_{By Andy McFerren}

It’s the third night of Velour Live Music Gallery’s Winter 2023 Battle of the Bands. You know the deal: 4 great local bands, 1 winner. Let’s get into it.

Ignatious 

As soon as Ignatious took the stage I had to double check if I was in the right place. Velour is known for its indie rock or indie folk, and it’s safe to say that Ignatious does not fall into either of these categories. It’s been an increasing occurrence for a hard rock or metal band to make an appearance at Velour’s Battle of the Bands, and honestly, I’m here for it. 

Now, I couldn’t tell you what I’d classify Ignatious as outside of the generic hard rock that I used above. Is there a little grunge? Definitely. Actually, it’s more than just a little. I don’t want to be struck down by the rock gods, but I heard a little Alice In Chains in there. If this was the ‘90s these kids would have probably already moved to Seattle and been signed to a label. But, unfortunately for all of us involved, it’s 2023. 

Now there is one distinction that I’d like to bring up that isn’t like your typical grunge band, and that’s the bass player. As a recovering bass player myself, I sure appreciate it when I come across a real bass man. And let me tell you, last night I found one. More cowbell? No, get out of here, Will Ferrell. This band needs more bass riffs. The intensity of these metal-inspired bass riffs shook my bones, and for a moment, I swear I saw God. 

Unfortunately for the band, they had to endure some technical difficulties, but once they got settled, they wasted no time in turning it up to eleven, forcing the crowd to their feet. They really got the crowd so involved on their last song that I thought I missed the memo, and I don’t miss memos often. I am a vigilant email checker to ensure no memos are missed. 

Cannibal Queen 

Next up was Cannibal Queen. I nearly got whiplash going from Igantious to Cannibal Queen, but it was worth it.

Cannibal Queen’s songwriting and vocal performance outshone every other band last night by a mile. It wasn’t even close, in my opinion. Lead singer Aubrey Auclair’s voice is hauntingly beautiful. The range, the control, knowing when to pull it back and when to let loose, all of it combines into one experience of ethereal beauty. It would be a privilege to be haunted by such a voice. 

Unfortunately, the band had a few technical difficulties as well, mostly dealing with an omnichord that wasn’t working, and they had to skip a song. But for the songs they played, I was fully in a trance, and could have listened for another hour.

However, my listening was interrupted more than a few times. Not only did the band have the misfortune of dealing with a couple technical difficulties, but the band also had to deal with a large portion of the crowd who decided that they were there to talk and catch up rather than respect the band playing on stage. It’s a tall order to quiet the Chatty Cathy’s that frequent Velour, and it’s a shame when people can’t give the artists the respect they deserve. 

Hollow Hill

After Cannibal Queen, Hollow Hill took the stage. It was clear from the very first note that they came not only to play, but to win. And they played the tightest set of the night, which makes sense as they are coming off a nationwide tour supporting Citizen Soldier. 

Hollow Hill has an interesting sound. It’s one I’m familiar with since I grew up in the 2000s, and that sound is emo. Now, emo on its own isn’t that interesting, but Hollow Hill slowly transforms throughout their set. They start off with the softer side of pop punk. It reminds me of bands like Sugarcult and Cartel.

But as their set progresses, their sound becomes progressively heavier until they are on the A Day To Remember side of pop punk. That post-hardcore, get a little gravel in my throat while I sing these sad songs, kind of vibe. And they pull it off. 

There is nothing flashy about their set or performance. It’s just solid. But it kind of seemed like they were on autopilot a little. It was a good enough set to make them the frontrunner, but for a finals performance on Saturday, I would like to see them be able to take it to another level.

Loafa

Loafa closed out the night. They had a tough task ahead of them following Hollow Hill, but they came out with energy. 

Now, I could not tell you what genre Loafa would fall into outside of the general umbrella of rock. Sometimes it seems like they go into a mode of hornless ska or non-Boston Dropkick Murphys. If you’re confused by those descriptions, good. So am I. 

There was nothing bad about Loafa’s set, but it was all over the place sound-wise. The band does some things really well, but I am not sure they have found their sound quite yet. And I think some of their downfall comes from trying to do too much. Trying to do too many things that distract from what they do well. 

And what they do best is shout. They shout with the best of them. It sounds weird, but it all comes together when they shout. 

If I were to address the band directly, I’d say to make more music like your second to last song. That song blew me away, and I would’ve loved a coherent set full of songs like that. It matches your energy and focuses on the band’s strengths. You’re all proficient musicians, but you need to focus your sound. 

At the end of the night, MC Michael McKenzie announced that Hollow Hill won the night and will be moving onto the finals on Saturday. 

Velour’s Winter 2023 Battle of the Bands returns tonight at 7:30 PM. Backspun, MAHD, No Such Animal, and Prince Duck will perform. Tickets are $10 at the door. While you’re waiting for the show to start, check out “Fade Into Me” by Hollow Hill.