Rock 'n' roll was alive and well at The Prince Bar, Athlone, last Thursday as the first round of Battle of the Bands commenced.
Taking first to the stage in 'heat one' was the music of Arthur Wainwright, Lucid Blue, and The Odd Sox Band, all fighting for a spot in the semi finals.
As a fantastic opportunity for upcoming bands with a prize fund of €10,000 - including €2,000, 15 paid gigs at The Prince, and 15 paid gigs at The Skeff, Galway - the bands were ready for war.
The prize also included €1,500 of print media from Midland Print and recording time in Ireland's premier recording studio, Grouse Lodge.
On the night, Arthur Wainwright played a deafening opening set, followed by Lucid Blue, who offered a more classic sound of covers such as "Don't look back In Anger" and "Creep" by Radiohead.
The winners on the night - with the highest combined score of audience votes and the judges' scores - were The Odd Sox Band from Roscommon, consisting of Ronan Mockler (19 ) on drums /vocals, Johnathon Mannion (21 ) on bass, Kavana Donlon (19 ) on vocals and lead guitar, and Kayli Smyth (18 ) on vocals, accordion/keyboard.
The Odd Sox preformed a wide variety of songs, from "Mambo No. 5" and "Gimme Gimme Gimme" by Abba to "The Hills of Donegal", giving a youthful and energetic spin on these commonly known songs.
Gareth Dunleavy commented on the band's choice of music: "It was great to see a young band pick a selection of songs that even your granny would get up and dance to."
Join the fun and music at heat two on May 31 from 10pm, when The Well Dressed Hobos, Bobby & The Blunts, Deaf Argument and Black Island will battle it out. Your vote is essential to help your favourite band secure their place in the semi final.
Those in attendance will receive a voting card and a stamp to gain free entry to Karma after the event. All are welcome.
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