Crush Lovers
The Weaver
Two Bucks Twenty

Crush Lovers were the first band of the night and led us into a familiar style of rock. With comparisons made to a tamer version of Sound Garden and still encompassing that ol' Aus Rock style.

The band's strength drew from the tightness and quality of their playing. Stage presence was existent and it must be said that the lead vocalist had a great sound with a strong voice and impressive vocal range backed up by some interesting harmonies from the drummer.
An all male outfit that have put some time and effort into their sound. A style that is done a lot but they pulled it off well.

The next act to take the stage was an energetic soloist 'The Weaver', who uses the opportunity to take you on a journey into some dark recess of his mind. Powerful and poetic lyrics, aggressive vocal outbursts and vivid guitar playing keeps your attention on this one man stage show for the full 40 minute duration and still manages to make it seem like ten. Obviously someone who has been playing guitar for a very long time and with a style not unlike that of John Butler, with a very original edge. The Weaver is aptly named as he seems to have effortlessly woven together stage presence, incredible vocals and magnificent guitar work into a powerhouse of well written songs.
An amazing local talent although I do not know what was more impressive - His music itself or the fact that he whips himself into a frenzied sweat, unleashing some deep seated passion. Either way, he was my pick of the night.

After two hard acts to follow a four piece pop/punk band 'Two Bucks Twenty' entered the stage and led the whole night down to a disappointing ending. Although they brought lots of crowd with them to cheer them on, rent a crowd cannot make up for lack of talent. What was even more unforgivable with this unoriginal group was that they had bad mouthed the other bands on the night while they were playing and even belittled the Alley's manager, once on stage. I'm sure we won't have to endure them at the Alley again.
Dressed for success and in dire need of a bath and some vocal coaching they released some grumbling ululation's onto their friends. Trying to be heavy and trying to be punk but completely missing the mark. They are called Two Bucks Twenty but you'd be asking for your two bucks twenty back if you were ever crazy enough to have paid to see them.

Only one winner from the night could be chosen for the finals and most thankfully it was not Two Bucks Twenty. Disappointingly though, The Weaver just missed out to the full band Crush Lovers, who were not undeserving and went forward to the Alley Finals.