By Jacqueline Hlavenka
This semester’s Battle of the Bands started off small, but as the night went on, the race got extremely close.
Five Long Island-based bands duked it out at Hofstra USA on Tuesday evening for a shot to play at the University’s Music Fest on May 2. Each band was judged on stage presence, originality, musicianship and overall performance. The winning group, pop/rock foursome, The One L Difference, was the only band featuring all current students at the University.
Upon first listen, it is clear where One L Difference’s main influence came from: the classic piano-pop styling of singer/songwriter, Billy Joel. With their clean sound and great deal of musicianship, what makes One L Difference truly unique is the incorporation of the alto and tenor saxophone, played by senior music major, Michael Gregos.
Though One L Difference won the grand prize, there were many other notable highlights. The show was kicked off by pop/rock group Dancing After Hours, featuring Bianca Passiglia on lead vocals. Songs like “Now That You’re Gone” and “Something Beautiful” were radio-friendly, pop tunes.
Shifting from pop to hard rock, the following act, Massapequa-based band Midnight Mob blew the crowd away with their GunsnRoses meets Janis Joplin psychedelic rock. The lead singer, also known as “Blackie,” is a force to be reckoned with-she has a signature wail and fantastic execution that works flawlessly with the guitar and bass. The band has only been together since January, but they certainly sound like old pros.
Next up were the raunchy punkists of Dennis Nedry & Marl Bros, a band named after the obese computer programmer from 1994’s “Jurassic Park.” “They let us out of the basement!” said drummer Patrick Emerson Childers, a junior at the University. Nedry’s set brought out the most fans out of any other group, played heavy and had two surprise guests (Tim Lee of L.I. punk band, The Broosevelts and Tim Gann of L.I. rap group Cousin Id).
Using whatever found objects they could find-anything from trash cans and bottles, to stop signs-the Mates of State-esque band Punk Chameleon certainly proved music is simply sound organized in time. Overall, the raw talent and quirks of each group were a pleasure to watch, whether they won or not.