An Epic Battle of the Bands
Five Talented Student Bands Rock Java!
Last Saturday, Java and the Association for Campus Entertainment hosted the annual Battle of the Bands to a packed crowd at the Java Barn. At this musical event, five student bands competed for the coveted spot as opening performer for Springfest. This year, the opening act will perform before Stolen Gin and A$AP Ferg. Hopefully, you all attended and cast your vote already, but if you did not, here’s all the fun you missed.
The Hangers started the night with a bang. Students enjoyed the band’s enthusiasm while performing. It was clear that they were very into the music that they played. Their interaction with the crowd was also something that many students loved about the band and their style.
The newly formed Late Night Delerium surprised me in a good way. For one of their first live performances, I thought they had incredible stage presence and energy. I enjoyed their new and unique sound. It is always great to see new talent on campus, and I hope to see them perform again soon!
Marcy delivered what they do best. They performed alternative and folk-rock songs with immense talent and the emotion needed to convey the songs. Their setlist included the emotional “Vampire Empire” by Big Thief, which I am not afraid to admit I screamed my lungs out to, and the spunky 90s hit “Santeria” by Sublime.
Loose Leaf brought a unique sound to the night that was both fun and intriguing. Their indie-rock spin on the 2024 viral hit “Murder on the Dancefloor” was a welcomed one and certainly a crowd-pleaser. I also enjoyed the more punk-influenced sounds, noticeable in a cover of No Doubt’s “Just a Girl.” I could not think of any better way of getting tons of people to yell “I’m just a girl” in their best Gwen Stefani impression than performing that song.
Finally, Thystopia kept the energy going to close out the show. With an eclectic mix of songs on their setlist, everything from Adele to Wheatus to Fleetwood Mac, Thystopia remains fresh and exciting. The band even slowed it down for a bit with a moving cover of Jeff Buckley’s “Lover, You Should’ve Come Over,” which is the first time the band has performed it publicly.
Loose Leaf ultimately won the vote and will be the opening act at Springfest. Make certain that you’ve got your Springfest tickets and guest tickets to see them, Stolen Gin and A$AP Ferg this Saturday! Regardless of what band you were rooting for, the good vibes and universal love for music at the Java Barn were the real winners of the night.