First band of the night were many people's favourites to win at the start of the competition, Dazed Dakotas,  and the Immingham 4-piece certainly put on another typically tight power show. Lead vocalist Rosie never stood still for a moment and Kris Edwards was at his best once more on lead although he was, for me, disappiontingly low in the mix at times. I liked the funky "Stevie Wonder" with the off-beat hi-hat which reminded me a little bit of early Franz Ferdinand in places but I think "Jam My Mind" is the DD's best number which slowly builds to a manic finish with some great guitar work. Another all-action performance from Dazed Dakotas then which begged the question "how do you follow that?"  And the answer was.....................

 

 

rollercoaster. Power, presence and precision are the words we've used to describe the band in the past and tonight could be no different. Paul Funge's vocals were at their powerful best and his and Noel's guitars really knitted together well. With Jonny May's bass as solid as ever and new drummer Ruben  starting to settle in well after only a handful of gigs this was a top notch set from the boys from Scarborough. It was good to see John Bell back for the didgeridoo intro to Powermonger too. Great stuff.

Finally, it was time for screamo/hardcore outfit Black Tie Brawl. They put on another high energy show but unfortunately Adam Chapman suffered technical problems for the first 2 or 3 numbers so his guitar was totally lost in the mix. To his and the band's credit though, they battled on bravely not appearing to be phased by it at all. You can't help but be impressed by this band's energy onstage and I like the way Josh Sargent and Adam Chapman work together up front. BTB have the knack of being able to intertwine out & out hardcore with a subtle melody and it works well. Nice one.

..............Olivine of course. This was Olivines 3rd Rock Open Final appearance in as many years, good going by any standards, and the band, for me at least,  just seem to get better. These guys just want to play, they enjoy what they play, and they take the rest of us along with them for the ride. A hooded Paul Funge introduced "Hollow" as the judges took  up new positions a few feet away from the stage and we were whisked away on the Olivine

Third up were Smile Poltergeist, who I have to say I have been very impressed with throughout the competition. Phil Collingwood on lead vocals & guitar played the frontman well with a bit of banter here and there even finding time to compliment the ladies on the panel of judges - nice try Phil. The Poltergeists have some good songs make no mistake. The excellent "26" featured some nice drum fills from Dave Roff with a great hook line and chord change. "A Song For" again stood out for me with its 3-part a capella section and ferociously catchy hook line but the "Last One" featuring Tom Darwood's hammered guitar riff is something else. You can't beat a simple melody line and here was the proof. It was another crackin' set from Smile Poltergeist.

Smile Poltergeist won it. The judges voted Dazed Dakotas in 2nd place, Olivine in 3rd and Black Tie Brawl 4th. It was a great night of original music with 4 top bands who put everything into it. Congratulations from all here at FRM to Smile Poltergeist and well played Dazed Dakotas, Olivine and Black Tie Brawl. A big "Well done" to The Hangar too. See you in 2008.

PJF

 Black Tie Brawl