Battle Of Birdy’s: Week 5

We’re now halfway through the First Round, and after two weeks to recharge and recollect ourselves over what we’ve seen thus far, it’s time to start it up again.

Last Friday, the Battle of Birdy’s resumed. Six more bands would get their chance to prove that they have what it takes to join the other 8 that have already secured their Second Round spots, but ultimately, only 2 can move on tonight.

If you ask me, two weeks was far too long, and I’m anxious to get back out there again. So enough talk, let’s get this thing going. Starting…now:

It’s about 8:30 p.m. on a rather cool night in Indianapolis, and as I step through the doors, all’s quiet on the Northern front. The few in attendance have taken their seats at some of the tables towards the back of the room, conversing amongst their friends and enjoying their drinks, while act #1 finishes last-second preparations. Not too long after, we’re all welcomed and it’s time to get this show on the road.

Flat Line Theory is the first to take the stage, and this quartet is anxious to start things off on the loudest note possible, by bringing their blend of alternative, hard rock, and metal to “rock n’ roll’s nesting grounds,” much to the delight of some of their fans, one of which took it upon himself to stand up by the stage to show his support.

As for their performance, they have a kind of confidence and swagger that you don’t see in a lot of bands, and back it up with a very tight, musical performance. They even break out one acoustic song, complete with lighters in the air. All in all, a great way to kick things off, especially from a band that has never performed here before.

A quick changeover is needed for our next act. A few more people start filing in, while I’m passing time by watching the NFL Network on the bar’s two TVs. It’s still relatively quiet around here, but maybe it’ll pick up. I am seeing a person setting up a camera on the staircase and one person hooking up a recorder to the soundboard. We’ll check back in with them later.

Meanwhile, act #2 has taken the stage, and it’s a quartet by the name of The New Etiquette. Now I’ve commented on the battle’s diversity before in the past, and this week is no different. In contrast to the more metal-influenced opening band, these guys are a more funk-driven outfit utilizing an acoustic guitar, 5-string bass, a drummer and a second percussionist. It’s a little bit different, and maybe some of the stuff they’re doing is unconventional, but more importantly, every element works. They’re energetic, they have a great chemistry, and a few people are here are moving. Of course, it’s next to impossible to sit still when you blend catchy hooks and beats with some of the most soulful vocals we’ve heard thus far. They even take time to loop a beat box for the last few songs.

But will it be enough to sway the voters? We’ll see.

A third band was scheduled to perform tonight, but it wasn’t until now that organizers are notified that they would not be able to make it, citing unforeseen circumstances. So where their slot was, we now get a nice long break. Ample time to recover from the impressive performances we’ve seen thus far. A few more start trickling in, drinks are ordered at the bar (why not? You’ve got time now), some people head out to the patio (nice night), while I work on my Tetris high score (still in progress).

It’s about an hour before anything happens, and yes, that also means that things are moving kind of slow now, but at the same time, things happen, and after a two-week break, this is still the only place I’d rather be. I missed the atmosphere, the people, and of course, the music.

Our…er…fourth band started setting up during the break, and almost without warning, a band by the name of Ecstasy promptly takes the stage at 10:40 and begin their performance.

Throughout their 25-minute set, this trio brought back memories of the kind of mellow-yet-moderately heavy alternative acts that wouldn’t be too out of place in Seattle throughout the 90s. Of course, as well all know, this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Especially when you have the heart and the emotion to stand behind it. They’re raw, they’re aggressive, and they even switch at one point during the set. Overall, a much-needed kick in the teeth after a one-hour lull.

All night long, I’ve been seeing a few people running around and doing things such as setting up two cameras, hooking up a portable recorder to the soundboard, and even going as far as to provide their own microphones for their performance. Okay, I’m interested. What’s going on?

As I would come to find out, this would all be four act #5, a hip-hop group by the name of SK and Souled Out 7. Now let’s see what we can do.

Let’s get the obvious out of the way: yes, they’re the most out of place act on tonight’s bill, utilizing 4 instrumentalists and 3 singers (which then went back to 2 after the first song) and bringing hip-hop to a place that predominantly hosts rock shows. It’s also nice to see when someone brings a crowd. Especially when they get into it, as some of their most dedicated supporters have taken to dancing to the music and soaking up every bit of their very soulful and heartfelt performance.

Sure they’re different, but that can work to your advantage sometimes. Will it this time? We’ll know soon enough.

Four bands have come and gone, and now it’s time for the last one of the evening. We started out metal, so naturally, we should end metal. Hey, I’m not complaining.

Fourth Stone rounds out another eventful evening. Though unlike the more contemporary-sounding Flat Line Theory, these guys are more of a throwback to the metal forefathers they grew up on, with more of a Black Sabbath-to-post Black Album-era Metallica influence. Musically, they’re very tight, playing completely in sync and pulling off solos that even Kirk Hammett would approve of. They’re loud, they’re on-point, and they close out another impressive night with a bang.

And now comes the fun part. Ballots will be closing soon, and attendees must turn in their votes now. Of course, I have my picks, but it doesn’t matter what I think (besides, being a member of the press means I don’t get a vote). Soon enough, we shall know. Bands talk amongst one another, some bid Birdy’s adieu and take off, while others get one last drink.

The votes have been tallied, we have our winners, and after a quick round of thanking our performers and those who came out, it’s time to know who we’ll see in the next round.

Your winners are…

2nd: New Etiquette
1st: SK & Souled Out 7

And just like that, Week 5 is in the books. Two more bands have secured their spots, while the rest go home. Pleasantries are exchanged amongst the performers, and by the looks of it, it’s time to start heading home. Until next week that is…

Two weeks well worth the wait, and coming next Friday, the Battle will resume, as six more bands will get their chance to show their stuff. We’re getting closer and closer to the Second Round, and who knows what will happen.

Of course, the only way to find out is to come out to Birdy’s and see for yourself. See you all next week.