig in front of anyone, I thought they played very well. Marks were given for different categories, which I will not divulge now as it wouldn’t be fair to bands in the next heat. I enjoyed the tunes they played although I felt that they weren’t quite sure what style of music they were slotting into. Not that I am saying they have to have one, but for marketing purposes it usually helps. The second band were supposed to be a 3 piece but the drummer could not make it. Knowing this in advance the guitarist apparently recorded himself and played drums on the night with his recording playing along with the bass player that also attended. It took me a while to get my head around this one as I felt that the band should all have been there. They did, I believe, loose points for this although they made up for it with their sound and the fact they tried to get the crowd involved. The third band were nothing original but they all played well. The emotion coming from the guitarist came over now and again which I think helped them. The words ‘mad drummer’ spring into mind. The fourth band played a good line up with some covers that are rarely heard. It was a shame the singer did not realise that his guitar was out of tune though as this did mean that they lost points. After conferring with the other judges it showed that they all felt the same. The final band were a thrash band that put up props and stuck skulls on the heads of their guitars. I watched in amazement as there was synchronized head banging and the bassist putting himself in among the crowd. They did get the crowd going and there was even a small mosh pit at one point. I have to say that I really can’t stand the style of singing but putting personal preference aside I felt a fab job was done all round. There was fabulous whammy bar action going on and the deep guitar sound that can only be compared alongside Metallica. Stage presence was immense and the band were well tight with beginnings and endings. In my mind this band were definately through to the final. Well done to all that took part, commiserations to those that just missed out and congratulations to those that will be back on 20th.

It’s on!!

Gamlingay social club is hosting this years battle with heats being held on November 6th and 13th. The top 3 bands from each heat will go through to the final on Saturday 20th November.

£5 on the door and a free shot
Music from;
A Thousand Sins
God’s Martinet
Costume encouraged!

Local youth band ‘Flu Jab’ sign to Gamlingay records