By Michael Scoular (Not a CIVL DJ) – Email
Print Edition: June 19, 2013
CIVL’s Battle of the Bands is now into its semi-final round. Wildcard voting goes until Friday, and the competition itself will continue to be seen on Saturdays at Aftermath. Here’s a selection of some of the best to go on stage so far.
Casinos – “Canadian Disco”
One of a number of high school bands to make it into the main competition, Casinos won week two. Though their lyrics reflect that (all “cute girls” and “carry on”) there’s something to be said for songs that get by on their titles alone, and this one is by far the best of the BOTB slate.
Derrival – “Modern Age Kids”
Derrival opened their quarterfinal-winning set with this tune, which shows off concerns that aren’t exactly modern and seems to be singing to the same kids already mined to bedrock by Arcade Fire’s The Suburbs, but hey, those opening chords are pretty fun!
Hrdwtr – “Invermere”
The solution to weak lyrics: none at all. Hrdwtr’s progressive instrumental probably won’t be heard in the second round, but it makes a case for Jason Sylvester’s act as one to pay attention to if he records something beyond his initial EP.
Divine Fits – “Shivers”
Big Damn Heroes closed their invigorating opening set on the last night of the first round with a cover of this cover, containing a perfect opening couplet and closing in barely broken guitar jamming. While their prospects for winning the wildcard are looking slim, the band’s first public appearance signaled good things to come.
