To start the night off we were painfully late as usual. The gig-organiser actually phoned me to find out if we were coming because we hadn't got there by 5.30 (on a tuesday night?? that's ok we'd quit our jobs and planned to retire on the prize money :). Once we did actually arrive things just got even more interesting.
The couple of friends that had come with us weren't allowed to enter the venue until after it opened at 8.30, so they had the pleasure of wandering aimlessly around the behemoth that is The Crown Complex.
What really made this gig interesting was the cover-charge...for the band! What a bargain though, only $6 each and we get to buy our own drinks! Yes, folks, welcome to the Mercury Lounge battle of the bands.
These guys had taken band battles to the next level. Most venues seem to use it as an excuse to get a bunch of bands (who'll all bring along a bunch of hard drinking friends) to play for nothing. But the Mercury Lounge management had seen the folly in this business strategy - there were still a bunch of people bucking the system and sneaking in without paying - the bands. Naturally I took the opportunity to discuss this unique business plan with the people at the door but they were being tight-lipped (assed?). Trade Secrets and stuff like that I guess...

So we we're finally inside the venue. Lets just tally the costs so far...
3 cars petrol from Leongatha to Melbourne and back - $70
Entry for the band - $36
Entry for our friends - $20
(I made the mistake of buying a small, and I mean small, bottle of water) - $4.50 (I shit you not!)
Hmm, doesn't look like we'll be eating again this week....

We missed out on a sound-check because we hadn't been there 3 hrs before the doors opened so instead we were allowed to sit around in a room back-stage. Pete thought this might be a good time to start recouping our expenses, so he proceeded to smash up the room's light-bulbs. Then we got the signal and took to the stage.

I really can't describe the experience and still do it justice. Luckily one of the judges, none other than the great Sigmund S. was kind enough to supply us with his impressions. With Signmund's permission, of course, I have transcribed them below...

"Lots of energy prolific from the start. The entire band will need to perform more to the audience rather than to themselves and looking down at their instruments continually. Remember that the audience is your No.1 priority.
Solid drumming throughout the performance maintained a good pulse withou flucuation time wize.
Further utilization of the 2 guitars required too often both playing same rythyms and same voicings. Bass could do with more punch and further development of technique.

Backing vocals virtually non-existant you will need to implement that aspect of the outfit. You will need to entertain more and utilize the crowd to yuor advantage as well as the space available on stage.

The band is too static and you look like you are still rehearsing in a studio rather than performing live on stage to an audience.
Lead vocalist will need to develop more control vocally. Pitch discrepencies and intonation problems exist throughout.

Choive of material all rather decadent without too much fire."

Sigmund S.

thanks sig...