_{By Sam Andersen}

The air was full of excitement tonight at Velour’s Battle of the Bands, a keystone of Provo’s musical and artistic community. As I watched fans and familiar faces fill up the room, I got excited as well. Corey Fox always does a fantastic job of packing BotB with amazing bands that you may have never heard of, and tonight was no exception. 

Asher Hunt

First up was Asher Hunt, a solo recording artist with an epic six piece (sometimes five piece). The band specialized in slow, emotional indie pop songs. I was shocked to hear that this was the band’s first live show together, as they had only been playing together for a couple of weeks. 

The set began with a couple of slow jams filled with piano crescendos and a creamy wah guitar tone. Asher crooned lyrics about love and loss as the band laid down a vibey musical landscape which included an impressive lead guitar performance. After playing a more uptempo song, the band began what I believe was my favorite song from their set. It was kind of like hearing Backseat mixed with Cigarettes after Sex. It was a really smooth, hazy, emotional sound. The bassist in particular was killing it on this one.

Overall, the band played a really solid set (especially considering that it was their first ever as a group!). That being said, I think the band sometimes lacked a bit arrangement-wise, something that will undoubtedly come as they play more together.

Sky Olson & The Valley

Next up was the only band on the bill that I had seen before: Sky Olson & The Valley. That being said, I was really excited to see them again. Sky’s band, dubbed “The Valley,” was a five-piece that included an awesome backup vocalist and a killer guitarist. They started their set off with their signature John Mayer-esque pop sound. Sky’s airy vocals were elevated by harmonies from their backup singer and their guitarist, who left no doubt that he too has some serious chops. 

In addition to an impressive musical performance, Sky Olson & The Valley demonstrated the strongest, most consistent example of crowd participation. The audience sang, clapped, and danced with the band. It looked super fun out there. My favorite song from them tonight was their third song, Cruise Control. It had a catchy ’80s groove that the crowd just couldn’t resist.

Saemore

I had a good feeling I was going to like Saemore’s set from the minute I saw a lap steel, Höfner violin bass, and a hollow body guitar enter the stage. And, as I suspected, they did not disappoint in the least. The five-piece western band dripped with twang as they performed songs that weren’t just memorable, but were enchanting as well. 

Each band member brought a unique classic country texture to each song, which had me convinced they were either trying to reincarnate Marty Robbins or summon Orville Peck. The guitarist chunked away tasteful melodies along with the weepy lap steel, all over a galloping beat held down by the band’s tight rhythm section. At one point, I literally scribbled “brass jumpscare” in my notes when the guitarist pulled out a trumpet for a surprise solo in the final song.

Saemore’s vocals were a highlight of the performance as well. In an almost nonchalant fashion, lines like “you were my appaloosa,” floated over the top of each song, completing the ensemble in a satisfying way. For me personally, Saemore’s set was the most captivating of the night, and I can’t wait to see them play again.

Sweet Tangerine

Bands like Sweet Tangerine are a judge’s worst nightmare (in the best way). This is because they come last and because they are really, really good. When bands like this play, you have to make some serious revision on your notes so far. One of the most impressive things about Sweet Tangerine was that their band, consisting of only three people, packed a major punch that rivaled all of the other bands (each of which had five or six members). Their performance yielded a strong reaction not just from the crowd, but from each of the judges as well. 

The set was rife with rich musicianship, especially from the band’s singer and guitarist. His vocal delivery was just as stunning as was his guitar playing. Sweet Tangerine delivered a blues-first approach to the Provocore sound, and executed it with tact and ease. Imagine if Joshua Harmon had become a huge Stevie Ray Vaughan fan, and you’ve got Sweet Tangerine. They are definitely a band to watch out for, as they are just returning from a multi-year hiatus and likely have a lot planned in the future.

Results

As our iconic host, John Schulz, got up to announce the winner, the air was thick with anticipation. The margin was razor thin: the winning band had won by just one point. It was super close, but Saemore walked away with the win for Night 3.

Tonight is Night 4 of Velour’s Summer 2025 Battle of the Bands! The Bombshell Flowers, Lane & The Chain, The Moonspinners, and The Midnight Judges will take the stage. Doors open at 7:30 PM and music starts at 8 PM. And don’t forget! You can catch Saemore again this Saturday at finals with The Last Wild Buffalo and The Penny Candies!

While you’re waiting for the show to start, check out “Hold Me to You” by Saemore below, and be sure to follow them on Instagram.