Battle Of Birdy’s: Week 6

Five weeks have come and gone in the annual Battle of Birdy’s, and 10 bands have already secured their spots in the second round. With just a little more than a month left in the preliminary round, it’s time to resume the action.

Tonight, only 3 bands will get their shot at to compete for grand prize that includes bragging rights, spending cash, recording studio time, and even more.

It’s quiet, it’s cool, it’s a little rainy outside, and for the sixth week, it’s time to get this party started. So in the words of The Joker: “here…we…go…”

Last week, we started things out on a heavy note, and this week is no different. Scarlet Raven – a six-piece outfit from Fort Wayne – has come all this way to compete for local music supremacy.

It’s a fairly modest crowd, but this doesn’t matter to them, as they proceed to give us a fairly diverse, 25-minute set, ranging from heavier numbers to more somber tones.

As far as their stage presence goes, it wasn’t quite there, especially when you’re trying to fit six people onto a small stage. They start off a little bit shaky, but they do pick up as they progress. Though it’s a modest crowd at best, but it’s a receptive one. Overall, they’re not quite there yet, but they’re close. I’d be anxious to see what they could do again…

A few bands had to drop out, so as soon as Scarlet Raven packs up, it’s a lengthy break. While some people use this time to order more drinks from the bar – there are specials on Jose Cuervo and PBR – others use the time to converse with others; act #2 begins to set up for their performance, and I split my time between watching highlights on NFL Network and beating my Tetris high score (I failed).

Of course, there’s only so much joy that a video game can give me. I’m here for music. That’s my true passion. It’s okay though, because soon, we shall rock.

After what felt like an eternity, Minute Details takes the stage. Unlike the other two acts from this evening, I’m actually familiar with the kind of work Minute Details does. Although it has been a while since I’ve seen them. Let’s see what they can do this time around.

A few more people have come in since we started, but still nothing too outrageous, but this didn’t stop what few supporters Minute Details brought from standing in front of the stage and enjoying themselves while the trio unleashed their blend of catchy, energetic rock n’ roll. Now I’ve used the term “diverse” to describe the variety of acts each week brings, but tonight, I’m using it to describe this band. They can turn it up when they want to, they can dial it back when they need to, and best of all, they do both seamlessly.

As far as stage presence is concerned, they’re a band full of life. Their bassist even brings a little interpretive dance to the party. They’re fun, they’re loud, and they’re having the time of their lives, and as I’ve seen in the past, sometimes that’s all you need to make a deep run in the competition.

We’re at yet another lengthy break. The rain continues to fall outside as life moves on inside the bar. Attendees enjoy their drinks and converse amongst one another, while I start thinking about how I’m going to write this next review. Our final act for the evening is busy trying to set up. Actually, it looks like they’re having a little difficulty doing so, as their setup is a little different from what we’ve seen these past six weeks.

I’m a big metal fan, and seeing as Indianapolis Metal Fest is going on this entire weekend, I’m missing opening night to cover the Battle of Birdy’s. Judging by the sound of this next band – one of the singers telling the sound guy that he’s pretty loud – I can still get my fix.

A Walk To Golgotha rounds out this evening. As stated earlier, their setup is unlike anything we’ve seen before. Why? Because one of their singers utilizes a Game Boy and chiptunes to mesh with the band’s aggressive hardcore sound, bringing me back to all those years ago when I saw Sky Eats Airplane for the first time.

Their performance was everything you’d expect from a hardcore band: chugging guitars, throaty screams with occasional clean vocals, pounding drums, catchy breakdowns, and of course, 8-bit chiptunes. It’s hardcore made for the generation that grew up on a steady diet of Mountain Dew, Nintendo, and the Warped Tour. The downside? This may have been the wrong setting for them. Then again, I’ve been proven wrong before…

At barely midnight, the battle has reached its conclusion. Last call for those who haven’t had turned in their ballots yet. Votes are tallied while those who chose to stick around wait patiently. Some people retreated to the patio, underneath an umbrella of course. It is still raining.

After a short time, it’s time to reveal who’s moving on and who’s going home. Three entered, but only two would leave. So who are your winners for Week 6? It goes a little like this:

2nd: Scarlet Raven
1st: Minute Details

With another week in the books, it’s time to start looking towards the next one. With only three weeks and six spots left to fill, the competition is starting to heat up. What started off as a field of 60+ acts will be narrowed down to just 18.

Of course, your vote determines what will happen to them. It’s anyone’s game, and their fate is in your hands. All you have to do is figure out how you want to use that power…

See you all next week.