Loyola Greyhound

Issue date: 4/8/08 Section: Arts & Society

Media Credit: Jesse DeFlorio/Greyhound Swedish pop artist Günther closed the night at the annual Battle of the Bands. He is known for his over-the-top stage prescense and his spoof-like hit, "Ding Dong Song." Joining Günther were the Sunshine Girls, two tall blonde swedish girls who accompanied him by lip-synching along.

Loyola's annual battle of the bands pitted five of the campus's premiere student groups against one another for a coveted opening spot at Loyolapalooza on April 27. Among the bands featured were Matt Heard, Otis is the Elevator, Bravo Romeo Bravo, The Fall Tide, and Jump the Gun. Each set was scrutinized according to technical proficiencies, style, creativity, and stage present among other attributes. Sarah Scalzo, Assistant Director of Leadership and New Student Programs (and resident musicologist) led the panel (along with Karen Thomas and Father Jack) as they unabashedly criticized and praised the performers weaknesses and strength.

The Fall Tide, a power rock trio with melodic rifts and funky breaks, seemed to be the leading act with 25 out of 30 points with only one additional band to follow. Loyola's fan favorite Jump the Gun, who opened for Third Eye Blind back in February, closed Battle of the Bands with a 4 track set list that showcased the band's instrumental as well as vocal versatility led by senior Brian Brutzman. Jump the Gun's bluesy rock style on a number of songs impressed Scalzo and the rest of the judges, as the act received a perfect 30 of 30 thus unsurprisingly securing the sought-after spot.

It was evident, however, that on campus the popularity of student music pales in comparison to their love of Swedish techno pop stars. The first four acts had no more than fifty people in attendance at any one time, rising possibly to about one hundred for Jump the Gun. That number grew exponentially this year, but not because the student body began to suddenly take interest in their fellow students' ability. An increased budget allowed the Student Government Association to bring in a third "performer" this year. As the hour of Günther rapidly approached the stagnant air freshened with the Loyola scent of perfumes and cheap vodka mixes.

Continued...

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