For the love of BOB
Roger Porres
Issue date: 11/17/09 Section: Arts & Entertainment
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The eight bands that played on UD's Mall truly celebrated diversity: Disney songs were sung, reggae music was felt, and classical rock and more alternative music were played, including the recent "Mario Kart Love Song" and a 1950's instrumental piece. The musical variety made for a well-rounded Battle of the Bands experience.
The first group that performed was incredibly unique; it had no instruments whatsoever save the collective voice of its eight members, Jon Zischkau, Eddy Moss, Peter Kane, Jess Goodwin, Ray Bergez, Nick Hyde, Joe Haine and Joe Jakubczyk. This group, known as "The Shrimp-Shack Shooters," charmed the crowd with their sweet, stylish covers of hit songs such as "All of the Above" by Maino and "The Lion Sleeps Tonight." Joe Haine sang a rendition of "Gangster's Paradise" that was truly jaw-dropping and Peter Kane's performance was spectacular.
The second group to perform was "The Pineapple Foundation." Sporting unique outfits, they played a diverse set, including a cover of "Be Yourself" by Audioslave, "Dani California," and "We Three Kings." This was their first performance and they put on a respectable show.
"Grover Cleveland" was the next band to perform and was comprised of two UD freshmen and their friends. Following lead singer Conan Butterly's husky voice, the band grooved to songs like "Grounds for Divorce" by Elbow, "Flagpole Sitta" by Harvey Danger, "The Crane Wife 3" by The Decemberists and a 1950's instrumental called "Sleepwalk." In between songs, the band was witty, played with the crowd and kept the energy of the event up. Their set, correspondingly, created a vivacious and upbeat atmosphere.
In a refreshingly unique mode, the fourth band, "Green Seeds," performed a reggae set. They showed off completely original songs such as "Bro," "Standing Still" and "Mr. Overseer" that got the crowd dancing. They had a very clean, groovy sound, which, combined with a great energy and stage presence, pleased the crowd. Their demeanor and appearance also contributed to the mellow but not sluggish mood, and the bassist was absolutely phenomenal.
The fifth band to play was the third-place-winning "Marsupials." Featuring the phenomenal vocals and guitar skills of Daniel Hellerman, guitar prowess of Beau Lyon and Nat Hellerman, sassy bass of Bill "Red" Farris and drum skills of Joe "DDR-King" Lynne, this band was absolutely incredible. Playing mostly older rock songs such as "Don't Fear the Reaper," "Blitzkrieg Bop," "Hang On Soupy," and other songs such as "My Girl" by The Temptations, they thrilled the crowd. Hellerman's vocals were spot-on and full of intensity, indeed seeming almost recorded they were so good. Lynne's drums were tight and showed his prowess through his solos.
Gabe Mamola, a UD graduate student who deigned to be interviewed, commented: "The Marsupials are made of gods. Their music is made of gods. Red Farris is probably the coolest Viking ever." Evan Dunkel, a Thomas Aquinas College graduate, also commented: "Awesome. Really rad."
"Speak Easy," a veteran band since last year's battle, was next to play. The band has four members: Steve Schmidt, Rob "Cajun-Sass" Landreaux, Brennan Pecha and Ethan Munsill. Playing a good mix of original music and covers, they yet again demonstrated their skills. Characterized by their blues-rock feel, these guys combine different genres for full-bodied entertainment. Chris Burton, a junior here at UD, made a guest appearance with the band, playing a few country songs accompanied by his dulcet guitar and even sweeter voice. Overall, they played a very solid show.
Second place winner "Jason Throw Whiskey," another group well-known to the Mall stage, performed a very strong set. They played all original songs with an alternative-indie feel, enhanced by their full range of instruments. Ben White, the pianist for the group, was superb. Blake Montgomery's guitar was also exceptional. James West, the lead singer, continually provoked the crowd with his demand for battle cries and heightened the competitive experience with his dynamic stage presence.
The last band to play was the ever-famous, ever-fun "Despairagus," a group headed up by Paul Spring on vocals and guitar, with Danny Mittnacht on bass and Eddy Moss on drums. Another veteran UD band, Despairagus played mostly original songs written by Spring, who continues to conquer the hearts of the student body with his red hair and melodious voice. Mittnacht held an equally fabulous stage presence with his fabulous bass skills and his staunch adherence to virtue as he refused to give in to the interesting requests of the crowd.
Featuring two brand new Spring songs, a few covers and lots of classics, Despairagus went on to win first place at Battle of the Bands, and therefore will perform at another incredibly important event, Mallapalooza.
Overall, the night was a great success thanks to the supreme organization skills of David Harman. Everyone felt fulfilled in their love of BOB, even the CSO officers.
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