The ROCK OPEN FINAL 2008 review  

So here we are at last, after 6 heats and two semi finals, it's the night when we would finally learn who would be crowned Rock Open Champions for 2008.

It was standing room only and that was virtually as soon as the doors opened. It was clear that there was an air of excitement all round, both for the bands and the crowd.

So everyone was up for it tonight. And the bands were eager to please.

Up first and more than ready to kick things off were local screamo kings Baghera. Displaying their usual no holds barred approach. Grinding out thick chunky riffs and hooks in equal measure. Reminding me of those old school classic grindcore bands we all used to love as kids.( ok maybe just me then)  All matched with powerful vocals and threaded throughout with skilful harmonies. For me the highlight was their ' Walls are closing in'. A full on sonic attack in which every member of the band  explodes into action. The perfect start to the evening. Whatever the end result was going to be Baghera are not the type of band who spend time worrying about it, win lose or draw. To them it's all about doing what they love to do.

Next up and shifting things down a few gears was Lincoln's Sevenday Weekend. There's no doubting their musical ability. The bands performance was as flawless as ever. Passionate vocals throughout weaving through well constructed songs. They were aided and abetted this week by a large number of supporters from their home town. Noticeable was the high proportion of  females fans. Although as I have mentioned before I'm not a huge fan of the type of music they play, but  it was very clear a lot of people in the crowd tonight were. And if ever a song encapsulated them and their fans it was ' She was always a dancer' With up beat tempo and heart felt lyrics. It set the floor moving. It's a safe bet that these will be popping up at more than a few local music festivals near you in the future.

Third on the bill tonight was The Maker. This three piece band clearly had the crowd in their hands right from the start. Out of all the bands playing tonight The Maker had the most consistent  set of songs. Each one tailored to work the audience into a dancing frenzy. I know that they have had a fair amount of stick about their Artic Monkeys comparison , but having been to see the Antarctic Monkeys earlier this year I can tell you that The Maker deliver the same energy, power and crowd reaction as you'd find there and all without doing one A.M. cover.  I'm sure in time they'll find the right balance of influences in the future which will set them apart from the shadow cast by the Monkeys. And their 'Secret Scandal' song looks a strong contender to start that break away. It looks to be a fan favourite already. And I'm sure they'll be more to come.

Fourth tonight was Lincoln based Dark Mantra. Another three piece in which all the members were equal in quality and ability. Kicking of with a comparatively short opening number for them. But one which abounded with the power and finesse that those who have seen them already in this years Rock Open have come very familiar with. Their take on stoner rock mixed with the craftsmanship of King Crimson wowed the audience. If the Maker got the crowd dancing physically,  then Dark Mantra second song of the evening got peoples minds and souls dancing in equal if not greater measure. This band work so well together. They are all in it for the music. The room could be empty and they'd still play with the same intensity and enjoyment. For me these have been the find of the competition. And having spoke to one or two of the judges after the event they were in complete agreement.  And I can't wait to see them up here again.

Next on the stage were the local favourite The Fiends. Tonight they brought a small army of fans and family. Perhaps the youngest band of the night they were there to enjoy every moment of it. And their brand of post punk pop songs delivered more than enough entertainment to their fans. And it got more than a little frisky at the front. Which resulted in me and my camera taking a beer bath. ( the photo's get a little foggy from that point) The songs themselves had a lively quality and plenty of sing-a- long parts for the crowd to join in on. This is a band still finding it's feet. By next year I'm sure the rough edges will have been smoothed down. And that their local fan base will grow along with their confidence.

Last band of the night was another one with a mass of local support. The Revolvers have certainly been getting a lot of attention from the local press. In some ways mirroring that given to past winners of the Rock Open Silent Film Project. And looking on their myspace page even Bill Wyman  (ex Rolling Stones) has good things to say about them. There no denying they have talent. Their song writing ability stands out as being ahead of their years. I still think they are a little too clean cut for my personal grungier tastes. The song 'lonesome' stands out as their most memorable track. A real soul song sung with apparent ease and soulful grace by the singer. A band with I think will do well with older audiences. I did notice that unlike every other band that played tonight you could safely stick your head in the bass bin speaker without any fear for your life. And I'm not sure that's a good thing.

So the evening was drawing to an end, together with this years Rock Open. The crowd were on tender hooks as the judges took to the stage to give their final verdict. This year was never going to be a clean cut thing. The variety and quality of bands on show  would really come down to personal tastes more than anything else. Before hand I had made my predictions to see if I could second guess what the judges were thinking. I was only out by one band as to who would get first, second and third. (ok and a different order)

So in third place this year was Lincoln's Sevenday Weekend. In second place was Dark Mantra and finally in first place was local band The REVOLVERS.

They take home a princely sum of £600 and a full day in the recording studio. Plus a rather fetching silver cup to put on the mantle piece.  And all the Kudos they can eat.

So well done to all the bands and I hope you people out there near and far have enjoyed this glimpse into Scunthorpe's 27th Rock Open.  And  will check out all the bands mentioned tonight and in all the proceeding heats. And  remember SUPPORT LIVE MUSIC.

Wayne

(NB: Copied in good faith, original publication not known)