So I went to the Battle of the Bands at Winged Deer Park last night to see Mahto's band, Ralvaden, and some others play. It was quite a fun and entertaining way to spend a thursday evening, I have to say. Hanging out with friends and listening to some live music. Does make me miss playing a band, though (I think i've mentioned that before?). Troy even made it out - hadn't seen him in *forever*.

I was pretty impressed with Ralvaden. I think they've improved quite a bit since I heard them last just a week ago. For their first show *ever*, they were awesome. They had written the two songs they played, which I thought were pretty well-composed for no longer than they've been at it. If they stick with it, they could be very good. In terms of technics, I don't think they were the most talented musicians playing, but they did have a good style and played well I thought. I could tell they've worked hard at it. I loved how Mahto handled the 'interview' that they did with the band after the performance - he really seemed to keep the mc off balance. It was quite amusing.

What kind of surprised me was that the whole event was sponsored by a a 'christian' organization, and there were some plugs for some upcoming 'christian' events, etc. Also, the surprise 'prize' for the winning band was being given the opportunity to open for one of the aforementioned events. A cynical part of me wants attribute the fact that the most overtly 'christian' bands took the top spots to these aspects, but the more benefit-of-the-doubt part of me decides (and hopes) that that was *probably* not the case. I think I would have picked the same 'winner' (based on the judge's proclaimed criteria), though I think I would have flipped places 2 & 3.

I really think that the David Nipper band (who placed 3rd) was really the most musically talented and professional of the lot - though The Verity (who took 1st) was a close second on that score (and a bit better on the stage presence). I suspect it was the fact that their stage presence was a lot more laid-back that cost them a higher slot... ...but, for a group that stylistically reminded me quite a bit of John Mayer, you can't really have the crazy jumping-around that some of the more hardcore/punk bands did. High-energy, high-volume music is easy to dance and jump around with, but mellow stuff takes a different, more subtle and more difficult, kind of expression. The guy was a good song-writer, and *all* of the musicians were very, very good. David, I thought, had good expression and presence, as did the drummer, but the rhythm and base players - for all their talent - just kinda stood there. Still, I would have given them 2nd above the repetitive thrashing (if energetic) of Free The Martyr (though, man, their guitarist could play *wicked* fast).

Pictures are posted in the Gallery. I was mainly there to photograph Ralvaden, but I tried to get a shot or two of everyone. The only one I missed was the Last Minute Band - who happened to play while I was eating dinner. Sadly, I was least impressed with them - probably because they only played cover songs (i'm big on originality)... ...but having only been together for less than a week, they were pretty good. Troy liked them.

~PS

I may have found us a bassist. I have a list of covers that her husband is taking for "approval" which I will bring on Saturday. I'd like to write and play originals, but everybody starts with covers... This may seriously move towards.... something. ;)

Fascinating. That would be kickin. I'm big on original stuff - but i'm cool with starting with some fun covers. I've also got 20-25 originals we can play with (and/or rewrite/modify) if we want (at least a few of which i would *love* to do with a band (again)), and it would be awesome to try to write some stuff collaboratively. Does Mahto want to play drums then? I'm also still willing to fill that roll if he'd rather play guitar (and sing?) ...because that would be fun... ...but my SG *is* feeling neglected... Or are we still(ultimately?) looking for someone else? I'd figure Mahto's tied up with Ralvaden... ~PS

Mahto has mentioned that he'd enjoy playing drums, and would also appreciate the versatility of not only playing different instruments but also playing different genre's of music. I haven't actually "spoken" to this prospective bass player, but it a decent possibility. His name is Josh, and I work with his wife. He leans more towards crunchier stuff, but I think he'd be flexible too. I will be bringing my guitar on Saturday...

Cool, cool. Note that i like some crunch as well - and i'd personally like the group to have a rather wide range... Also, i'm all for picking up whenever we can - If Mahto wants to play drums, i'm more than willing to play bass until we find someone else. Just getting together & working stuff out would be great - even if i end up switching instruments later. Yeah, come early, bring the guitar. Edit: not *too* early - i probably won't be back here till around 5. ~PS

Ralvaden is a really neat name.

Thanks for the comment...lol wicked fast. Im takin it as a compliment even though speed is fleeting...anyone can play that stuff. We just have a blast out there regardless of our *repetitive thrashing* or lack of whatever it is. Its just that we understand music on such a high level that it forces us to play songs that challenge us individually...it may not be amazing but it has direction, musicality, and it is tough for each of us to do every time we try. We could put out sweet mellow songs like the nipper band did so excellently but it would be selling ourselves short. The crowd doesnt care/know if we play 2nd inversions of minor chords or tri-tone substitutions or poly rhythms on drums. But we do..cause it challenges us Thanks for the comment

@TP - You're welcome. Challenging yourselves is great - though i'm sure you know that. Keep it up. I'm just less a fan of the particular direction you've chosen to go stylistically (which is why i didn't say much about you guys) - but that's just my taste: totally subjective and nothing personal. Still, I'd also add the comment that I don't put much weight on stuff that's merely technically difficult. The most important aspect of music is (in my opinion) creativity - specifically the ability to express musically exactly what you want to. If you all are doing that, you've got it made even if you're just playing G C D. If not your technique, impressive though it is, will ring a little hollow. ~PS